64 year old beginner

[mik050]

Hi I really enjoy reading everyone’s posts. I find them very encouraging. I am on W6R2 & never dreamed in a million years I would be able to run. I’m 64 & have never run. When I started W1 I remember thinking I’ll never run for 90 seconds! Now I look back & can’t quite believe where I am. I’m not saying I find it easy, but i’m Following the plan and determined to continue.

[Kltc103]

That’s amazing! Well done. So pleased for you

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Stick to it!! I started C25K at age 67 , five years ago. I am now training to complete my first full marathon. I encourage you to get involved with parkrun even at this early stage. In fact the first parkrun I ever did ( have now done 160) was Week2 Day1 of C25K

[Trazj Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Great to read your post Bazza well done. I’m 67 now was a serious runner 25 years ago 60 miles a week 6.5 min miles etc. I’ve had various failed attempts at starting and was feeling depressed about it until now. Just completed week 4 on c25k. Starting to feel like it’s possible.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to Trazj]

I had never ran in my life before I started at 67. I now know men who have been running all their life and are 80yo!! I believe that you have to forget about what you used to be able to do - and simply enjoy what you can do now. There aren't many of us starting a new ( or restarting an old) running career but it is possible. I am really NOT a runner - even though over the past 5 years I have done 160x5k parkruns, 3x10k events, 1x14K event, 1 x15K event and 3xHM's . I am now training to complete in my first full marathon at age 72. I am very daunted by the distance so all I want to do is to finish in the upright position within the cutoff time of 6 hours 20 minutes - this means an average pace of 9 mins per klm. I cannot walk that fast and I cannot run that slow - so this means I must run and walk to achieve that average. It has been fun practicing what run/walk ratio achieves my goal - all I have to do now is to do it for 26.2 miles. I will be doing 16 miles this weekend - but the weather is hot here in Australia even though it is now Autumn and the run/walk will be done between 25C to 30C over 4 hours .

[Trazj Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Yes forgetting what you used to do is the key. The heat is difficult particularly here in the uk having been so cold . Yesterday I went out with usual cold gear and it had turned warm but starting to enjoy it so all good

[BishyBarnabee Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Amazing post, Bazza! I found it really encouraging, having graduated at 62 a few weeks ago, now doing regular 5-7k runs and wondering when I’ll reach my limit. Judging by your brilliant post, there isn’t one! Once you’re hooked, you’re hooked! Happy trails to all ‘mature’ runners (and all you youngsters, too)! 👍🏻😊🐞

[mik050 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Where do I find out about park runs? I’ve only heard out them through this forum but haven’t heard about them or seen them advertised locally.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to mik050]

What country are you in MIK050? Select your country from here parkrun.com/ you and will be able to see whatever is happening in that country. Once you are into the relevant country's webpage, click on EVENTS to see where local parkruns are held every Saturday morning

[mik050 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Thank you for that

[Anon_junk]

Congratulations! I am in the same week as you, and hope both of us reach graduation injury free. Looking forward to your updates.

[Myzinnyboy Graduate]

Well done! I’m 66 and Friday will be run 3 of week 2. We can do it!

[purplewalker Graduate]

Brilliant! I’m running w6 r2 tomorrow too. I’m 12 years your junior so no excuses for me, then!! All the best !!

[Deepestblue Graduate]

That’s amazing! You are amazing! You absolutely can do this 👍👍👍😁

[Mcjilljill]

I’m 59 and injured my knee W2R2! So disappointed! I fear I have to abandon my new trainers!

[mik050 Graduate in reply to Mcjilljill]

Don’t give up. Recover from your injury and get back on track. You can do it

[runshazzarun Graduate in reply to Mcjilljill]

Try looking at the Japanese slow running technique on you tube. It really helped me avoid/ address my knee issues and I have since been niggle free.

Good luck

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to runshazzarun]

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

[runshazzarun Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

That’s the one!

[Philra Graduate]

Well done - I’m 64 and I completed run 1 of week 6 yesterday 😊

[mik050 Graduate in reply to Philra]

Keep going. Good luck.

[Yeti5 Graduate]

I know just how you feel. Isn't it such a joy to do something you felt was completely beyond you. There's a lesson in there somewhere!

I am just one run ahead of you so look forward to seeing you at the finish line very soon.

[lizzierunning Graduate]

Congratulations, loving reading about all the 60 year olds successfully doing this. I'm 66 and never thought I would do this, then find I could do this and now absolutely flippin loving doing this. It helps knowing there's a community of people all building this new life. W7R1 later this morning.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Age is a number........go, you!!!

Enjoy your journey

[SharsX Graduate]

You are amazing 😉

[Old-legs]

Well done you!! You’re an inspiration!! Keep up the good work! I reached w5 yesterday and thought “I can easy run 5 minutes “ by the end of the last set of 5 minutes I was pooped!!!

[Novice1955]

We

[Alice252525 Graduate]

Great to know there are other ‘elderly ‘ runners out there. I’d never ever run before I started the C25K 4 years ago when I was 63. Since then I’ve done 120 parkruns and several 10k. I joined a running club (best thing ever!) and now run 4 times a week, usually about 5k at a time with a longer run on Sundays. I run very, very slowly and have accepted that I won’t get any quicker so have concentrated on stamina and the length of my runs. When I started I had problems with both my knees but as they’ve got stronger the problems have disappeared. Good luck with the rest of the programme and enjoy your new found ability.

[mik050 Graduate in reply to Alice252525]

Thank you for your support. You're amazing!

[65go Graduate]

Well done. It's never too late to start. I started at 65 with no running history at all. I've not pulled up daisies doing marathons etc, but do run regularly for fun, to keep myself healthy and my head straight. Keep going, it's so worth it!

[BarbaraH4 Graduate]

Well done, the hardest bit is actually starting the program. Us older people can achieve more than we think. Keep at it.

[Lavender1962 Graduate]

You’re doing great! 😊 Just keep on following the programme and you’ll be a graduate in no time. It’s inspiring reading all of the comments from the 60 something runners!

[prudencepayes Graduate]

Brilliant ! My husband and I started C25K aged 63 and 61 when we retired about a year ago. We managed to complete each week as scheduled and are still running for 30 mins 3 times almost every week. Running together has helped to keep us motivated and we have amazed oursleves at what can be achieved even in our 60s. The physical and psychological lift has been such a bonus.

[mik050 Graduate in reply to prudencepayes]

I agree about the psychological lift. It's truly amazing. Never thought running could make me feel like this. I thought it would make me miserable!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

May I join the 60+ club

please! I, too, never thought I could do this (and I have a long way to go) but I’m really enjoying it and still can’t believe I am doing it! Love that Japanese Slow Running!

[mik050 Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

I watched the video. It looks amazing. Will try it the next run.

[SpanishShuffle Graduate]

My goal was 5k on my 60th birthday. Did it and now getting used to running 30 mins 3/4 times a week.

I will progress towards 5 miles and see how that feels.

Have even dusted off my bike and doing a few miles on that too!

[Treize Graduate]

So lovely to read all the posts from us mature runners. I am a mere babe at just 60 years old and very encouraged by all your stories. Week 7 run 2 completed today and suddenly feeling that the end is in sight and is achievable.

[mik050 Graduate in reply to Treize]

Well done!

[primaballerina]

oh - thank goodness ....... you are giving me hope... I'm just fighting my way through W5... with the dreaded 20 mins to come in 48 h....

[lizzierunning Graduate in reply to primaballerina]

I'm on W7R2 (soon) and you know what - my best run so far is the one you're dreading. Nothing since compares. I think it was that I found it liberating and easier and something to do with having the opportunity to stay with the pace that had evolved. Like a lot of people here it was the subsequent runs in week 6 that were the hardest. The first 25 min run of week 7 was enjoyable so I think you'll be fine, lots of people saying the same or similar.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Another over 60 here. I graduated C25K last May, B210K in October and am still running 3 times a week. Best day was when my Dr took me off hypertension tablets ! My knees are better and I sleep better. What’s there not to like?

[primaballerina]

Great results Dexy!

[Kertesz]

So much respect for you... my aim (after this programme!) is to still be running in ten years, when I’m 64! And you’ve now shown that this can be done!!

[mik050 Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

Thank you

[lizzierunning Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

It certainly can be done, lots of people here didn't start running until we were in our 60s. This time last year I was on five different meds - now just on one essential one. So I'm thinking running for younger people will be preventative as well as curative potentially.

[Kertesz in reply to lizzierunning]

Wow! That’s so brilliant re your meds - and yes, re younger people. I’m really trying to encourage my daughter to run too. She’s not biting at the moment though!!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

That is great, well done! Where would the merit be if it was easy 😉 keep at it, you are doing great!