Am I too old for this?

[JenB1976]

So, I decided to get in shape. I have put myself on hold to take care of my daughter. I have just finished Week 2 of the Couch to 5K. Jogging for 90 seconds is difficult. Also, Spring not being my friend, allergies are at the worst. I just feel as though I am struggling, with jogging and breathing. I start to breath quickly, and it becomes more difficult. Are there breathing exercises to practice, to make jogging easier?

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Are you over 100? I don't think we've had anyone start at that age. Plenty in their 60s and 70s. If 1976 in your screen name has any relevance, no way is your age an issue.

IannodaTruffe will be along to point you in the direction of the pinned post guide to the programme which will likely answer many of your questions. As usual the main answer is probably going to be 'slow down' I'd suggest given everything you say that easing off on the walking pace as well as the running pace might be helpful.

[Hidden]

About a year ago someone graduated in his 80s, so probably not!

[Julia187 Graduate]

If 1976 is your year of birth then I’m 7 years older than you and graduated a few days ago, I’m also a couple of stone overweight and have done no exercise pretty much since I left school... I would say slow everything down and then slow it down some more, I found the breathing does sort itself out as you get further into the program, remember you should be able to have a conversation while you’re running so if you can’t perhaps you're going too quick.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Never too old to start C25K, there have been hundreds of people starting in their 60's and 70's, there are a few even in their 80's, there is a man who runs at the Keswick Parkrun regularly who is in his 90's in a time of around 42 minutes.

[Beccym Graduate]

If you have not run before or since a teen of course your body is going to be going"what the hell are we doing woman" . It will get easier most of us here have been in the same position as you and there are many of us that have got to the 30 mins or even longer.

I am 48 and was 43 when I started running.

You may be running too fast try slowing your pace. Good luck

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on breathing.

Keep breathing deep and full by slowing down to a pace at which you can speak aloud, clear ungasping sentences as you run.

Enjoy your journey.

[Lagger Graduate]

I’m 51 and have never run in my life except when made to at school. Was 3 stone overweight and I’m about to do Week 8, Run 3, 28 minutes. I think every run has been difficult but I’ve managed most and those I couldn’t I repeated until I could, I’m now only 2 stone lighter (healthy eating too) and feel amazing. You can do this, don’t give up!

[SukiV in reply to Lagger]

Wow well done you amazing achievement

[Granspeed Graduate]

Have a google for a YouTube video on Japanese slow running technique. It totally changed my running life. Bet I can run slower than you can!! 😄🐢

[SukiV]

It will get easier. Persistence and consistency. Keep at it your doing well and acknowledging what challenges you is the first step to finding a solution.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

So much great advice posted already - but here’s my tip m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?) I run this way all the time, first saw it in w6, and it completely sorted my breathing. Slow and steady is the key!

[RunRunRun13 Graduate]

Your never too old ! You can do this !

Breathing takes a while to get used to but does sort itself out and you shouldn’t have to think about it....just make sure you breath in deeply (no shallow breathing) and also breathe out (I can’t breathe in through nose properly) so mouth open for me !

Slow your pace right down...may feel too slow but if your not gasping then it’s good (check out Japanese slow jogging technique)

Lots of water day before a run !

I’m 49 and can run for 45 mins non stop ! So can you, if you follow the program and use the tips that help you achieve it.

Wishing you all the best !!!

[JenB1976]

Thank you.