Too old at 66?

[Oldleatherlegs]

Hi everyone. Has any one on here started running at my age, 66?

[Mamakaz1956 Graduate]

I’m 63 and doing my week 8 just go at at steady pace deep breathing and music helps and you can do it !!! Good luck

[Oldleatherlegs in reply to Mamakaz1956]

Thanks or the encouragement and advice Mamakaz. Good luck

[mikeski1956 in reply to Mamakaz1956]

Well done, I'm same age would like to start but never get round to it.

also like The Mamas and the Papas

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I believe we had someone start at 83 and graduate... you’re never too old.

As it happens, just yesterday a lady in the 70-74 year old category beat the 5k world record for that category in her first parkrun. parkrun.org.uk/results/athl...

It’s not about running fast of course... take this plan slow and steady... enjoy your journey.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Certainly that lady didn't take it slowly, wow, that was amazing. being her first parkrun made it even more so,

[Oldleatherlegs in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks, all this support is really appreciated.

[Prettyrandom Graduate]

I’m 62 and just completed the final run on Friday! You will be fine - and delighted when you do it!

[Oldleatherlegs in reply to Prettyrandom]

Thanks Prettyrandom. I'm getting convinced......

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I was 71 when I began C25K and graduated 3 weeks after my 72nd birthday, you are a young 66 and not the least bit old.

[Ladyvickster Graduate]

I don’t think it’s ever too late to try something new in life. Go for it but gently to start

[Oldleatherlegs]

Thanks AlMorr, sounds like age shouldn't come into it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum, youngster.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and mentions the 83 year old graduate from a few years ago.

Age is a number, signifying how many times you have been round the sun.

Enjoy your journey.

[Oldleatherlegs]

Thank you 😁😁

[maureen469]

Hi I am 61 which is pretty close, I am planning to do canicross with my dog, talking to people I know who already compete there advice to me is to start off with a 30min power walk when I feel ready then do 1min run 1 min rest and build up from there

[Blue53 Graduate]

I started last September at the age of 65 and graduated in December. I’m managing 3 x week 9 30 min runs most weeks - including on my 66th Birthday - with the odd park run thrown in. Apart from the occasional twinge the old legs are holding up well. Best thing I ever did - go for it!

[theoldfellow]

Youngsters!

I was 68, and had not run a step since I was 16. I run with several people in their 90s, at Parkrun. Lots of 70+ runners run faster than me.

Age is nothing.

[Burleybrown1 Graduate]

Hi there. I’m 68 female and completed the course about three weeks ago. First couple of runs were really hard and I wasn’t sure I’d make it but the way it’s set up you begin to realise really quickly that it is achievable. I’m now doing Parkrun and feeling great. Good luck - you definitely CAN do it. Helen

[Suzi73 Graduate]

Inspiration the lot of you 60s and above.

[Outforth]

My partner and I started the programme in January and have just done our first park run. I am 62 and he is 66. He had never run before and found the first weeks really challenging. We now run every other day and our pace is improving. We feel fitter than before and no longer struggle with the four flights of stairs in our home! You can definitely do it - never too old! (Maybe do some Pilates and/or stretching in between run days?)

[Maisiek]

Hi I’m 71 and have asthma: I had never done any running before last year: I graduated and have done a few Park runs: it’s not easy , but I feel so much better- sleep better, and feel fitter.

[Fleakie Graduate]

I’m 63 and am on week 2 of the programme having never been able to run for more than 30 seconds in my life before. Feeling hopeful. 😊

[Philra Graduate]

I’m 64 and i completed the c25K prog 3 weeks ago. I’m still running 3 times per week and am walking couple of miles each day on other days. I had open heart surgery 15 months ago.

[cadoganm Graduate]

I say you are never too old,I saw someone running the marathon yesterday who started running at 64 and has done 3 marathons. My husband and I started the C25K in January and are now graduates and we are 64 and 65. It is a great way to get you into running slowly, follow the program which is brilliant and you will be surprised at what you can do, slowly and steadily. Go for it ! Good luck looking forward to hearing your progress reports.

[Nottooold Graduate]

I did it!😜

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I’m 63 and just completed week 1 just took it slow

[Phonic01 Graduate]

Hi I am 64 and completed C25K about 6 weeks ago since then I have done several consolidation runs and 2 park runs the second park run just under 40 minutes but more than 3 minutes faster than the first one. So go for it I feel so much better and am achieving goals in losing weight and building stamina.You can have the same it is good so go for it.

[sigasiga Graduate]

Yes! I was 66 when I started C25K last year. I'd never done any running before but I completed it on schedule and now run 6 or 7k 3 times a week. You're never too old - good luck!

[Madyb]

Hi there. I’m 69 and am now on week 4. I’d never run since school. I can’t say I’m ‘running’ now but it’s not walking! Go for it!

[ethelmary Graduate]

Started at the end of January and it my 66th year .I’m slowly building myself up .I am on week six run one hoping to do run to towards the end of the week slowly but surely is the name of the game- good luck

[Hidden]

Wow all these comments are super inspiring - go for it!

[Harri600411 Graduate]

I’m 59, never run in my life and have memories of hating PE at school. This is different and we are wanting to do it. My suggestion would be to find a community group who regularly to an introduction run / walk to C to 5K. You will find similar people starting off the journey. This additional support makes a difference.

Good luck

Paul

[Suewill]

Hi having read the above encouraging comments I’m going to start the program again, I’m 64. I got ta week 8 a year ago but gave up after a long holiday, silly me. I was surprised how I did improve after the first 2 weeks as I’ve never been active 🏃‍♀️

[Linhert]

I have been running on and off since I was in my forties. Prior to completing this programme I had not run for some years. I am 69 nearly 70 so go for it. Slow and steady is my mantra. Good luck.

[Agelesslass]

I’m 65, started running last April, now about to do my first half marathon. Get out there and do it, you’ll be great.

[Hatman Graduate]

Overweight Grandad,74, doing Week6 Run 3 tomorrow, totally recommends YouTube Japanese slow running for pace, posture and speed guidance for silver runners.

Go for it.

[Agingnovice1 Graduate]

I did! Never run since school days. Had a false start and had couple of weeks off with knee pain but picked it up again. So much advice here about pace etc which really helps. I’m no longer embarrassed when passed by babies in prams and dogs on leads 😂. Loving it but find music essential. Currently playing Chemical Brothers and feel sorry when Laura tells me it’s over! Go for it, listen to your body and listen to Laura! Best of luck.

[Sammy-Lou]

Hi oldleatherlegs - age is just a number - you can do it!!!!

[Hidden]

Joined a while ago then promptly injured my ankle ( not doing this) am about to now start for the first time and I am 77, wish me luck.

[Ecko-48]

Hi. I started the C25K in February and I’m 59. I had the same thoughts as you but decide to give it a go. I am now on week 5 which in reality is week 10. I just give my legs a few days to recover and not the one that’s suggested. Walked and jogged my first park run last week. You will love it, and never too old.

[birthday6]

Me! On week 3 now. I am using a treadmill but have surprised myself at what I can do with a little effort. Best advice take it slowly and give it a go you won't regret it!

[Trazj Graduate]

Hi oldleatherlegs. I’m 67 and I’ve just graduated. It took 9 weeks. So yes you can do it. Just take it easy and listen to your body

[bessie37]

I’m 66, overweight with raised blood pressure! I’ve just graduated and did my first post grad run outside with my daughter yesterday. I have been using a treadmill so yesterday was a big deal! I loved it. Seriously you can do it! I had a couple of false starts and health related stops/starts but I did it. I feel so good about myself! Go do it!!!!!

[Fleetnot Graduate]

I am just starting week 8 at age 62...never run before. Repeated a lot of runs but can't believe I have got this far. Not always enjoyable but so much fitter!

[Dozydora61 Graduate]

I am nearly your age, I hadn't run since leaving school at 16, even then I avoided it, I was the one stuck in goal in the hope that the hockey ball would not reach me. Take it slow, repeat weeks until you feel comfortable. Good luck.

[angemum Graduate]

Hi - Age 66, I did it last year & graduated. I gave up for the summer (too hot!) & am just starting again . We're all different, but tho I can actually do the runs with no trouble, I do struggle to recover. Only one way to find out how it'll be for you! Good luck!

[GibsonBBKing Graduate]

It doesn’t look like you’re short of replies from the over 60s but here’s another. I’m 63 and in week 8. Up to and including week 5 I had to massage tight muscles but had no really serious issues despite osteoarthritis in both hips, a sedentary occupation all my life and a loathing for running which had previously been a most unpleasant experience. I did like sport but hadn’t done much for years. 5’10 and 15st is the same as being 12st and jogging whilst carrying s 6 yr old on my back; how many young runners can do that for 5k. Nevertheless, I’m enjoying it and I’m on track to complete the program and work on speed afterwards - I’ll repeat that - work on speed after. Take it slowly and go for it. Good luck. You can do it and succeed.

[Mini67 Graduate]

Hi. Just adding to all the positive comments. The C25k is a brilliant programme. I started at the age of 65 last June having never run before. I now have done 36 park runs (not in 30 mins!) and feel great. Keep going. It will be worth it.

[eac1953]

I'm about to start week 9 (final week before park run) and I'll be 66 in June. I've done nothing like this before and it's ok - but I have to go at my own pace, which often means I'm last. The rest of my group are very kind and the trainer loops them back to join on the back of the slower ones - so sometimes I'm first! If you enjoy it and it gets you moving I think it's great. Enjoy!

[Juststarting]

Hi, I will be 66 in a few weeks and I have just completed week 5.

[Taraboodle]

I’m 69 and have just finished Week 8 this morning. Just follow the programme and go at your own pace and I’m sure you’ll be fine. Sometimes I find the first 1- 5 minutes the hardest then surprise myself by keeping going and finishing the run. Believe in the programme and yourself. You can do it! Good luck.

[Fuggs Graduate]

I'm 69, overweight, diabetic and on Run 9 week 2...your never too old. Age is just a number...go for it...

[AllWetFish]

Well I am 72 and got through the whole programme but only with a jogging speed of 3.8mph. I am now doing the programme at 40mph.

[Astra5 Graduate]

I am a youngster at 60 but embarking on the 3rd 28 minute run next (week 8) - best thing I have done was start C25K. Needed a push to even think about starting it and my Dr was that person. 2 stone lost and a tad smaller in midriff proportions and better for it. Really enjoy it now, just go at your own pace. Go for it 😎

[suegrace Graduate]

Well im nearly 62 and on week 8. Go for itxxx

[Bonnierider1]

My friend and neighbour is 69. She asked me to start the couch to 5k program with her. As I am 21 years her junior, I couldn’t really refuse!! Both still going strong.

Give it a go

[Sandown]

Hi-I hope you enjoy the running as much as I do. I started in January at age 61. Had to stop and start again but am now near end of week 6 and loving it. I have found that loading up a podcast to listen to helps keep me going on the longer runs, and am loving an excuse to be out in the parks near my home.

[Greysixty Graduate]

Yes. Never too old. I started at 63 and graduated in March. Still running about 3 times a week including park runs and slowly, very slowly, getting faster. Just take your time, be patient and trust the programme. Good luck. Look forward to hearing your progress.

[JkBrauer]

Absolutely not! you are never too old to start running. My mother has a friend who 96 years old and he (loves) running marathons!

[RichRun]

I am exactly 66 and I am about to start Wk8 on Tuesday. I have never run so far, for so long and so fast since cross country at school and I cheated! No cheating this time. Good running.

[BishyBarnabee Graduate]

Yes, indeed! Go for it! I’m 63 and graduated in mid February. Last weekend I ran 12k for the first time having followed the Bridge podcasts and ju-ju’s Magic Plan and beyond after C25k and it can be done! You’ll be amazed at what you can do, and I endorse everything the above folks have posted! 👍🏻😊 ps nice and slow and easy does it!

[Debbiehobson]

I am 61 and on week 2. Got to say my knees and ankles are feeling it but otherwise keeping up

[Runningchamp19 Graduate]

I’m pushing 64, have a dodgy foot, and suffered a small heart attack 8 months ago. This C25K makes me feel invincible. Although I’m only on W7 R3 and find it very very challenging, I believe I’ll get there (aren’t I going to look stupid now if I don’t!🤪) well, that’s another incentive.....

[Astra5 Graduate in reply to Runningchamp19]

What do you mean "I’m only on W7 R3" - I bet you never thought you would be this far on and so much better for it 😃. I am on W8R3 today and am over the moon to get this far, remember the W7 runs and thought I could never get that far 🏆

[Oldman51 Graduate]

I'm 68 and completed C25k last year. I hate the phrase " If I can do it, anyone can" but there is certainly some truth in it, especially as the advice here is to run increasingly slowly until you CAN manage 30 minutes of running. The problem with C25k is that it is not like a charity "challenge" like a long walk or swim, which is over when it's over, it is a programme to set you up for REGULAR running which is entirely different. I didn't enjoy C25k, but followed the advice to do consolidation runs until they become comfortable. This never happened despite 30+ post-graduation runs. I guess I was never destined to be a runner, and pretty inevitably I have drifted away from regular running. Interestingly if I do go out I still do 3.2k in 30 minutes which was my W9R3 achievement. I never felt I improved my fitness on the programme, so there's not much to lose!

I wish you luck and hope that you do enjoy it.

[1948-23]

I’m 71 and have started this year, just take it at your own pace and enjoy.

[Ladolcevita Graduate]

I’m your age and started in March, I just finished week 6 and have surprised myself. I have disc bulges and asthma and had used that as an excuse to my daughter who told me about this. My daughter lives in California, where I am now visiting, and I surprised her by suggesting a run together which we did yesterday! You can do it, sometimes it feels like a huge mountain in front but your confidence will grow as you follow the programme. Good luck

[CliveWoolley Graduate]

I did Couch to 5k last year at age 74 and have just broken 30 minutes for the first time at my 29th Parkrun at age 75. Just stick to the programme and you'll get there too.

[BarbaraH4 Graduate]

We started running only six months ago, aged 61 and 62. Graduated in January.We never thought we would run for 30 /40 mins in our weekly parkruns, and so surprised how much we enjoy it. Take your time and build up gradually. Good luck

[Myzinnyboy Graduate]

I’m 66 and I’m on week 8 just finished run 1 and I’m on holiday! So the answer really is that you are never too old to try!

[Skyeb]

65 and 8 months, completed in 9 weeks and now running approx 7k 3 times per week...just go at your own pace, it's not a race

[freeducks]

No, 67.

[sueskid]

I'm 70 and have just starting training for 10k run

[JaoJao]

Never too old 😊 on the C25k polls I think your group has the majority! Enjoy the journey.

[Runner_and_rider Graduate]

I'm 73 and absolutely love running now. I had a false start of c25k last autumn - I injured a ligament in my knee at wk 3 (inappropriate footwear and going too fast) so had to abandon and re-start in Jan. I sailed through that and am now doing the consolidation runs together with parkruns. However, I am currently on the injury couch with a (minor) sprained ankle originating from a stumble over a root on a parkrun. I am still learning - the hard way - that I just can't be as casual about injuries as I would have been in earlier years. However, I think it's great that so many of us 'proper grown ups' are loving this running adventure. Wishing you lots of good luck for your journey and long may it continue.

[Fitbitnanny]

Hi I have just done my 3rd run of week 1abd I am 64.never too old to try anything

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

One of my running buddies is nearly 71, so you’re a spring chicken! 😂

[Carowood]

Hi Oldleatherlegs

I am 64 and just graduated - take it very slow and enjoy 😊