W4R3 repeating tomorrow

[Archieandme]

I’m finding it tough going.... I feel heavy and tight and feel like I’m taking tiny strides. I started C25K because I’m stiffening up and am very unfit. Currently going to chiropractor and doing stretches. I’m 58, have I left it too late? 🥺

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

We had an 83 year old graduate a couple of years ago.......... please don't write yourself off at a mere 58.

Are you following the advice in the guide to the plan about pace, stretching immediately after every run and hydration?

Are you doing any strengthening exercises on your rest days?

C25K is not easy, but by following the advice you can make it much easier for yourself.

[Meedeb Graduate]

You’re never too old. I’m 53 and I couldn’t run the length of me when I started! I’m only starting W4 tomorrow so still pretty much a newbie. Best advice I got on the forum was - Post run stretches, hydrate hydrate hydrate especially on the day before your run and always take a rest day, two if need be. Take a nice brisk short walk on your rest day or have a look at doing a couple of the NHS strength and flex exercises. Happy running and keep us posted 🏃‍♀️

[Papillon17 Graduate]

I started the C25K on the second week of January 2019 and graduated the day after my 58th Birthday on the 10th of March 2019. You are never too old. Follow the advice run slow, drink plenty the day before and I found eating two or three bananas a day kept the aches and pains away. To the extend I ran a 10K on Wednesday with no ill effects and still keep eating the bananas 🍌. Good luck and you can do it.

[Debston Graduate]

No you haven't! Onwards and upwards!

[Zedelle]

I almost gave up when I got to W4 as it was such hard going and I just thought I wasn’t cut out for running. But fight through the wall! Repeat the week as many times as you need to and as everyone on here says, slow down your pace. It honestly works and all of a sudden you’ll realise you’ve done it. And that’s the best feeling ever! Well done for even taking a step. Look how far you’ve come already. You can do it!!

[AnnaHod Graduate]

It isn’t easy, however look how far you’ve already came. Be proud of yourself. By sticking to the plan, you can absolutely do this. Take it nice and slow, relax and don’t worry about having to repeat R3 of W4, most of us have done the same at some point.

Keep going, you can do it!

Keep checking in on the forum for inspiration and motivation from fellow runners!

#inittogether

🏃‍♀️

[nif100 Graduate]

Hi...I have just graduated at 65years. I have had a life time of having back issues and I was really worried about this when I started..ie would it cause more problems trying to run. Well I can say the opposite. Yes of course I had stiffness in joints at the beginning and sometimes still do, but took it easy and I found that little by little this got better. I always respected my rest days and sometime took an extra one if I needed. On the whole though I got through C25K and emerged at the end feeling so much better and you will too. Keep positive and I think you will feel enormous benefit when you complete this and it will be life changing

[Lifluf]

Hang on in there. I've just started again at 62. I'm a bit arthritic too so having to leave 2 days between runs. We'll get there with patience and perseverance

[Runninggardener]

No you’re not too late! I am now on week 8 & I’m 64 & I’ve never run before!! So keep going!!

[Archieandme Graduate]

Thanks everyone. I’ve taken an extra rest day so W4R3 tomorrow and then that will be the whole of W4 repeated. Xx

[GardenGirl52 Graduate]

I found W4R1 and 2 killers with my shins and calves. They felt like lead! So I focused on releasing the muscle tension as I ran. A bit like that body release thing you can do in mindfulness. That really helped. I also found by running on trails and grass was kinder on my legs too.

[mik050 Graduate]

Noooo never too old. I’m 64 and recently graduated. Just trust the program and don’t push yourself too hard. Slow down. Happy running

[johnm12 Graduate]

No you have definitely not left it too late! I was 59 when I started and by week 6 was addicted! Have just come in from a 7k run and feeling great. Admins here are great. They will all say "stick with the programme" and they are absolutely right. After a few runs you will find that it just becomes a habit. Hardest part is just getting your shoes on and getting out there. More or less the same for all of us.

Good luck and keep on going. Btw who did you select as your c25k celebrity coach?

[Archieandme Graduate in reply to johnm12]

Just done W5R1 and it was ok. I’m listening to Laura!

[johnm12 Graduate in reply to Archieandme]

Excellent. I'm more of a Michael Johnson fan myself. I think week 6 is a real treat. Take your time and you will be amazed! Let us all know how you get on.

[Archieandme Graduate in reply to johnm12]

Does week 6 have a big cake at the end then? 😄

[johnm12 Graduate in reply to Archieandme]

If you want. I had a beer!

[Chris141 Graduate]

Not at All and I’m 60. When I started I didn’t know whether my knees would allow me to do it, but they did and they have improved. I’ve graduated now and do will you if you stick at it. Just remember slow and steady is fine. It’s not about speed but running for the time you are supposed to. And do it at your own speed. If you need extra rest days between runs take them. It really dosen’t matter!

[Astra5 Graduate]

Everything said before, Keep hydrated, run at your own pace, slow down if it gets tough but try and get a rhythm going using music 🎧 to help. Never thought I would do this but here I am 🏃‍♂️

[Astra5 Graduate in reply to Astra5]

And, the extra day or days rest between runs is a lifesaver (I am testament to that) - it is not a race (pun) to finish after 9 weeks, everyone will take whatever time their body will allow. You just need to listen to it 🧐 Good Luck