I finally got started!

[EileenCl]

After weeks of hanging around here and reading everybody else’s posts, I finally did my first run this morning. It took ages to pluck up the courage because, as a 66year old post heart surgery asthmatic it was an enormous leap for me to see myself as a runner, but I did it! I think I may take more than nine weeks, but I really hope I can stick at it. Any input on whether it is mental strength or physical strength that I need to work on? And any other newby over 60’s out there?

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great for getting started c25k is an amazing plan and really does work you'll get lots of encouragement and support on here. It is both physical and mental strength you need to get you through . You can do this 😊😊

[EileenCl in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks for your encouragement.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome. Very well done getting started.

A lot of this is mental... and for being able to run physically the plan takes care of that bit. That said, strengthening work will make running easier, you’ll ache less and have a reduced chance of injury. The NHS strength and flex plan is a great place to start... no equipment required and no need to pay a gym membership. Something like yoga or Pilates will also help a lot. As with the running, start these things easy and slowly increase what you do.

This may take you more than 9 weeks... you may run every other day and so do it in less, it’s hard to predict. I was convinced after run 1 that I’d take at least 270 runs to get through it... I didn’t... I didn’t do it in 9 weeks either, my 30 years of suffering dodgy knees prevented that. It really doesn’t matter though. The beauty of this plan is it hits your cardio fast... the first run is 5 minute brisk walk (cardio) and then 8 minutes more for the runs and 10 and a half brisk walks... so straight off the startline you’re at 23.5 minutes of cardio for a workout... and that all helps that fitness level to rise rapidly. So, while the running may or may not take longer, every run you go on is going to make you fitter, stronger and extend your life expectancy regardless.

Enjoy your journey... you can do this.

[EileenCl in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you, I already do some yoga, and intend to work on my strength.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

Hi Eileen, well done for getting out there. I was a 66 year old starter fourteen months ago and remember all the doubts I had. Physical bit first, take things really slowly and you should be fine. Just work backwards from running for the allotted time regardless of how slowly that means you have to run. You will speed up gradually as fitness increases.

Two aspects to the mental side. One is determination.. making yourself get out there on days when you don’t really feel like it; the other is coping with doubt(can I do this, am I too old (you are not!))....referred to here by the shorthand title gremlins! I have a bit of asthma (running helps me) and had a bit of arrhythmia...no evidence of it now. So I would just go for it and enjoy the buzz that a good run brings 👍👍

[Dalmorangie Graduate]

👏👏👏 I have to be the first to say it but....come on Eileen!

[EileenCl in reply to Dalmorangie]

But I won’t be running at midnight!

[Dalmorangie Graduate in reply to EileenCl]

🤣😂😂😂😂😂

[EileenCl]

You wouldn't believe how slowly I ran today! But it was running! And I will deal with the gremlins. Thanks fir encouragement

[backintime Graduate]

you got this! We all started on week 1, run 1.

It takes as long as it takes, it's not a race, even though you may be running.

There is the FAQ post in the pinned posts section with loads of good info in it, and of course this forum which is a really helpful, friendly place to be. No one will put you down here, it's very supportive.

Drink lots of water every day and enjoy C25K!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Hi EileenCl! I started just before my 66th birthday and hope to graduate next week so it’s taken me a bit longer than 9 weeks. But that’s ok, it’s not a race and I’m doing it for me, no-one else. Read the FAQ for newbies on the pinned post area here on the forum - it’s essential reading! Take it really slowly (snail slow!), stay well hydrated and post regularly to let us know how you get on! Oh, and there’s a YouTube clip called Japanese Slow Running which you could take a look at - it’s great for us older non-runners. All of a sudden we find ourselves doing it - who knew?!! Good luck!

[EileenCl in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks for tip on Japanese slow running clip. Any info I can get is welcome. I am obsessed with YouTube running clips! Thanks for your encouragement.

[Comfortnotspeed]

Well done for starting and for posting. You should find lots of help and support here. Good luck moving forwards 👍

[EileenCl in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Thanks

[Deals1 Graduate]

well done!! the first one is the hardest (maybe!!) seriously well done you.

took me longer than 9 weeks

good luck

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Well done! I think you've answered your question yourself... You didn't mention that the run was hard just that you found it hard to get going. Yes there is a physical effort but the mental one is in a way harder. When I did c25k I run every other day so I didn't give myself any opt outs. Of course you may prefer to run on 3 specific days a week or every 2 days but I would say that regularity especially when starting out help. And keep posting here, you'll inspire others, yes really!!

[EileenCl in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thank you. Yes, I think I already realise it is routine and determination.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Oh well done, as a pair of 63 year olds who just ran after work today I can tell you the first run is the hardest, go slow and drink loads of water every day,

There are so many great people here who give encouragement that you will get to the end before you know it and it’s taken us more than 9 weeks 😀