If I did it before, I can do it again...

[Maria527]

I found this forum after I started the NHS Couch-to-5k program a couple of weeks ago. It always helps to have support! I first completed the Couch-to-5K program back in 2008 and went on to race Ironman distance triathlons, and long distance run races all the way up to 50K. But after several years of training and racing, I got burned out and slacked off until I ended up back on the couch and 20 lbs heavier. I've completely lost my fitness level, so I'm starting at ground zero again. It's more difficult this time because I'm so much older and post-menopausal now.

I'm signed up for a 5K on September 21. I started the C25K program a week too late for this race, so I squeezed the first 3 weeks into 2 and half weeks in order to be caught up by the time I start week 4. So far, so good! I've lost 5 lbs, and have 10 more to get to my target weight. Hopefully, I can stay on track and feel prepared on race day. I doubt I'll ever do long distance again, but it feels good to be back on the streets at o'dark thirty in the morning!

I'm 53. Any other older ladies in this group?

Maria

[VR-joggyjog]

hey,you can do this.

i am 60 and started just after last xmas.

always thought i couldnt run but here i am doing it

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Well done. I know you said you've done all this before but the quickest way to an injury is doing more runs than you're supposed to. Try and stick to the plan including rest days . Also there are people of all ages on here , some older than you. Good luck and keep coming back and posting😊😊

[Maria527 in reply to Buddy34]

You're right. I'm at a point in my life where I want to do this for fun an relaxation, no pressure. I will be careful not to overdo it. Because it doesn't really matter if I finish the program before the race, I can always walk some of the race.

[Run46 Graduate in reply to Maria527]

That's the ticket, just enjoy it...you don't need the pressure. Very well done on coming back to it 👍😊

[shelly1965 Graduate]

Hi Maria527 1st of all well done you, and yes I’m also 53 and put over a stone on, so I feel your pain, I have 4 horses and 3 border collies and walk miles but running I struggle, always wanted to do a park run so here I am w2 run 2 tomorrow x

[Maria527 in reply to shelly1965]

A park run sounds fun. Maybe I'll get my husband to take us to the park for our runs this weekend. I need to get out in nature more, not just on the busy streets.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Enjoy your journey.

[Maria527]

Thank you for the link. I'm still learning my way around this website and trying to find everything!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

The NHS presentation of the programme is very much predicated on teaching you to run continuously for 30 minutes on a regular basis ie not about speed or distance and very much about sustainability. If by 'squeezing it in' you simply mean running every other day, all well and good, that's perfectly within the programme. If you mean you ran two days in a row, that's not the programme - those non-running days are part of the programme and so can't be skipped. There are physiological reasons for that but also preventing a mental 'boom and bust' 'health kick' approach rather than simply building a fitness habit into your life.

You're not at Ground Zero in terms of belief and fitness - you've done this stuff. You sound a bit daunted by being older and heavier - but maybe you've gained useful stuff along the way too which will feed into something which won't burn out. There is an adjustment to be made from continual improvement to 'just doing it'... eventually. It might not even be yet for you!

(It was, seemingly, menopause which *enabled* me to do C25K... totally unexpected bonus but I would have been far too ill before)