60+

[scotlandsroute66]

Last year I started but gave in due to being unable to run continuously for over 2 -3 minutes. Felt disheartened but now 61, and still desperate to do 5k followed by 10k but maybe it’s too late in life lol

[Buddy34 Graduate]

No , definitely never too late . It's not easy but with determination to keep going will get you there. Just go slow always and keep well hydrated 7 days a week . Keep coming here and posting about your runs or any questions. You can do this good luck 😊😊

[CharliesMum11 Graduate]

NO, NEVER! I started running in May this year at 62. I didn't expect to finish the C25K but I graduated at the end of June and can say I actually enjoy the running! Trust the programme. If I can do it, anyone can! Happy running

[316neil Graduate]

I agree with Buddy above, it's never too late, providing there are no medical reasons why you shouldn't run, of course!

From my experience, when I find a run hard, or need to stop before I feel I ought to have stopped, it's because I'm running too fast. It doesn't matter at all if your run is no faster than your walk. As you increase the time you run over the course of the programme, you will get fitter, and it will become easier. Bear in mind, despite the misleading name, Couch to 5K is simply about running for 30 minutes, you do not have to run 5K to graduate. I think I was probably at about 4k in 30 minutes.

It's also fine if you need to slow down during a run, in fact that's a good think to get used to, keep running by listening to your body and slowing down when you need to. I remember week 2 was awful, and I kept thinking why would anyone do this more than once?!!

The other thing to mention, and this is something I'm bad at, and I wish I'd paid more attention to at the start of C25K, is the way you run. I suspect a lot of new runners tend to be quite heavy-footed, possibly landing on the heel. You'll know this if your feet make a lot of noise when running along tarmac or a pavement. If you can manage to run so that the ball of your foot strikes the ground first (mid-striking I believe) you should run slightly more efficiently I believe. It's hard to break a bad habit of heel-striking (trust me, I'm there!) but if you can do it from the start, you should find it a bit easier and maybe you can go for longer.

Just my random thoughts on the matter anyway. I just wanted to encourage you. Yes it's hard, but if you slow down it should be manageable.

Do please report back!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

You could write yourself off at 61.........seems a pity, really (said the 63 year old)........or you could do as the 83 year old graduate did a couple of years ago........embrace the challenge and discover a new lease of life.

This guide to the forum is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on making it easy.

You can do this...........if you really want to.

Enjoy the journey.

[runwithdog Graduate]

60 here,was told at school that i couldn`t run and believed it into my mid 50`s.

never too late !!!!

[Skeg Graduate]

Not too old at all. I've never ran but completed C25K at 73 now 74 and completed 10 runs past graduation. I've been lucky to-date as been able to run one day rest the next for last 70 odd days. However you do it in your own time . Good luck

[Lynne1916 Graduate]

I’m 62, my husband is 72, we both graduated last August and still continue to run. Husband had triple bypass last December but we are still out there!!!

Keep at it and more importantly .... enjoy

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Never too late...ever...I started at 65...just 5K I said...then...maybe 10K? Then just a week before my 69th birthday...I did my first Half Marathon...🙂

So...no excuse for you ...off you go!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

I felt the same way & started in fear & trepidation having never run in my life before! I am 67. Trust this scientific programme...it’s aim is to get you running without injury. Run slowly🐌 & follow to the letter. Look forward to having you join those of us enjoying life in our sixties. Your bus pass will take you to all sorts of exciting places to run 🤣

[scotlandsroute66]

Would like to thank everyone for their help and advice and will take all onboard. Will update when I start. In the next month or so