Trying again: Hi I’m 56 years old I’ve tried... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Trying again

healthier123 profile image
35 Replies

Hi I’m 56 years old I’ve tried couch to 5k before but didn’t stick to it I’m going to give it another go before I get too old so hopefully I’ll stick to it this time .

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healthier123 profile image
healthier123
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35 Replies
UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Welcome to the forum. We are here for you the whole way... come and talk to us often!

Maybe last time you were doing it wrong! Have a read of the FAQ: How to run C25K for lots of tips on how to make this as easy as possible, and thus more fun. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this... enjoy your journey.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum.

Do check out the guide, it is full of tips.

Keep posting here and we will keep you running.

Enjoy your journey.

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate

Hi, never to old. I'm a year ahead and graduated last week. I'm now hooked. Good luck, you will get so much support here. Tell us all when w1r1 is.

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

You can stick to it this time and we can help. Just go slow and slower again if needed and make sure you're drinking plenty water, 2-3 litres per day and not just on run days.

C25k is an amazing plan and really does work you'll get lots of encouragement and support on here good luck 😊😊

2Tired2Run profile image
2Tired2RunGraduate

Welcome. I'm 57, started this programme in August and just completed week7 .... totally hooked on this running malarkey and having such a good time. I'm not fit, but getting fitter, I have achey legs after each run and need to build my stamina but I've learnt that slow, slow, slow is the way to go and it sooo works. This forum is great and peeps are so friendly, helpful and supportive. Please do read the pinned posts - full of lots of important and useful information and enjoy 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Papillon17 profile image
Papillon17Graduate

Well done I started at 57 in January 2019 and graduated in March 2019 nine weeks later you can do this run slow drink plenty and you have got this good luck

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate

Well done for coming back for a second bite at the cherry.

You can do this! We’re all here to support and encourage you.

Welcome to the forum - it is really nice to have you here 😊

healthier123 profile image
healthier123 in reply to MummyTum

Thankyou just done my first Run in the Rain was so determined to complete it and I did 👍🏼

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to healthier123

That’s fantastic well done 😀

Enjoy your rest day. Look forward to hearing about run 2 🏃‍♀️

Tonj profile image
Tonj in reply to healthier123

Well done on completing your first run and for giving it another try. Good luck with your next one. Take it slowly and stick to the plan. I didn’t deviate from the plan the whole 9 weeks. It does work.

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate in reply to healthier123

Congratulations on 1st run in the rain. Choose the best days for running and try to build them into your normal routine. Good luck

Myzinnyboy profile image
MyzinnyboyGraduate

I say well done for giving it a go. I’m older than you and I must say that I enjoy running with faithful spaniel and that is not something I thought I would be saying at the start of this running malarkey! Keep it up and good luck!

pete173 profile image
pete173Graduate

Keep at it. I'm 67 and have just graduated. Never too old...

Vodkath profile image
Vodkath

Good luck healthier123.🏃🏻‍♀️Age is just a number

Ontherun65 profile image
Ontherun65

Hi Healthier 123 .... you can do this! I am 54 and never thought I would get to the end of week 1 but i did last Friday and felt so good for doing it! I need to loose weight and get healthier!! I have 2 friends that message me every time I am due to go out and it really motivates me to get out there! Can you do this with a couple of friends or even better find someone to start with you? Happy to message you and share the next steps with you! Be positive and good luck!!! 😄🏃‍♀️

Twinkle9 profile image
Twinkle9Graduate

Morning Healthier123. I’m 58 and have now graduated, I tried twice before and failed, the first time it was really icy and I gave up after my 4 th run and the second time I did about 4 runs and gave up again. This time I was determined to stick at it and so even when I didn’t feel like it I went, now I feel amazing!

My advice is put a smile on your face it really helps! And when it’s really hard and you say to yourself I can’t do this , turn it around and tell yourself it’s only xx more minutes I can do it! The smiling really helps. Good luck you can do it x

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate

I started at 56. Never ran before in my life. Two and a half years on I've run three half marathons. I'm currently injured and miss it like crazy. I became addicted. If you can stick with it you can change your life, with no word of exaggeration 😀 Keep posting your progress - good or bad. Best of luck to you.

Confusedofaxminster profile image
ConfusedofaxminsterGraduate

Good luck! You can do this, talk to us!

Jonno34 profile image
Jonno34Graduate

Good for you. 55 myself, struggled through it my first time but now I am up to 10k. Healthwise, so much better, no BP tablets, no cholesterol tablets etc.

At the end of the day this is a great life choice but it is hard work and required a lot of mental fortitude!

Silverfox1943 profile image
Silverfox1943Graduate

I started last year age 76 and completed c25k in 10 weeks (1 week holiday). Now done 7 park runs and love it. Just take your time and follow the advice.

Longarm profile image
LongarmGraduate

@58 I am just about to start week9 One run left on week8.’ Keep going age is just a number and I see people a lot older out running all the time. Good luck

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate

You’ve told ALL of us so ALL of us will keep you going! Tell us the good and the bad - we all have experienced both.

Carowood profile image
Carowood

Hi, you are never too old, I am 64 and graduated in the summer. After a couple of weeks took the advice here of going slower - this really helped and now whenever l start to struggle I just really really slow down! Often when I set off I think I might not get to finish but go slow and it is amazing what you can achieve!!!

Bluepup1 profile image
Bluepup1Graduate

Welcome aboard!

Never too old to start anything imo & maybe last time just wasn’t the right time for you!?

Look forward to seeing you on the podium & you’re in the right place to ask for help/tips etc

Stay hydrated, follow the programme, take your time, repeat runs/weeks if you feel you need to and remember the aim is to run for 30 mins non stop, not run for 5k in 30 mins or less 🤗 x

pilateslover profile image
pilateslover

I'm 60 and had to fight memories of runs decades ago but I did it. I admit, I didn't follow to a T since some weeks I needed to repeat a workout or not feel guilty on a 20min non stop, in stopping for a few seconds every now and then. Realize it's a guide, a good guide, but you know your body and have to trust you can do more than you realize.

When I hit the non stop 22 on runs, I downloaded map my run and use that check my time and speed. Even though I still struggle in 30 to not at least stop for a few seconds, it's okay, I am stronger each time and even though I feel like I'm shuffling, I am getting faster and dropped a minute or more since I started.

Just concentrate on getting out there and not speed, your body will catch up with your mind one day. And wear good sneakers!

Fiftysomethingnovice profile image
FiftysomethingnoviceGraduate

I’m 57 so I can sympathise. I’m doing Couch to 5k for first time. I’m a novice and finding it challenging but worth it so far. Best wishes with your running. I’m sure you can do it this time.

Aruba2020 profile image
Aruba2020Graduate

Good luck! You will be just fine x

Dihaywill profile image
Dihaywill

Hi...definitely have another try! I am 7 (nearly 8 ouch!) Years ahead and I am on my 2nd attempt. Only officially at week 6 but went to my first park run on saturday. Got there to find it was cancelled! But a few very friendly people had turned up and they encouraged me to go for it. They all zoomed off but once started I didnt hardly stop and managed it in 45 mins. Really pleased with that as couldn't run for 2 mins at start...slow the way to go...get stamina first. Good luck!

Tedlington2019 profile image
Tedlington2019

Well done you, for giving it another go

I’m on my 3rd time, 3rd time lucky

I’m up-to 25min runs, never in this world did I think I would get this far,

I’ve redone some weeks 2/3 times and don’t give myself a hard time 😃

I’m moving and feeling good

Have a go, find your own pace celebrate your efforts

runningnanny profile image
runningnannyGraduate

I am 56 in December and starting the couch to 5k tomorrow

Brewdog profile image
Brewdog

Hi , I managed to complete the programme when I did it in 2018. It took me way longer than 9 weeks (I think it was 4 months) but I did it and then I kept it up for another 3 months. Then my dad died and everything went to pot. I tried to start again earlier this year but just didn’t have the same motivation. I really want to start again-just need to actually begin and then get back into the routine. Maybe we can gee each other along! I’m nearly 49. I think routine and habit are key. Good luck!!

Im 62 and started C25k in April.

I get aches after park run regularly.

Was hoping it would get easier! However i find sticking to regular 30 mins on set days (Tuesday and Thursday) helps. Try to accept a conversational pace. Perhaps simple stretching exercises on the off days will also maintain fitness.

Keep going. Good luck

pilateslover profile image
pilateslover in reply to

I feel doing something else on off days if you can't run as many helps too. As it gets dark here, early and cold, I might only be able to do 2 runs a week but will do cardio with DVD or online workouts. It does help keep up the cardio and muscles from getting too stiff. I found The Body Project which is free on youtube or you can pay for more videos and like the variety.

Newbeg60 profile image
Newbeg60Graduate

Youre never too old! Good luck this time!

healthier123 profile image
healthier123

Just started my 2nd week I’m so happy I’ve got this far 😆👊🏻

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