Music matters

[Susie6619]

I've literally never run before aged 56 but was suffering from depression after my ex died in October. I will only run in the dark at the moment as embarrassed by my wobbly bits. Because I have an old phone I have been listening to 'whatever I already had' but yesterday I finally worked out how to upload a playlist! Week 2 run 1 felt easier than week 1 with the right rythmn! I'm looking forward to my next run already! Amazing! I'm not sure the dog shares my enthusiasm!!

[Fiftysomethingnovice Graduate]

Well done on how you’re doing. I’m in my fifty’s and wasn’t very fit so I can relate. Keep going at your own pace and keep positive. You and your lovely dog will keep feeling benefits! I love how running can help physical and mental well being. You’ll graduate in a few weeks, I’m sure. Best wishes

[Hidden]

I am sorry that you have been having a hard time. There is now a lot of evidence to support the view that exercising is good for mental (as well as physical) wellbeing. C25K is a great programme and perfect for us in our middle years. Having uplifting music can help a great deal too. You will soon feel confident to step out in daylight, especially as the wobbly bits firm up!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done

on getting started.

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

and is full of tips.

This level of exercise may well become too much for an older dog.

Enjoy your journey.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Be proud of those wobbly bits Susie- a lot of us have them! We have had people here who would drive miles from home and run where they knew no-one they knew see them; those who wore a raincoat and boots to start so that everything was covered up! It really doesn’t matter - most people you come across will either ignore you or will give you a response to your cheery good morning (or appropriate alternative time of day!). And the rest don’t count. Get yourself a decent running bra, which will make you feel better immediately. Give your gorgeous dog a break - get out there in daylight, you’ll love it! And whatever you do, I’m sure your Dad would be proud of you! Let us know how you get on!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well done running is a great happy thing, a challenge too. The dog will benefit too

Good luck with your progress and the right music really helps

[Keston54 Graduate]

Hi I found running and following C25K was a comfort and positive help last year after a bereavement. Being active physically is a great thing in itself but it also gave me a space to have all the sad and sometimes negative thoughts which I usually try to avoid in everyday life and are a part of loss and depression. I think this melancholy was then balanced by a happier sense of achievement when a run was done.

I am still running not always as often as I should and still thinking.

All good wishes to you and your doggie and feel proud you are out there please try daylight. It’s a lovely feeling to be active in the bright crisp air.

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Ah! I can see the problem here... you haven't bought earphones for your dog. 🤣.

Really well done for getting out there.

Must admit, I love running in the dark. And rain! Dont ask me why.

Dont worry about other people. Most will just ignore you. Others, like myself, will be inspired by seeing you out there!

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Embrace the wobbly bits! That my mantra anyway - I’m 59 and past caring what the feat of the world thinks. I hope you and your dog stick around, you will meet loads of great people and gets lots of tips, support and encouragement 👍😁🐶

[DiverIzzie Graduate]

Wobbly bits prove you’ve lived a bit and you should be proud of them. As others say, most folks don’t notice and anyone that does and is negative should be pitied then forgotten. Keep going at your (and your dog’s) pace - good luck!

[L62B Graduate]

I'm 58 this year and starting my first couch to 5k Week One tomorrow.