I’m 29 years old and I’ve never done any running until I joined the gym a few weeks ago and started small bursts on the treadmill. Today was the most that I’ve managed yet.. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, mostly walking but with 9 lots of 1 minute runs. Feeling quite chuffed but know that I have a hell of a long way to go.
Anyone on here started at the absolute bottom and managing good runs? Would love to hear some success stories for inspiration.
Mx
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Fattofit90
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Welcome! So are you thinking of following the Couch to 5k plan? If so, I can tell you a) it’s brilliant b) it certainly got me fit!
I started the plan aged 46. Never done much cardio exercise before and had a very sedentary desk job. 2.5 years later I am still running 3-4 times a week, and am hooked! And, fit as a fiddle, having completed my first half marathon in Sept 19. So, I went from wheezing my way through 30 second runs to being able to run continuously for over 2 hours!
You should be so chuffed, as you are starting with a good base level of fitness! C25K will be totally manageable...and a brilliant way to start improving and running for longer.
So, welcome again - and do post whenever you have a question or need any support!
Wow you’ve done amazing then!! As it stands I just can’t see myself ever being able to run longer than a couple of minutes. But hearing stories like yours makes me realise it’s possible! I recently became a courier so I do a lot of walking daily (average 15,000 steps a day) and I gave up smoking a year ago so my fitness has got so much better in the last year which has helped massively getting started. I remember when I went to the gym a few years ago I was out of breathe just walking!
Thanks again for the reply, and keep up the good work!
Honestly, I felt just the same at the start of C25K! I could barely run for one minute, and never in my life did I think I’d ever run for longer than that. But, whether you believe it or not, you can and you will. 😁 The key is take take the runs nice and slow - it builds stamina and means a bit more enjoyment! You can work on speed once you graduate and become a more experienced runner. Which you will. 😁
I'm 54 and recently graduated C25K, I have run more in the last 3 months than I have ever done in my life and feel fantastic. I'm currently running non stop for at least 30 minutes three times per week and I'm starting the Bridge to 10k next week. If you had told me this 6 months ago (when I was also a life long smoker) I would have laughed out loud
Wow that’s amazing! I’m so excited to get going with it. And can’t wait to start seeing progress. The idea of 30 minute runs right now.. I’ll have an ambulance on standby 😂
I know what you mean, I felt exactly the same way when I started. The program works so well because it's designed to gradually build your stamina. Many people think running means taking off at your fastest speed That's not the case as stamina and keeping moving steadily are the key in the first few weeks. I'm absolute living proof that it works and that still amazes me after every single run
Congrats for getting started! I first started the C25K program a couple of years ago, having not done really any form of exercise for at least a few years, and certainly never running! I graduated the day after my 27th birthday, but then slowly petered out and stopped again for a year or so. But I redid the program in October, and now I am on my way to 10K (currently at 8K)- and I have plans to try and get up to a half marathon before I hit 30
Keep at it - it sometimes will seem impossible, but the program really works!
Congratulations on getting started. You won’t regret it. I started nearly 2 years ago at the age of 57, having always hated running and had to lie down until I stopped coughing after Week 1 Run 1. Having graduated C25k, I somehow seem to have risen to the challenges of the lovely VRBs on this forum and have my first Half Marathon in March😳 Eek! Enjoy and let us know how you’re doing!
Hi yes, i started in October and i thought i was going to pass out after a 60 second jog! I graduated a couple of weeks ago and although its still not easy, and im.only managing 4k, i am jogging for 30 mins. Im 53, overweight and have asthma. So you will do it! Have faith in C25k they know what they're doing even when you jump eg from 12 to 18 min runs, it is doable. Good luck
I started the programme around November if I can remember correctly. I’m 23 never have ran before... not even for the bus lol! I’m doing the program on a treadmill at my local gym.
Honestly, to start with the 1 minute runs seemed impossible and I just thought maybe running wasn’t for me but I’m now close to completing Week 6! I totally agree with the others , trust the program. For me, music was such a huge help, looking straight when running rather than down and to avoid looking at how much time was left on each run also helped me personally. Not to say it’s easy, but it’s definitely doable 😊
As others have said the programme is fantastic, I graduated just before Christmas and first Parkrun is planned for tomorrow. Am still running three times a week and will be 61 in 8 weeks. The added bonus is have lost over 20lbs, the key for me was pace and for me slower was better
Well done on starting your journey - that’s the hardest step out of the way - never easy to take on such challenges!
I’m glad your enjoying and feel chuffed with yourself - you have every right to!
I don’t have any success stories to help you I’m sorry - I enjoyed running in school but then stopped when I left - don’t know why exactly (maybe studying and then work took over). However, around April last year I decided to try C25k after contemplating it for several years but always putting it off!
Keep going on your journey as you can and will do this and look forward to seeing you on the podium! 🤗 x
Believe in the plan! I’ve always walked but struggled to do more than about 7 miles and I had never run before. At the age of 64 I began C25K. I couldn’t believe that by the end of the sessions I was actually running for 30 mins. I graduated last year. Now at 65 I’m running 3 days a week along with various workouts and dance classes and walks in between. The most incredible thing for me is the running - I never thought it possible. Mind you, I have the luxury of being retired 🤣🤣
I started four weeks ago and am about to start week five. It is a great feeling. Keep it up, step by step. This community it wonderful at giving advice and motivation. Welcome 😊
The only thing that I could run was a bath before I started the programme. At 55 running was alien to me. But week by week my running got better and my health and fitness improved. I keep running now I’ve graduated but not as much as I should. I’m a fair weather girl but I’ve entered a 5K race next week. That should be interesting to see if I can run that far, lol. You’ll be doing the same thing as time goes on and you run more. Good luck with your running journey.
Well done for starting this journey. I started in September, am 61 and although I cycled a bit was not at all strong and had never run before, apart from after the kids when they were little.... So I run extreeeeeemly slowly and repeated runs and weeks of C25K until I felt comfortable about moving on, but still keeping to the plan outline. I got to Week 9, Run 3, jogging for 30 minutes but sadly fell and hurt my ribs, so have been out of action for 2 weeks. You won't believe how much I miss the running 😥 but hopefully will be able to start again soon. So, if I can do it, so can you! This forum is such a support with lots of advice and encouragement. 🤗😁🏃♀️
I think everyone started at zero! I started at age 63 having never run before (even at school!). I duly graduated and still run 5k quite regularly. You CAN and WILL do this. Good luck - it’s quite a ride.
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