Senior citizen: I'm 72 years old just completed... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Sammy17 profile image
Sammy17Graduate
5 Replies

I'm 72 years old just completed week 3, I start on week 4 Monday.

So far so good, is their things I should be avoiding during the programme?

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Sammy17 profile image
Sammy17
Graduate
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5 Replies
Snodrop profile image
SnodropGraduate

Well done you!!!!I’m a bit younger, but graduated a couple of months ago, the best advice I could give is to take it really slowly on your runs, I tried to increase my pace after graduation and pulled my calf muscles badly , which stopped me running for a while, but following the excellent guides on here and advice from the administrators I’m back on it again , taking it really slowly. (Worth googling japanese slow running, really helps)

Worth looking at some running techniques on google too, I was doing everything badly but I have changed my gait now. Still, the main thing is slow slow slow, a walker walked past me this week, but I didnt care I was running!

Good luck , keep us all informed how you are getting on.

Sammy17 profile image
Sammy17Graduate in reply to Snodrop

Thanks for your reply, your info is really helpful . I'm have chosen Laura for my inspiration/ encouragement she's doing a great job! How many times do you run?

Snodrop profile image
SnodropGraduate in reply to Sammy17

Laura pushes me round too, I try for three times in a 7 day period but only stick to that if my calf muscle is playing along ok! At first it was hard to get in to the swing but now I cant wait to get out running( sloooooowwwly) and I have found new paths and places too

ForbiddenPlanet profile image
ForbiddenPlanetGraduate

Hi Sammy. Congrats on doing the programme, and I hope it goes well. I'm a little bit younger, but not that much. Funny how my perspective on age has changed as I've grown older. 50 year olds now seem like youngsters to me ...

I would echo Snodrop's advice just to take it steady. I graduated in October 2019 and a few weeks later injured myself trying to run too far too soon. Hopefully I learned my lesson, and after spending 3 weeks on the IC (injury couch) I've since avoided further injury.

Side benefit of not pushing myself is that I enjoy running much more, and miss it like anything when it's not a running day - I run 3 times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Enjoy your journey.

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