Newbie, furloughed 62 year old, achey-jointed C25K determined unfit lady

[EarthRise]

Hi. I've just finished week 2 of C25K. Am licking my wounds, sitting on armchair with a hot water bottle, feeling a little despondent. I can't quit, and I feel good every time I complete a session, but the aches and pains are not making me feel very +ve. Anyone in the same situation? Oh yes, and I'm about 2 stone overweight. I already lost 3 after becoming vegan 3 years ago! Arthritis is creeping into my hands and knees. Hi

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Hey, hey, hey... you are doing brilliantly! Such a lot to cope with (I don't care if other people have it the same or worse, you have to cope with what you have to cope with) and you are doing this. Well done.

It's not unusual to really feel it (is that a bit like doc-speak when they say 'uncomfortable'?) in the very early days but from the sound of what you are describing it is the sort of thing that wears off.

Easing off on the pace can help, as can running on softer surfaces if you possibly can, plus ignoring the advice to hit the ground heel first - it's the one bit of the programme (other than the confusing name) that most of us feel is dodgy.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

I was older than you when I started. A few aches and pains were a feature of C25k, and still are occasionally, but they usually go away quite quickly. Take it really slowly, and if something is too painful to run on, then rest it until it feels ok. Only experience teaches you the difference between a pain you can run with and one which requires a rest. Bound to be a few issues when we start using muscles tendons etc which haven't been fully utilised for a while. You can do this ! 😊

[Bupkiss100 Graduate]

You’re doing brill. I’ve just finished a delayed week 3 due to a dodgy knee but got there in the end and I’m feeling quite smug as should you. I’m 49, 5 stone overweight with wonky patellas and lumberised sacrum in lower back. Buggered if it’s getting the better of me otherwise when I get to your age I’ll be a wreck. Keep going .... it’ll get easier. And the support on here is lovely 😊

[palestrina Graduate]

You are doing fabulously. I’m about to start week 4 after a lifetime of thinking the best way to travel 5K is by taxi. I might still be feeling that... :-). I thought running for 3 minutes would kill me... but I do feel great afterwards. Keep going and remember you don’t have to progress to a new week - you could stay on one level until you are ready to move on

[Hidden in reply to palestrina]

Its never too late to start exercising.

[RubytheGreat Graduate]

Very well done on your progress so far! If you don't feel ready to move to the next level - don't give up, just repeat the weeks you are comfortable with until you feel up to the next stage. I have just restarted, having only managed the first 2 weeks (over and over again) previously and this time think I will do better. Who knows - maybe you will even reduce the weight in time - GOOD LUCK!!!!!

NB I am also in my 60s.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

Well done for trying and starting! Lots of people won't even try.