First post

[Runbird]

Lots of helpful comments and experiences. I was 60 last year- no idea how that happened - and I wasn't sure I could do this but decided to take a deep breath and started the week we went into lockdown. W6R3 tomorrow. Have repeated a few when I felt I needed to. I may end up repeating R2 -several times! I'm certainly not fast and I think some people actually walked past me towards the end of W5R3 but I'll persevere, read the tips and look forward to graduation!

[SpringRhythm Graduate]

Same stage as me. W6R3 for me on Monday . Bit concerned as this is getting serious! 60 this year too and 1st time running since cross country at school in the 70’s. Last 7 years barely moving from a desk. Good luck & can’t wait to see how you get on. Am so glad to have a day off tomorrow.

[seabadger Graduate in reply to SpringRhythm]

Same here...59 and not run for 45 years since school X country! Started before lockdown (must have had a premonition!) and progressed steadily through the programme except for one lethargic coughing week (mild covid?...I shall never know). Anyway...Strava tells me ive run 101 miles (41 runs) since Feb and I reckon its the only thing thats kept me sane! Who would have thought it! Still running 3x per week and yes...I miss having Jo Wiley in my ear!

So yes...keep at it and reap the rewards!

[SpringRhythm Graduate in reply to seabadger]

That’s fantastic. Will be interesting to see how we fare in the Winter months. I think we’re hooked now and feel so much better for it.

[seabadger Graduate in reply to SpringRhythm]

I actually like running in the rain (braught up in Lancashire!) but the Chief Exec doesnt like me running in the dark even though im lit up like a christmas tree! Only thing...is that I havent lost any weight even though i run 5k every time in about 35-40 mins.

[SpringRhythm Graduate in reply to seabadger]

Hah-didn’t think about the lights & hi-viz! Barely shifted more poundage but lost inches. Got to be good for the heart & lungs too! I’ll be happy to get to week 9 😊.

[GreenHorse2020 Graduate in reply to seabadger]

Yes I am a bit disappointed about the lack of weight loss too but there is a definite change of shape so that is something. I noticed that somebody put up their run stats up the other day and they had run 5k in 35 mins and only used 280 calories so the lack of weight loss is not surprising really. I had a glass of red wine last night and that probably put a chunk of the 280 calories back on. Feel better for the running anyway, just hope I can keep it up after graduating!

[seabadger Graduate in reply to GreenHorse2020]

Well i carried on so you should be able to as well! I got a really good tip from the moderator Ian...to stop watching times and pace and just enjoy it...so thats what I do now...i plotted six different 5k routes and just enjoy the route [and let the times look aftet themselves].

Happy running!

[OldSpeckledHen]

It’s not about speed, it’s more the fact you’re out there and moving!

Some runs I’ve really enjoyed, some I’ve not - but those ones i think well, I’m going faster than being sat on the couch!

You’ve done amazing to get this far, listen to the voice telling you “you can do this” it’s in there somewhere - you need to give it room to flourish 😉😉

Good Luck with week 6 🙂🙂

[HennieR62 Graduate in reply to OldSpeckledHen]

I really like that “going faster than sat on the couch”😂 as I’m starting w2 tomorrow I will keep that in mind!!

[Eva58]

Hi, I'm 62 and after a break went back to C25 during lockdown. Now on wk8r3. I have been running on grass not road. Like you I am slow, think people walk faster 🤭 hope you keep enjoying the plan. X

[Roxdog Graduate]

Good luck and we'll done! Amazing isn't it! As a fellow 60 year old I can't believe it. You will be more and more amazed at what can be achieved!

[AH1959]

I turned 60 1st July last year and started Coach to 5K at the beginning of August. RepeatEd weeks till I felt confident enough to move on to the next week. Due to winter weather, dark nights and mornings I struggled to run as regularly as I would have liked but I persevered and graduated in December. Have kept it up and now I run 3 times a week made up of 2 half hour runs (3k) and 1 long run on a Saturday about an hour to an hour and a half (7k). I love it and feel that it has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Keep going it’s great!!

[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

[Dexy5 Graduate]

I started at 60 too, and have now been running for 2 years. I wrote this post last week to celebrate and let people know what is possible after C25K.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your running journey.

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Congratulations Runbird!! Sounds like it’s going great! Well done. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽! Certainly don’t think about speed. Why would we rush the experience? Keep going and have fun! Enjoy the time for YOU!! You’re doing an amazing job!! The podium awaits and another graduate is well on the way!! 🤩❤️

[Florentine Graduate]

Oh well done! Isn’t it amazing what can be achieved? I started C25K with lockdown too and had my 67th birthday a couple of weeks ago. I have not run voluntarily since I was about 10! But I’m now mid week 8 and although I’m slow I haven’t had to repeat any runs. I can hardly believe it. But no weight lost for me either. But at least non gained! Go us sixty somethings!

[Newbie59 Graduate]

It seems that there are quite a few of us! I had been thinking about doing C25K for years, but lockdown made the decision for me. I am 65 and my next run will be Week 5 Run 3. So far it has been all right, slow and steady, I hope to keep on going to the end

[Killerblue]

This has made me laugh as I also run so slowly and everyone passes me by but slow has enabled me to run now for 33 mins which is something I NEVER though I could do 🤗 I will be 60 in approx 4 weeks and I don’t know how this has happened either as my body is telling me one thing but my head is telling me the complete opposite 😂🌷

[Comfortnotspeed]

Well done! You’re approach is spot on. It’s great to read about your perseverance with C25K. 🌸😊🌸

[FreedomToRun Graduate]

Brilliant and congratulations.

I’m slow too and although could walk faster, realised that don’t think we would all be getting the same health benefits of cardio and muscles used, nor the mental freedom from slow running.

Roll on your graduation 🎉

[Runningstart Graduate]

Congratulations! 🎉

I too was 60 last year and have been using Couchto5K to get me through lockdown. Just completed W8R2 today and ran 2.5 miles in 28 minutes - who’d have thought? Looks hopeful that I will complete the programme next week and plan to continue with Jo in my ear and week 9 until I find something else. Also hoping to start a Park Run when allowed.

[SailingThrough Graduate]

60 too and just graduated. Keep going. The programme is spot on. Often tough but rewards great