Silver runner alert Cto5k

[Jools2020]

Ok, so I’ve never ever done any running. Well, maybe I ran for a bus in 1966! I’m at a time when I find myself unexpectedly alone and need to feel good about myself again. I did my first run yesterday, week 1, and I survived. Barely. How on earth am I going to do this? Have a made a horrible mistake?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

You have NOT made a terrible mistake on starting C25K with run 1 of week 1, perhaps today you ran a little too fast, welcome to the forum and C25K, many runners have found run 1 of week 1 the hardest run of the whole program, for run 2 and subsequent runs, run the running parts a little slower than you did today, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish to, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, no running on consecutive days, good luck, onwards and upwards to run 2 of week 1. 😊 🏃🏾

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Sounds like great advice, thank you - especially about slowing down. I’m aware that I have to take care at 66, but I am relatively fit, walk every day and do a lot of gardening. I really need to do this!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

👍

[Trying9 Graduate]

No mistake! Good for you making a start. I am sure it will be of benefit for you. I found the first week the hardest week so far. (I am about to go out and do the first run of week 7. I am 62.)

Read the advice on this forum, I find the posts motivating and it makes me feel part of a group, not alone. Hydrate and do the stretches after every run. Run slowly. Trust the programme but you can always redo individual runs or weeks if you don't make it to the end. Some runs are good, some feel so hard. Embrace the experience and enjoy.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Trying9]

Thank you so much! More great advice.

[Blossom- Graduate]

Hey, I did W7 R1 this morning, I'm 65. Yes it's scary, daunting and makes me anxious, but the feelings of achievement and pride you get far outweigh the negatives. You CAN do it !

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Blossom-]

Well done! And thank you.

[GigiRuns Graduate]

You CAN do it! Keep us posted on your progress. This sight is chock-full of encouraging folks who are helpful. Enjoy your rest day!

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to GigiRuns]

Thanks! I have enjoyed my rest day. It’s strange, though - scary though it is, I can’t wait to get out there again tomorrow for my second run! Going to be a hot one, I think - so leaving at 5 a.m. Hopefully no one will see me !

[Hidden]

Definitely no mistake! This programme definitely makes you feel good about yourself and backed up by this brilliant forum it’s just tonic for the soul. Good luck there will be good days and some less good. Repeat runs if you need to or have an extra day off but just stick with it. It’s amazing! I find doing a long stretching session after the runs is essential.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Wow, this forum is so encouraging, thank you! I didn’t do any stretches yesterday, just the brisk walking followed by slow walking as I was still a way from home at the end. I’ll definitely do some tomorrow.

[Fionamags Graduate]

You have made one of the best ever decisions! You will never feel alone on this forum - we're all here to cheer each other on, commiserate with any bumps in the road and generally keep each other going. I'm 61, graduated a month ago and I'm still running and posting. Please keep posting your runs so we can celebrate every one of them. Good luck!!!

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Well done! And I will! It’s more motivation to keep going.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Well Jools, firstly congratulations on your first run of C25K. 🎉 And secondly, you’ve made one of the best decisions of your life. Have a read through these forums, you’ll see what a difference it’s made to others. I can’t describe how much I love it. 😀

Keep running and keep posting. You’ll always get friendly advice, and it’s fun to have a general chit chat too. Enjoy your new found pastime. You won’t regret it. 👊

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you! If you’d seen my first run......I ended up screaming at myself to keep going! Fortunately I was in the middle of a field at the time.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

You have exactly the right attitude then! You’ll hear lots about gremlins. They don’t stand a chance with someone like you ..... 😀

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I hope you’re right - time will tell!

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

Jools you have definitely made the right choice to do this. And your second good choice was to join this forum which is full of support, advice and encouragement. Just take it slow. 🐢🐌 are the mantra - it’s the best advice I was given. Follow the programme and do all the extras- hydrate rest stretch etc and you are about to go on a fab journey - enjoy and keep us posted!

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Take it slow seems to be the prevailing advice. I definitely started off too fast yesterday, but realised it at the end of the first minute. I will be more aware tomorrow, I did hydrate, but didn’t stretch, so I will do that, too. All good habits to get into, thank you.

[davelinks Graduate]

Well done! No mistake, it does work even in later years.. I've done c25k 3 times, first time at 60 on my own then again with my wife at 61, then with her again both at 65 (graduating again just some weeks ago) as she had 2 serious medical operations arise, (not related to running)

And there are people older than us on here, and as a lot have found, one of the best things we ever did, and you will reap the benefits of your efforts..

See the following link for essential reading for new starters..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Thank you - I will be checking out the link. I’m starting to realise it doesn’t matter that I’m 66!

[EThomas Graduate]

Well done for starting. Slowing down really helps. If you google Japanese Slow Running method it will show you a video that is really helpful. I'm currently on week 6 and I swear by this method. Also just trust in the programme. It really works.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to EThomas]

Thank you! I will have a look at that running method. I certainly do trust the programme.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I’ve just read your most recent post, bet you don’t think it’s a terrible mistake now

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Haha, no, it certainly wasn’t a terrible mistake!