Anxious and fearful... : Hi, I'm 48... V nearly... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Anxious and fearful...

AKFIELD profile image
19 Replies

Hi, I'm 48... V nearly 49 and have never been fit... I've been a lot thinner, but never fit. It's time... I'm going to do C25k but I am so nervous.... I wobble and jiggle and get v red faced... And I hate the feeling of being so unfit when I run it stops me from doing it again... But I so want to run, and enjoy it, and actually want to want it.... How do I just do it?!!

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AKFIELD
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19 Replies
3Sud profile image
3SudGraduate

Just do it! You'll amaze yourself!

I'm also 48 and on my SW journey. I haven't run since school. Take it slow and read the intro.

This forum is so supportive.

Believe in yourself 👊🏃‍♀️

I've just completed wk5 R2 and can't believe I've got where I have!

AKFIELD profile image
AKFIELD in reply to 3Sud

Thank you. Good advice! I need to give myself a strict talking to!

Newbie5k profile image
Newbie5k

I’m 47. Haven’t run since school and wasn’t a fan then if I’m honest. I’m about 6 stone overweight and started C25K last week. I think it’s mind over matter, commit to do it and find a place and time you feel comfortable.

I run in country lanes with minimal traffic or people early in the morning or late at night. At first I stopped when a car came but now I think sod it, I’m up and moving and doing this for me. Just go for it, you can do this 💪

AKFIELD profile image
AKFIELD in reply to Newbie5k

Thank you! When my trainers arrive (don't even own a pair), and my super reinforced sports bra does too... I'm going to do it!! Eeeeek!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

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.

You can worry about being unfit or you can just get on and do something about it........C25k works, do it.

Enjoy your journey.

AKFIELD profile image
AKFIELD in reply to IannodaTruffe

True.... I think I worry too much!!

Getfitok profile image
GetfitokGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

You are so wise & supportive. Everything I’ve read that you have written makes so much sense. You were definitely a VERY good choice for ‘administrator’. 👍

SweatyHettie profile image
SweatyHettieGraduate

Everyone on here is incredibly supportive.. read the guide and follow the programme - as a red faced and sweaty 50 something I can tell you it works! Do you and forget the rest. Take it slow🐌🐢You will be amazed at what you can achieve - I look forward to following your posts and cheering you on- now go do it and enjoy!! 💪🏻

AKFIELD profile image
AKFIELD in reply to SweatyHettie

Oh thank you! I promise to post after first run....

Emcg51 profile image
Emcg51

I am 51 and apart from attempting but not finishing C25K six years ago I haven’t run since school. My best advice if at all possible, is to see if you can find a socially distanced running buddy. My 14 year old son comes with me and it’s been a lifeline. Good luck, we’re all here for you 👍🏻

Needtoescapepo20 profile image
Needtoescapepo20Graduate

Hiya, I had a melt down before I stepped out for my first run of wk1, but wow I felt so pleased with myself after I’d done it. I’ve never been fit - I walk the dog , played a bit of pitter patter social tennis, but that’s about it. I’ve never run before but really want to be able to run!. Im a newbie on this program (only just finished wk1) so there’s still a long long way to go but I’ve read through some of the posts on here and can see how much support there is.

You can do it - just take that first step - I and hundreds of other people on here will be supporting you! :)

AKFIELD profile image
AKFIELD in reply to Needtoescapepo20

Wow, thank you! I look forward to that proud feeling!

Dreambird profile image
DreambirdGraduate

Please don’t worry about others - I did and I’m sure loads of us did at the start You’ve taken the first step - you really want to do this. The programme works and everyone is so supportive. Take it at your pace , read the guide to the plan - it’s essential and informative reading. Off you go - let us know how you are doing - it’s a great feeling to get out there and enjoy 😊🏃🏼‍♀️🎉

AKFIELD profile image
AKFIELD in reply to Dreambird

Will do! Thank you

Lifebeginsat profile image
LifebeginsatGraduate

hi there, I am overweight and mid fifties and struggled to run 30 seconds when I started. Was quite self conscious when I went out for the first week or so. But then there was a change, as I waddled and puffed and went bright red, I realised that I was running and that I was trying and I didn't care what anyone thought, and I didn't care what I looked like and I didn't care how long it took. Because my goals were about my mental and physical health and if I did it I improved my life. And then, on a couple of 'runs' in the early days I got thumbs up and encouraging words from strangers. It made me remember that only we are so harsh on ourselves, others can see the effort and recognise how brilliant that is. So my suggestion is just try, don't judge yourself. It took me 18 weeks to finish the program, but I can now run 30 mins 3 times a week. I still go slow, jiggle, go red faced and probably look like I'm gonna have a coronary, but I am so happy that I can do it, I am definitely fitter. You are lapping everyone on the couch. I believe in you. Use this very supportive group, and remember there are a lot of us out there jiggling, going red and plodding with you. You are in excellent company. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😁😁😁😁

AKFIELD profile image
AKFIELD

Thank you sooo much. Your encouragement really really helps

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate

You say you Enjoy it and that's the mental battle nearly won. The programme is magic if you follow it. Keep nice and slow. We were all in the same situation before starting!

TenaciousDeb profile image
TenaciousDebGraduate

I am only a step further as on week 2 so I am no expert but believe me .... you are a winner when you step out of your front door (actually I went out through the back so the neighbours wouldn’t judge me!) for the first run. And it’s a lovely 5 minute walk first each time and you already know how to do that ....so enjoy it. I found week one hard but I’m still here. Good luck and be proud

Dtay1978 profile image
Dtay1978Graduate

Nothing to feel nervous about, just take your time and stay hydrated and you’ll be fine 😊

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