New! Just starting.

At 73, and having had a bad back injury, which I’ve supported by walking, have decided to try C25k. Any advice?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on going to start C25K, however, I wouldn't advise you to run until your back injury has healed.

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks for the advice. Sadly not possible. Back injury serious and long term, and l’m determined to try..

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Really appreciated your advice. Having read it, there’s a lot of good things to digest.

[SandraY1 Graduate]

Welcome and I would suggest Japanese slow running 🏃‍♂️. Have a look on YouTube for the video. Low impact for someone with back injury.

[Hidden in reply to SandraY1]

Thanks for the advice. Will be searching for the video tonight before my run tomorrow morning. Did 3 runs in the first week with longer breaks in between each one because of my age, and then a friend wanted me to train with him so I started again: looking forward to tomorrow morning!

[Hidden in reply to SandraY1]

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to and watching the advice. Once I complete C25k I can see it becoming part of my everyday routine.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Go very slow and get checked out by your doctor before you try and run

[Hidden in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll go slow like the proverbial tortoise!

[Hanzy Graduate]

I have arthritis in spine hips knees and hands, crushed 2 vertebrae in 70s, I am 60 and have managed to get to wk7 run 3, slow and steady, referred to as a shuffle, is the key, I have to adjust my posture when back starts to play up I tend to lean forward, if pain I slow down and try to keep moving, I was bed ridden 20 years ago with back and now juffling so it is possible. Good luck tomorrow

[Hidden in reply to Hanzy]

Thinking about your advice while running this morning, Hanzie. Didn’t go as slow as I intended to. My training partner said we were doing about the equivalent of 10 minutes 15 seconds a mile.

Looking forward to the next run, Monday morning, keenly now!

[Hanzy Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Well done, Glad you managed, at least you know if you need to you can slow if you need to without being a failure

[Hidden]

Now that’s positive motivation, Hanzy! THANKS! I’ll be shuffling tomorrow and my training partner won’t know what’s hit him.