I’m a 55 year old who hasn’t done any exercise for far too long! I struggle with self esteem, about 4 stone overweight. Can I do this? Will it help me reclaim quality of life and self worth?
Huge, old and horribly unfit woman 😢 - Couch to 5K
Huge, old and horribly unfit woman 😢
Written by
Lumpy55
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28 Replies
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ForestGrump63Graduate
Yes you can and yes it will ❤️ go for it 👍
John_WGraduateAmbassador
OF COURSE you can do it! You're the perfect candidate, maybe in fact a typical candidate.
Lots and lots of people like you have successfully completed C25K (and many were/are more overweight than you ) - you'll be amazed at what it can achieve - it really can change your life.
Have you got a pair of trainers you can go out in?
Have a look at Japanese Slow Jogging - will be a confidence builder for you I hope:
youtube.com/results?search_...
Get out there and start!
John
HelenofTroy123Graduate
I’m about to turn 40, unfit and more than 4 stone overweight! I’m on week 6 and never thought I could do it - I’m just putting all my faith into the programme! You can do it
Cp1965Graduate
A (slightly less than formerly) huge, old and (marginally less than formerly) horribly unfit bloke writes;
Yes you can. 18 months ago I was 21 stone and got out of breath running a bath. Started off by walking, slowly and short distances initially, started C25K a few weeks back and on Tuesday of this week ran for 25 minutes non stop.
Still have some work to do on the self esteem, and still have a stone to lose, but I'm getting there slowly. If I can do it, with my complete lack of willpower, I rwckon anyone can. Go for it and keep us posted!
Hey Mister!...way to go YOU! Doing amazing!... Ive just done W5R3 and i never thought i would get to that!.... Pick yourself up and give yourself a huge pat on the back!..... Your self esteem should be sky high with what you've achieved!... I'm doing it and i know just how hard it can be and I applaud you!....
We've all got to start somewhere haven't we.... I listened to week 1 and thought Pfft! How is that going to get me to run for 30 mins.. but it does!.... it works!.. I was the biggest sceptic going!.. but I'm a total believer these days!... Well done!
Thanks... if only self esteem was as easy to come by. Just got home from work, getting changed now and off out for W7R1... wish me luck!
I hope the weather is kinder where you are!.. it’s truly bouncing down here!
Well let my message give you a little push up on the old self esteem!... you are seriously doing A-MAZ-ING I just don’t think you realise it!
W7r1 A bit ahead of me.... and you will smash it!
You don’t need luck - I have every faith in you... it’s hard to motivate after work so you’re a superstar ⭐️ 🏃🏻 👏👏
Yes you can! Just take it slowly and steadily and listen to the coach you have chosen. Well done on even thinking of starting!
BeatlesforeverGraduate
Absolutely, you can totally do this! Watch that video on Japanese slow running that John_W posted, it's brilliant. Do give c25k a go, honestly, this programme works miracles! Let us know how you get on ☺
It sure does!.. from a non believer who started week 1 laughing at 60 seconds running to someone who has just nailed W5R3... it is a fab programme!
Well done, that's such a milestone! 💪🏃♀️😃
Thanks - I'm super chuffed!... especially cos the weather is so awful today too!... Can't wait for week 6... but all the newbies need to read our stories and think they can do it.. I didn't find this site until week 4 -
f1madmanGraduate
You can do it Lumpy, this is made just for you! Your age and weight aren't your barriers....
The hardest barrier is the front door!
When you start just make sure you take it easy and slowly.
How true is that!... made me giggle tho!.. hardest barrier is the front door!.... I hid behind age but you're right... it is NO excuse
Slow and steady gets you through
And you with a little one too!
Respect! ✊🏻
You do well to have the energy to run 🏃🏻👏👏
LOL I need this programme so that I can keep up with the little busy bee! Thanks and congratulations on your wk5r3 what an achievement I'm very happy for you. I've just completed week4 with not much trouble except niggling knees here and there... So I'm a bit worried about the end of week 5, I know I'll have the stamina for it, just worried about my flimsy knees.
That’s true... they can be fast! Aww my knee has been on and off so just being careful ... taking the rest days etc etc .. thanks... I’m chuffed... my stamina has improved 👍
I’m sure you will sail thru week 5
Sarahf40Graduate
You absolutely can do it, I’m 40, size 18/20 and never do any exercise(apart from walking to work) I initially started to literally get away from my kids in lock down for 30mins and have surprised myself by how far I’ve come and how much I’m enjoying it. I do mainly leave two day’s rest in between though(otherwise my knees really hurt). Good luck
You are doing fab!.....
Tinytears60Graduate
Dear Lumpy...... are you my sister from another mister!
I PROMISE you YES you can! - I am on week 5 and loving it!.... I thought week 1 of 60 seconds running and then 60 seconds walking ..ha!.. easy!.. How wrong i was.....
You've done the hardest bit by even considering it!.. get your shoes on and whatever clothes you feel comfy in and get yourself out there!.. The sense of achievement will carry you through!.... repeat weeks if you need.. its your journey and you go at your own pace!.... Truly .... I didnt find this webpage until week 4 but i so wish i had found it at the start like you!.. We will all get you through it too! Good luck! x
IannodaTruffeMentor
Welcome to the forum.
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.
It is recommended that you can walk briskly for 30 minutes on a regular basis before you attempt to run.
Enjoy your journey.
John_WGraduateAmbassador
Hey Lumpy55
Looks like you've got your answer. Hope you're encouraged ... 
What's your next step?
John
Thank you all for your great encouragement ❤️ I’ve just watched the Japanese slow jogging clip, very interesting, thank you John_W. I’m taking IannodaTruffe’s advise and starting with the walking.... now! When I can do a good 30 minutes I’ll be back to reread this, as you’re all so inspirational. Thank you! X
You’ll get there ! It’s a magic program 🤩 come on board and embrace the 🐌🐌🐌! Enjoy your walking! See you soon ! 🏃♀️🐌
astoryontheradioGraduate
You can do this. It takes some people longer than others but the important thing is that you just keep at it. Actually, scratch that, the most important thing is to get your trainers on and get out there for the first time. Believe me, that’s the hardest bit. It’s fine to redo runs/weeks for as long as YOU feel comfortable with. You will feel so much better for giving it a go at least. Everyone on here had to do that first run and for most of us it was terrifying. If you can get yourself into a schedule, your self esteem and sense of achievement will soar. Best of luck!
JeanneMaryGraduate
I'm a slightly overweight, 57yr old who had a hip replacement in 2018 - less than two years ago. Today I successfully completed 30 minutes non-stop with this brilliant program, having started at the beginning of April! Yes, you can if you want to, just take it at your own pace. Go for it!
You can definitely do it. Get your daps on and get on it! You won’t regret it! 👍
Tinytears60Graduate
I just realised I didnt fully answer your question..... the bit about the reclaiming self worth and quality of life..... Yes...Yes....YES!
Work/life balance was poor for me... but lockdown has given me the chance to re-address....
Please don't have low self esteem - not sure if you've started this yet... the hardest bit IS to start it!.. but look at the positives... you've got this far to research!
You are not old!.. I refuse to believe that... (Especially as I'm 59) - do you need to make some life changes... yes by the sound of it you do but hey... you're here trying!.... It's definitely harder to manage weight as you get older ... don't i know it!.... but this will honestly help ...
If you can't run for week 1 then do it walking... until you fell comfortable to try a run... its your journey and you go at your pace!
Feel good factor will do you the world of good - I didn't think i could do it and I'm on week 5.... so it can be done!...I was the biggest sceptic but i am so converted... I'm doing it!...
Come and join us!.. the support here is amazing!... can't help but make you smile...
The fact you have called yourself Lumpy either confirms your low self esteem which you speak of ... and that will very quickly improve once you start this... or you have a fab sense of humour - I truly hope its the latter <3 x
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