Is 74 too old to start running?

[Blake1921]

My first post since starting this epic journey! I have taken on board some brilliant advice and enjoyed the good humour and enthusiastic support that the running community share so generously! For the first time today, Run 3 Week 6, I made every excuse to avoid it - 25 minutes I thought was beyond me ! Those voices ... too old etc were silenced after I viewed the video on Slow running! I managed the run albeit very slow - only embarrassed by the runners that overtook me! With Jo in my ears, I obediently found the stamina to sprint the last 60 seconds, smiling from ear to ear! Thank you community and all those unseen volunteers behind the scenes - you are my heroes!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

74, that's the age I am, last week I ran 10 miles in a little over 2 hours without stopping or walking, like you I startedC25K+70 years old.

Congratulations to you Blake1921 on completing run 3 of week 6, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER, you are not too old to start running 🏃🏾.

I started running to keep fit as I had cut down on the amount of cycling I had been doing since I was 7, only began C25K in April 2018 a month before I was 72 and graduated 3 weeks after my 72nd birthday, so for you I wish you good luck for the remaining runs, only 9 more until you graduate, 3/25 minute runs of week 7, 3/28 minute runs of week 8 and the 3/30 minute runs of week 9, that third run being your graduation run. 👍 🏃🏾

[Couchphoenix Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

You’re also an inspiration AlMorr 10 Miles 😮 that’s absolutely amazing 👍 👏🏻👏🏻

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks for your kind words and enthusiasm- way to go until graduation- fingers crossed

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done getting started.

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.

[Birdlady64 Graduate]

Fantastic!

Well done on getting this far and completing week 6 👏👏

There is no such thing as too slow, and you're never too old to do anything you want to do

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to Birdlady64]

Thanks for the encouragement- I’ll just keep tap tapping

[Nervousrunner Graduate]

RUNNER 🏃‍♂️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

You're doing brilliantly. Keep it up

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to Nervousrunner]

I hope to follow you and graduate thanks for the support

[Gwyrdd Graduate]

That’s my age too. No we are not too old. I had never run until lockdown started, and 60 seconds was almost too much then. I plan to run for one hour on Saturday on jujus plan. Don’t worry about overtakers, snails pass me🐌🐌🐌

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to Gwyrdd]

Thanks for your response - not sure what jujus plan is but I admire the fact you are running for an HOUR!

[61Lady Graduate]

What an achievement - you’re doing brilliantly - bet you will still be grinning tomorrow - I know I was 👏🏃‍♀️👏🏃‍♀️👏

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to 61Lady]

Thank you - it’s people like you that encourage us to keep on running!

[CaptFrey Graduate]

Go you 😁 I got overtaken by a dog walker the other morning. So funny but didn’t stop me. You are a runner now keep it up.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to CaptFrey]

Hi CaptFrey, talking about runners being overtaken by dog walkers or some walkers in general, in January 2019 I was out one of my brisk Sunday morning walks, I was aware of two runners ahead of me, but for some reason while I was walking, I was getting closer to them, they were in running mode while I was walking, then I remembered from this forum how many runners are overtaken by walkers, I didn't want to humiliate them so for about 30 seconds I started running and overtook them then resumed walking, so certainly there are many runners who are overtaken by walkers, I will be very honest about my running, I have never been overtaken by a walker.... yet🏃🏾🚶😊

[CaptFrey Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

This walker was a goddess in athleisure and even her dog was ad ready. We had a lovely chat.

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to CaptFrey]

Thanks Captain! I will endeavour to sally forth and continue

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

What a great post and a great achievement, well done Blake1921 your an inspiration to others who think they’re too old to start running, you’ve shown age is no barrier 👍 🏃‍♂️

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thanks Couchphoenix - I am determined to get that badge now

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

The same voices were in my head saying I was too old... they lied to me and they’re lying to you too.

I’ve been passed by two young women chatting and pushing buggies before now... I don’t care, I’m running!

Welcome to the forums and great job on those six weeks. You got this now, enjoy closing it out.

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Such a lovely and amusing response - thank you

[Silverfox1943 Graduate]

Keep running and enjoy it, and do it at YOUR pace, slow is best.

I started C25k late Sep 2018 age 75, and completed in 10 weeks with a weeks hol in the middle of it, which didn't cause any problems missing a week.

Continued consolidating but pushed to hard, and got injuries. Took about 4 months recovery, so just plodded along for a year, which really gave me strength.

3 months ago aged 77 started jujus 8 week plan and completed 60mins nonstop, then 2 weeks later (3weeks ago) did 10km, no probs.

If I hadn't pushed and got injured Iwould have done 10k last year, but it is a learning curve.

Running is a way of life.😎

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to Silverfox1943]

Thanks for your response and encouragement- Forgetting age, would you have dreamed that you could run 10k?

[Silverfox1943 Graduate in reply to Blake1921]

Never, but once I started jujus plan I knew I would do it, and did it in 1hr 21mins. Thought I would do 5k under 30 mins but think maybe now too old for that but you never know.

I've lost 17lbs in weight and never felt fitter, although still get out of bed with my aches and pains.ha ha. That's old age.

I make sure I always do my pre and post run exercises/stretches, that's essential.

Follow the advice and stick to the times and you will do ok. If I can help let me know.

Stay slow and stay safe.😎

[JetsNanna Graduate]

That’s amazing!! Well done 👏🏼

[Blake1921 Graduate in reply to JetsNanna]

Thanks for your encouragement