Hello. I’ve only discovered this group this week though I’m on week 5 with the last run of the week planned for tomorrow.
No problems so far but before I took on C25k, I had reservations about being over 60 and not having run at all for at least 12 years.
I googled for information, coaching vlogs mostly, but it all seemed to suggest 50+ is the beginning of being over the hill. I didn’t find anything specific to 60+.
Well, I’ve satisfied myself over the hill ain’t true but I am still interested if any 60+ runners have advice on anything to watch out for, the unexpected, specific to our age group, especially going forward with the programme.
cheers!
Written by
Ian5K
Graduate
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Well, I'm 63, and started the program end of May this year, I graduated early August and have now managed 5 or 6 x 5K runs, a run of 1 hour also which covered 7.25k.
The only Running' I hàve ever done prior to this was on a treadmill at a gym when I gave up smoking 23 years ago !
I had a moment a couple of months before beginning this course when my grandson urged me to have a go on his new trampoline. I was only bouncing for 30 secs when my knees felt like they were on fire! I climbed off, of course, but it made me think.
But no problems with the running so far, thank goodness.
My problem is thinking I’m still fit as at 25, reminding myself I’m not. 😳
Age is no barrier to getting fitter - you can do this - just listen to your body take the programme at your pace - it works ✅ we can all testify to that 😃👍. There’s many of us older runners on here, myself included ( I’d never run even at school). I started this programme in April, graduated in July and I’m still going out running. It’s a fantastic forum everyone is so supportive and helpful - so far so good 😊 just take it slow and steady 🏃🏼♀️🏃♂️🐌
Welcome and welcome again from a 64 year old who is now the fittest she has ever been in her life. This has been a game changer for me, don’t let anyone put you off because of your age.
It has completely changed all parts of my life in a very positive way. My only advice, which I adhere to on every outing is to listen to your body and it will tell you how quick, slow, long or short you are able to go. Also remember getting out to exercise in any fashion is always better than sitting on the couch. Good luck for your future running.
Brilliant! You haven't run for 12 years? A lot of us, me included, have virtually never run! I didn't run if I could help it at school either! Whilst I kept fit in many ways, I started the programme just before my 60th birthday, and am fitter than I've ever been I think!
So don't think about your age, just go for it - slow and steady!
and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.
I am 64 and have been running for seven years.
Once you get into your sixties you can expect a physical decline which is totally natural, but we have had an 83 year old graduate in the past, so it need not be an issue.
Recovery times are longer as we age and the ability to transport oxygen around the body diminishes and testosterone levels reduce, making the repair and building of muscle slower than when younger.
Just keep the body working. My philosophy is that if you do something every day you will be able to do it every day.
I always say that the advantage of not being athletic in my youth is that I don't notice any deterioration over the years! Having completed W9R3 this morning, I am most definitely fitter in my seventies than I was then. I've also got much more staying power. I certainly was never able to run.
I got through the programme with no problems other than removing the skin from one knee after tripping over a tree root in Week 6! So being over 60 shouldn't be any handicap at all.
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Encouragment needed for W4 start! 
Just getting started...
Not a great start to week 8☹️
So glad I started this
A cheeky 5k, to start the day.
