During lockdown I completed Couch to 5k. Then I ran three times a week reducing my 5k time to 32:30. Not bad for a 73 year old.
However did I feel good running? No it was always very hard word work. Did I feel healthier as a result? No just the same as before. I am sure there are internal medical benefits but I will now look for some exercise I can enjoy!
Exercise should be enjoyable - that way it's sustainable. Running should not be a chore - it isn't for everyone.
Good for you for completing C25K and well done on getting your 5k time down to 32:30 - amazing for a 73 yr old novice!
The fact that you are motivated to look for an alternative form of exercise just shows what a great attitude you have.
Good luck!
PS when you find what you're looking for, can you come back and tell us what it was? 
In sorry that you feel like that, especially as you have been so successful! I’m sure that there were health benefits if you were running 3 times a week.
Before you decide completely against running, why not try running really slowly? When I first started doing this, it was a revelation. It wasn’t hard, didn’t take much effort at all and the first time I ran for 60 minutes, I stopped (because my time was up!) and I wasn’t even out of breath! Running slowly gave me time to enjoy it, to look around while I was running, to enjoy the scenery, without any pressure on what distance I was going to achieve, or what my pace would be. Might be worth a try.
‘Really slowly’ is running at an ‘easy conversational’ pace. Sometimes it’s hard to do that at first, but it’s so worth it.
I'd say that's a brilliant time for any aged runner. I'm 60 and that time is within a few seconds of my personal best. However, I don't run for speed. I go out to get my heart pumping, clear my head and enjoy the outdoors. Chasing speed kills the enjoyment for me, maybe it has for you too. 🤷♀️
As John says, exercise should be fun. If it's not, try something else. Like many other people, I dusted off my bike in lockdown - absolutely hated it. I doubt I'll ever get on it again, and I'm deciding whether to sell it. There are no prizes for doing something you don't like. I hope you find a new groove soon. 👍
Well done, but to get the best health benefits just run at an easy conversational pace, which makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.
Slow runners live longer womensrunning.com/culture/s....
Sorry to read this !
But agree, whatever excersise you do needs to be enjoyable, like has been said already , just try slowing it down before you give up on it !
The time you mention for your 5k PB is also my PB (give or take a few seconds) and I am 63 .
But I am certainly not in any hurry to get to beat that .
I find that my slower runs are the more enjoyable.
Just try it before you give it up !
