To late to start running

[Bigbea]

I would like to try and run the 5k is it ok to have a go at 63 or is that to late to start I walk 5k every day but never ran in my life

[Magellan Graduate]

Go for it! Take it at your own pace, and regardless of age slower is better for your first few months of running. You’ll be glad you did it.

Welcome aboard. 😃

[Indielass00 Graduate]

Hi Big bea and welcome! It’s never too late to start running. There are people of all ages on here. Main thing is just take it a steady pace on the running sections and make sure you have a rest day or two after your run day. You can also repeat some weeks, if you find a particular week difficult.Best of luck, you will enjoy it I’m sure! 🏃‍♀️👍🏻😀

[Bigbea in reply to Indielass00]

I was told running is bad for my joints I am better off walking is this true

[Indielass00 Graduate in reply to Bigbea]

For any medical advice it’s best to ask your GP.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Bigbea]

Hi Bigbea , welcome! As Indielass00 says, if you have health issues or concerns then check with a medical professional before you start.

However, if it's just someone saying "Oh, I've heard running's bad for your joints, blah blah blah "then ignore that, they're misinformed. Research indicates that running is more likely to have a protective effect on knee joints than to damage them. And for me personally - I'm a 60 year old woman - running has reduced joint pain because I've become stronger and fitter (and lost 10% of my initial body weight too.)

Read the guide in the posts by Oldfloss and IannodaTruffe , and then get out there. Happy running!

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Bigbea]

No, I don't believe it is. There are studies showing that, as long as you don't have pre existing problems, running is actually good for your joints. Exercise keeps the joints lubricated - it's sitting on the couch that does the damage. I'm 60, I started running at 59 because I retired early and got fed up with people assuming I would spend my time doing coffee mornings and knitting. (I would give anything to go to a coffee morning now - tier 3 here. 😔) Running has changed my life for the better. I'm fitter than I was 10 years ago!

As long as you take it slowly, read up all the advice and respect that you are asking quite a lot of your body, you will be fine. My concession to age on couch to 5k was to always leave two days between runs, rather than one. I think as we get older, it takes longer for our bodies to adapt. It took me a few weeks longer to graduate, but I did so with no injuries and haven't looked back since. Go for it, it will change your life. Good luck 👍

[SlowRun17 Graduate]

Good luck Bigbea.

I'm 64, started the C25K back in July and yesterday did my first week 9 run so I'm nearly there after 5 months.

My advice is take your time and stretch a lot.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SlowRun17]

Very well done you! I am 70 and still loving it!

[flywell123 Graduate]

You are never too old. Age is just a number. Take your time, go steady. Careful of ice patches but.... Go for it! 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to flywell123]

It is indeed... in my case a BIG number...but, just a number

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

We started at 63 so not too late at all, just take it slow and have fun

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

And so say all of us x

[Bigbea]

Thanks everyone will start today will let you know how I feel later

[nowster Graduate in reply to Bigbea]

Do read the guides. You're not trying to run a 4 minute mile. A gentle slow jog is ample.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hi there. Welcome!

It is NEVER too late!

I started at 65 and this week, celebrate my five year Runniversary. I did my first Half Marathon last year... this year's was of course cancelled. 🙃

Do, please, read the FAQ post on how to run C25K... there is a wealth of information there to take you every step of the way.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Slow and steady is the mantra... your own pace and your way.

Some strength and stamina work on some of your et days is useful too. Walking is a great way to keep moving an there are loads of ideas on our sister site, the Strength and Flex forum

Keep posting for incredible support and advice

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on wanting to improve your fitness.In the guide you will see mentioned an 83 year old graduate...............

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.

[Skyblueandblack Graduate]

Go for it; I've got a few years on you and just completed W4. While I used to run, I hadn't done for around thirty five years.

[Pete9122 Graduate]

Go for it. I started C25K in July aged 61. Previous to that I'd never exercised for about 30 odd years & was a proper couch potato. Take it at your own pace and see how you get on. If you're really concerned about your joints then do get some medical advice before you start. Good luck with everything. Take care