70’s +

[Bracken2018]

I have a question for the over 70’s. I graduated last April , and have kept up my three runs a week every week, managing between 5 & 7 K per run . My average 5k time - 39 mins.

During late January , February I began to struggle a little , and changed to running every third day, ( giving me two rest days).

March arrives , all is good. However , I had to take this week off ( have missed three runs) , due to a commitment which will last (12 weeks minimum).

I’m still working, and hope with the lighter evening I can run later in the day .

My question : beside taking it slow , have others taken time off ( a week) and managed to get back into your pace / rhythm ?

Thanks 🐾

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As stated in the guide to the plan, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you lose no significant condition in the first two weeks of non running.

After that loss of condition is gradual.

All any of us can do after a lay off is to go out and see what we can comfortably manage, then build back up gently, using C25k or something similar as a guide to weekly increase.

[Bracken2018 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your support and good info.

I’m hoping there’s a few 70 + out there , who get to read and reply to this too.

[Rennur Graduate in reply to Bracken2018]

I think a few of us were off for a week or even more during the bad weather last month. Having an extra day's rest is wise.

[Cmoi Graduate]

Although I'm only 60, not 70, I'll respond anyway Bracken2018 .

I graduated C25K at the end of June 2020, and had two enforced weeks off at the start ofJanuary 2021 due to snow and ice. Although I didn't get back to previous pace immediately, and initiallyfound things quite difficult, I then improved. In fact all my PBs (up to 10 miles) were set this past week. Some weeks I run quite a lot, others not so much - depends on work and weather.

So yes, I'd say no reason why you can't get back into things. Happy running!

[Mars56 Graduate]

Hi, I’m just a few years younger than you, just a few! I’d got up to week 9 run 3, some days seemed fine and some really hard going but I was thrilled to have got to the end. I then had surgery mid January and took 4 weeks to recover, I started back week 6 and I’m about to do run 3 week 7. I seem to be managing the runs ok again, and I’ve completed the two 25 minute runs slowly but no stopping 🙌 This seems to have worked for me. It’s such a wonderful thing to have learnt to run at a later stage in my life and I can’t wait to be able to effortlessly run 5k regularly. You’re inspiring to have kept going since last April, I just hope I will have the same commitment

[Bracken2018 Graduate in reply to Mars56]

Hello Mars56,

Well it’s not been easy . When I first started I had to wear a knee support on both knees .

I can state , I gave them up after 6 months

I don’t run for speed , I run for heart fitness , and my personal health .

At 70 , I’m greedy, and want to remain fit and well for many years ahead .

And, have a stubborn mind set too , I have no intention of being sick or needy regardless of my arthritis and shoulder oops .

I truly appreciate the time you took out of your day to reply to me .

I haven’t run for a week now, so tomorrow my runners are going out for a 5K

Thank you again sister runner 🏃‍♀️

[Mars56 Graduate]

Wonderful!

[Mars56 Graduate]

....and I want to remain fit, well and keep up my heart fitness too x