Mature runner

[Lola-bear]

Hello I am new to running and just started week 2 and feeling quite good. Anyone else started this process at 60? My friends think I’ve lost the plot.

[Skyblueandblack Graduate]

You are certainly far for being the eldest currenty running C25K.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

in the guide you will find mention of an 83 year old graduate........you are a youngster.

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.

[Lola-bear Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, goodness 83 that is amazing. Thank you for the link too

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on starting C25K, no you have not lost the plot, your friends are just a little envious of you, many runners start the course in their 60's, take all the runs slowly, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish to, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, no running on consecutive days as that could cause a injury.

[Lola-bear Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you so much

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Yup. I started at 59 with the intention of being able to run 5k by my 60th birthday. I overshot the mark by running 10k on my 60th. I'm now coming up for 61, I've run two half marathons so far and I run regularly every other day. I fully intend to still be doing that when I'm 70.

I recognise your comment about the reactions of others. When I gave up work, people kept asking me what I was going to do 'now I was retired.' When I said 'run', I had so many well meaning but negative comments. I'm afraid my reaction was, 'watch this'. Now I actually feel younger and fitter than I did when I was 50!

Having said that, my advice would be to respect your age. I followed the programme to the letter, never took any notice of my pace and always left two days to recover between runs. It's very doable, even for people much older than us. Just go for it - you won't regret it. Good luck!

[NotPrime in reply to Speedy60]

I’d echo these helpful comments, which very much chime with my experience of starting 3 years ago at 64.

Give it a go it may well add some unexpected fun to your life.

[Lola-bear Graduate in reply to NotPrime]

Thank you that did indeed give me inspiration and well done you

[Lola-bear Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Well done that’s fabulous and just what I need to hear, yes I am sticking to the plan but listening to my body too.

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Lola-bear]

Do it! 👍

[Woody_53 Graduate]

Just restarted the program and I'm 67. I'm about to go for run 2 week 2.

[Lola-bear Graduate in reply to Woody_53]

Well done you and thank you for your reply it’s very inspiring

[kiely1961 in reply to Lola-bear]

You to keep going forward

[kiely1961]

I'm 59 and start 1 year ago but every time I get to week 7 I have to start over im back at week 3 run 2 and it's good so far

[heatybob Graduate in reply to kiely1961]

Awesome that you have the mindset to start again,keep at it and picture the elation when you complete the programme,V well done.

[Woody_53 Graduate in reply to kiely1961]

I got to W5 R3 last year before a back problem recurred. I couldn't get osteopathy because I wasn't front line or acute so had to pause. Just done W2 R2 and feeling confident that I'll graduate, even if not in 9 weeks. I'm certainly never going to give up trying.

[kiely1961 in reply to Woody_53]

Well done keep at it it's taken me a whole year and I'm back at week 3 good luck

[Hidden]

I started in January and graduated just over a week ago. I'll be 70 in September. Just take it nice and easy and you'll be amazed at what you can do. I hadn't run since school (I left in 1968 )

[kiely1961 in reply to Hidden]

Well done

[newbie-nick Graduate]

Not 60, but 5% less at 57. Two pieces of advice, if I may be so bold: Listen and pay attention to what others say - especially IannodeTruffe - and GO SLOWLY. It isn't a race, and time running is much, much more important and relevant than distance run.

[rayvinloon]

Hiya, I was 63 and started late last year, haven't managed to complete yet as had a couple of calf strains but am really enjoying it and wished I had started years ago, good luck and no you aren't mad

[Shirley-W Graduate]

Thank you for posting this, as yours, and all the others' stories have inspired me to continue. I am 60 this year and starting week 4 day today. I can't imagine continuous running for 5 minutes! The problem is I'm quite competitive (even with myself! 😂) and the comment about not mattering how far you run but keeping going really helped.I wish you well in the rest of the programme. Xxx

[Karen-Eleanor]

I’m 56 and have only just started running to try to increase bone density. I a fused spine and arthritis in my neck. I’ve just managed to complete my first 5km in about 45 minutes. Good luck.

[Lola-bear Graduate in reply to Karen-Eleanor]

Very well done

[Frenc Graduate]

Well done for starting Mature runner! As for losing the plot, you’re in very, very good company 😆. Best of luck, you can do this 😀👏🏼🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️.

[lexiemcd Graduate]

Just go for it !! 60 isn't old at all - unless you want to feel old that is ! Follow the advice on this forum and you'll be fine . Your friends will be so envious and some may even follow in your (running) footsteps. I was 68 when I graduated - 3 years ago. Good Luck🏃‍♀️

[Meanmommab Graduate]

Hi,I started when I was 61 and had always said I wasn't a runner! I had a hiccup along the way in that I injured my calf and stopped running for 2 months but got back to it and graduated at 62.

Lesson learnt was to make sure I stretch before and after the runs as well as doing the warm up walks. Usually is still an effort to get out there but I feel so much better when I do. You haven't lost the plot you are extending your life as well as the quality of the life you can live if you believe 'The Miracle Pill' which has got to be good. Go for it!

[Raisemeup Graduate]

You are definitely not too ' mature' to start running. You are quite young compared to even more 'mature' runners including myself. If you are young in spirit then staying on the sofa will not be for you. Unfortunately, some friends may decide to take their place on the sofa and a sedentary lifestyle , but don't be beguiled into joining them. Once they see how good running is for you and what you can achieve, they may be joining you. Maybe you could find a running buddy who will share your new found running joy and encourage you to keep going.

You need to take on board all the injury free running tips, but so does everyone of any age.

Forget the number and just see what your body allows you to do - you'll probably be pleasantly surprised.

Best wishes ☺️

[Lola-bear Graduate in reply to Raisemeup]

Thank you for your positivity it really inspires me

[Tonym182 Graduate]

Hi,Yes, I did. It actually took me 12 weeks to get to 5K but the secret is to run slowly. My initial 5K time was 38min 7 months ago - today it was 31:30 so things do get better. Good Luck - Tony

[Littlesnowflake Graduate]

I started running as a way to do some cardio during lockdown when the gym was closed. Although I'd always walked a lot, I'd never been a runner. I always said my dodgy knees wouldn't take it!

How wrong was I! My knees are actually stronger though I do exercises for my knees to keep my quads etc strong and supportive.

I graduated last November aged 67 and will be 68 next month. I'm still running 3 times a week and absolutely love it. I would also reiterate all the advice on here about not trying to run fast (5k in 30 minutes). Just keep going, and enjoy your journey.

[Tom-cat Graduate]

I commenced the c25k programme with a local running group at 61 years. The last time I ran was in my teens. Having completed the programme, I suffered an unrelated injury and had 12 months without any running. I decided some company would prove the motivation to run the programme again. I posted my intention on our village FB community page hoping someone might put themselves forward. I was taken aback when 6 ladies decided to join me to take on the challenge. That was September last year. They have all completed many 5k runs now. I've gained the momentum, running with someone to carry on to now run a 10k weekly plus two 5k+ runs.. Running with another is a HUGE help.

[ReesSteve Graduate]

I started 9 weeks ago at the ripe old age of 59. Now I’m 60 and can run 5k 😊

[Ruthwuth]

Yes, like many others I started at age 63 and had never jogged in my life. Not a sporty person nor aerobically fit. In my case, a diagnosis of high blood pressure and fear pushed me into exercising my heart! Sad to say, 7 months later, my blood pressure is still high, but I can now run for thirty minutes and may reach the elusive 5 k one day. I’m still not sure I enjoy it, but I do at least two runs a week. That sounds rather negative but that’s me!

Enjoy your runs!

[Fitnesschaser]

Hi, I think it's brilliant that you have started!! You definitely haven't lost the plot. I am 67 and just finished Week 1, so if you have lost the plot what would people say about me!! Lol. Just keep going and be proud of yourself, I am.