Starting Couch to 5K aged 61

[Onyva]

After a 7 year break, I've started again. Are there any people as old as me starting out? I've just completed week 2 and am looking forward to week 3.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hello and welcome ,And yes, there are loads of people a similar age and older !

I started last May at age 63 😁

[Onyva Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

That's really encouraging. Thanks for replying.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Onyva]

Your very welcome , enjoy the program and post here about your progress .There is always support on this forum 😁👍

[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 and we have runners of all ages on this forum.

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.

[Blossom- Graduate]

Hey, I'm 66 started when I was only 65. Never looked back. The programme is magic. You'll be graduating in no time! Enjoy your journey 🙂

[Doris8 Graduate]

Enjoy your couch 25km from someone older 😀

[Snail61 Graduate]

I'm 61 and graduated recently in spite of not running since I discovered the internal combustion engine in the year of our lord 1975. All the best for the rest of C25K. 👍

[Skyblueandblack Graduate]

I started about last November age 65 having not run in around 35 years.Now on W7 but I had to take time out on W4 for around 6 weeks as the result of knee impact injuries.

[Hidden]

you are just a baby, I started last August at age of 68. On my last week now!! its took a little longer than most folks, but Im in there at the end now!!!👍😆

[Onyva Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Fabulous! Well done.

[Hidden in reply to Onyva]

Thank you

[kiely1961]

Hi onyvaI'm 60 this year I have tried doing c to 5 k last year and got to week 7 but found the run to much and start back at week one and now I'm on week 3 and enjoying it more good luck to you

[dijep Graduate]

I started last February at the as of 61. Apart from yoga and dog walking I hadn't done any other exercise since school, but I now run twice a week and do some sort of strength exercises daily. These forums are brilliant for support, information and celebration.My advice would be listen to your body and take more rest days if you need them.

Good luck 😃

[NorfolkLass Graduate]

Hi Onyva. You are not too old. I am 65 and hubby 64 we have both started C25K again this week. We did complete it during the first lockdown but fell off the wagon over winter. Good luck with your journey

[markbrom Graduate]

A year younger and started out in January. I’m slow but enjoying it.

[MisterJawaid]

Hi, yep I'm the same age and completed week 9 a while back and now run 5k+ three times a week and really enjoy it. Stick with it!

[Onyva Graduate in reply to MisterJawaid]

That's very inspiring. Thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi Onyva! I started here in 2015 I think it was. Anyway did my first ever park run 2015 aswell as race for life. I’m 63 now and still running . I try to run three times a week. I’ve never looked back and still enjoy getting out there it’s fab! . This forum has great support .

Enjoy your journey!👍😀😀

[Oldwoman65 Graduate]

Welcome to this amazing program. I started last February just before my 65 birthday. Never run before or did any keep fit things, only yoga for 20 years. I completed the program but then had a foot injury during lockdown. Managed to see a foot specialist. After a rest of a few weeks started shuffling again on week 4 but found it quite easy. So skipped to week 6 and carried on again. I've been shuffling with Michael Johnson ever since, I just love his voice! Some days l really enjoy my early morning shuffle and get to 5k, some days I just do 30 minutes. Hope you enjoy your journey. I'm looking forward to doing a park run. I've only ever been my own. Good luck, take it slowly

[Redpenguins Graduate]

I started in February a week before my 61st birthday and am now on Week7, which I don’t quite believe! It’s a very clever programme, just jog gently and enjoy it😎. I’m taking two day breaks between runs now which seems to help with the sore knees and hips I was getting around Week 4. You can definitely do this!

[Onyva Graduate in reply to Redpenguins]

Thanks so much for your message of encouragement.

[Overthehil911]

A squash/racquet ball player for many years. Lockdown encouraged me to start C25K. Just about to finish week 6. Got to look after my knees(!) but will definitely be completing the course and beyond. I’m loving it. So keep it up and good luck. Oh I’m 64!

[Raisemeup Graduate]

And another!...... started last September in my late 60s, graduated November and now running 7k ish. I hadn't run since school days, although have walked and gone to exercise class.I'm amazed what my body can still do, and I've respected it and ran according to all the good advice.

You shouldn't worry too much about age just take it sensibly and you'll be fine and, above all, when you've found your feet, enjoy!

Best wishes ☺️

[runbean]

Hi, I am 68 and just started week 2. It's never to late to start!

[Onyva Graduate in reply to runbean]

Good for you!

[Nilsam Graduate]

Hi I am 61 and restarted for the 3rd time. It is a great programme. Don't worry about speed just aim for 30 mins of running. 👍🏻

[Annthepan Graduate]

Hi there, yes I'm 61 too and started after Christmas, now on week 8. It's hard going sometimes but then you get a good run which makes it all worthwhile. Lovely on these sunny mornings, hope we get lots more soon. Good luck

[Runninggirl59 Graduate]

Yep, now 60 and started last year having never run before in my life. I absolutely love it!

[ReesSteve Graduate]

60 here and have just completed it

[Pollywobble]

Hi there I'm 68 on W6R2 really enjoying it. Keep at it. It gets easier not harder.

[Onyva Graduate]

Thanks so much for your encouragement. I've just done Wk3R2 and am overjoyed with being able to do this again.