Am I too old?

[Rogo10]

I’m pretty fit! I do Les Mills RPM, Sprint, Body Pump etc but tried to do C25K last April/May when we were stuck at my daughters in Australia, unable to get a flight home. I found it really hard, but it was too warm!!!! Would like to give it another go but am really nervous. I’m 72 and wondering is it really worth it? I’m overweight (10-14 pounds) and even with the exercise I do, obviously eat more than I should! Should I just carry on as I am or try running again? It’s quite hilly where I live which is also putting me off!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Ooo definitely try again, as we get older it gets more important to get moving Don’t think of it as a race though, run really slowly and plan on an extra day or two recovery, really slow running can be slower than brisk walking, i’m 65 and can now run for more than an hour after the first few one minute runs seemed impossible

[Rogo10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks! I’m really nervous but I can always repeat days . It’s a case of suck it up! Not going to be easy to start with I know.

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Rogo10]

Be positive and enjoy being out there, it is hard but more achievable if taken slow, I’m looking forward to your progress reports

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Rogo10]

All the repetition you need is built into the programme, it's clever like that!

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Hello Rogo10, it sounds like you're more than fit enough (I think being able to walk briskly for 30 mins is the benchmark) . Who knows whether you'll enjoy it? There's only one way to find out!

The weather's just about perfect now, so it's a good time to try.

I guess you'll have to pick out the flattest route possible and go super slow up the hills.

I also do aerobics and cycling but I'm really enjoying the simplicity of running outdoors.

Good luck 👍🏼

[Rogo10 in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

You’re right! Only one way to find out!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

No, it is really important people don't use being able to walk briskly for 30 minutes as the benchmark for being able to start the programme. I would still be waiting to be 'ready' almost 9 years after completing C25K (and 9 years of running)

[drun]

Rogo10 There is no need to be nervous you have taken the first step - well done. This post has some really useful information including how age isn't an issue and how an 83 year old completed the C25K.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Good Luck and keep us posted 😀

[Rogo10 in reply to drun]

I certainly will. Thanks for the link.

[Devon_straggler Graduate]

I also live in a hilly area! My experience has taught me to take care coming down the hills as the impact on your legs is greater, so just bear it in mind and try to land gently (or run off-road). Also, I read somewhere 'equal effort, not equal speed' when going uphill - it makes a lot of sense and means that I can manage moderate uphills ok now. But I definitely think you should try it - nothing ventured nothing gained! And keep checking in here for motivation, tips etc... you may soon be hooked!

[Rogo10 in reply to Devon_straggler]

Thank you. Good advice! I would like to be hooked but it’s hard to visualise at the moment!!!😂

[Devon_straggler Graduate in reply to Rogo10]

I doubted that I could run - I'd tried in the past and always failed. But this forum showed me I was just trying to go too fast and build up too quickly. It's not been an easy journey, and I have had a fair few injuries on the way, but I love the little milestones. I suggest you don't look too far ahead and worry about the later weeks, just enjoy the success of achieving the one minute runs, then the 90 s runs etc... once you find the easy pace (rather than the fast pace that most of us try to start C25k at!), the longer times seem a bit more achievable... and then you're hooked. So you have been warned - start at your peril 😉

[Rogo10 in reply to Devon_straggler]

🤞🤞

[Runfattie]

Hi there, don't give up, give it a try! My mum and dad have started and they're both in there 70s. Now your back home it should be a more comfortable heat to run in. Also If it's quite hilly where you are, why not find a relatively flat stretch and use that to go back and forth on to start? It doesn't say anywhere that you have to run a circuit or special route! Then if after a few weeks you're having troubles you can reassess. My friend does all the Les mills classes but struggles at running. It's a whole different form of cardio. Just remember go very slow to start... Very slow

[Rogo10 in reply to Runfattie]

Thanks! Giving it a go this morning. I hadn’t thought of running back and forth!!!! Derrrrr!!

[NeverFeltSoGood in reply to Rogo10]

I do it all the time. Back and forth back and forth. Anyone watching must be killing themselves 🤣😂😅 but I’m up to week 7 at last. So I guess the last laugh is on them.

[Woody_53 Graduate]

I had to stop last year because of a recurrence of a back problem which coincided with lockdown and no osteopath appointments. I restarted recently (completed W4R1 yesterday) and it's definitely worth it (when you've done it!). I'm 67 and have some vascular problems from years of smoking, but I m determined to graduate this time. I now live on Gozo which is up hill and down dale. The first attempt at W1R1 was painful, but I've now managed to find a route with no serious inclines. Think of how wonderful it feels when you complete a run: that's what keeps me going. I want to have some serious running fitness within six months and maybe try an Olympic triathlon.

[Rogo10 in reply to Woody_53]

Wow! Good luck!! Thanks for the encouragement

[Woody_53 Graduate in reply to Rogo10]

I feel reasonably confident about the swim and the cycling, but the prospect of "running" 10km terrifies me. Just keep trying to reach for the next star!

[coolfemme Graduate]

Absolutely, I started last fall, in the rainy damp, mild BC🇨🇦 winter at 73. Fairly fit, not overly lean🤪, never really ran any distance since school. I graduated in Jan with 3.5k in 30mins. Stopped 5 weeks for surgery, started again at week 4 and working my way back, week 7 now. Re-doing any part is fine, flat ground preferred😀. You can do it too😀 🏃🏻‍♀️

[Rogo10 in reply to coolfemme]

I can! Just need to believe!!!

[Knitruntalk Graduate]

Yes, you can do this. I completed C25K nearly 2 years ago but it took me almost 9 months to complete, not 9 weeks. I repeated some weeks and could only manage 2 runs a week, but it worked. The best advice I had was to run slowly. What you consider slow running is probably not slow enough. There is a useful video online about the Japanese slow running technique.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the journey.

BTW I also find running in the heat a struggle so end up getting up really early in the summer to run before it gets too hot. It has the advantage of being quiet and you should get to see some beautiful sunrises.

[Rogo10 in reply to Knitruntalk]

Mm! Getting up early will be a challenge 😂 in the summer much easier and not so cold and damp hopefully! In the UK summer it is lovely early morning . I’ve just got into lockdown habit of going to bed late and getting up late! THAT needs to change!

[Jensmuse]

If you have to take it super slow and also repeat weeks it doesn’t matter. It can take longer than the 9 week to complete the steps. It’s not a competition you can definitely do it! Good luck!

[Rogo10 in reply to Jensmuse]

Just waiting for my Tesco delivery then I’m off!!! Taking in all the advice offered here! Thank you all so much !

[Mittymoo Graduate]

I love that you are thinking of giving it a go. It’s an inspiration for me for when I’m a little older thanks !

[Amoola83 Graduate]

It’s also quite hilly where I live, so it’s definitely a challenge to find flat ground. I mostly run down the hill and use the walking sections to go back up. Someone recommended Japanese slow jogging to me and I found it a game changer! Definitely keep trying and go at your own pace. Good luck. ☺️💪

[alpacagirl Graduate in reply to Amoola83]

Yes, Amoola83 that’s what I did in the early weeks! Now I am running all the time I just slow right down on the uphill slopes.

[Amoola83 Graduate in reply to alpacagirl]

Same! I ran mostly downhill to the very end of a loooong road today and figured I may as well go slowly back up the hill, as I needed to go in that direction to get home anyway. 😆

[Raisemeup Graduate]

Hi Rogo, I'm certainly hoping to be running in my 70's after starting in my mid 60s! I'm running around 7k now since starting C25k in September and enjoying it. I've since heard of many people in their 70s running and doing really well. Some of those have started overweight and also found they lost weight as time went on.You can always check with your doctor too if you have concerns..

I'd say it's most important to get a well fitting running shoe that suits your foot and it's well worth getting an analysis to find the right shoe for your gait.

Let us know how you go! Best wishes ☺️

[Rogo10 in reply to Raisemeup]

Well! I’ve done it and don’t feel bad at all. I took everyone’s advice . Went slow and found a flat ish run!! Thank you everyone! Thursday no 2!

[Raisemeup Graduate in reply to Rogo10]

I'm not at all surprised Rogo, I just looked at Les Mills site and it all looks a bit serious! You're probably quite fit already and that will be a good help to you - well done for starting

[Rogo10 in reply to Raisemeup]

My daughter is a Les Mills instructor so I started exercising about 20 years ago. I’m still not as fit as I could be . I love my food too much and I procrastinate sometimes!!! But this site is just what I need to keep me going! I used to try and keep up with the young ones which worked until I got to 60+ then I just fell off the wagon! Still do some classes online but it’s not the same as I don’t have people around to keep me going! So thank you for your input! I’ve tried C25K before and failed miserably but I want to do park runs when they start up again!

[Grannie49]

Hiya. I started C25K last August. I was 71 then and a bit overweight. I am now 72 and mostly running 3 times a week. I hate hills even little ones but they are easier now. I have lost weight and have felt really pleased to keep going. Once I got going I have loved the Nike running app. It gives great advice about going slow very slow at the beginning of a run. Listen to your body. Every day is a new and different starting line etc. Do try again. Very good luck.

[Silverstar44 Graduate]

Hi,Yes definitely give it a go, just go slowly, u can do it!

[Rogo10 in reply to Silverstar44]

I did do it this morning! Surprised myself !! Took everyone’s advice and it worked! Thank you

[Silverstar44 Graduate in reply to Rogo10]

Great glad it worked for you! Keep it up!

[BirdersMum Graduate]

I started the programme last March age 69. Took it easy, repeating runs if necessary. Finally graduated in August and still run 3 times a week for 30 minutes. Give it a go. You can run as slowly as you want/need to! Good luck!

[Rogo10 in reply to BirdersMum]

Can’t imagine running for 30 mins at the moment! But I will get there!

[Felixia Graduate]

Hi there, I would definitely have another go but don't push yourself too hard. Take a nice slow and steady pace and eventually you will get there. Nobody says you have to complete this 5K at a certain time. We are all different individuals. Good luck!

[ps12345]

Don't give up! I did C25K at 68 and have found the following works for me (and I have a steep hill to go anywhere!) Only run between 5 and 20 degrees; pre-run exercises every day and cool-down exercises after each run; wear all the correct gear; fast beat music; very small food, wait 1/2 hour, lots of water. Good luck!!!

[Rogo10 in reply to ps12345]

Thanks for the advice I’m not good at remembering pre and post stretches!

[TheAwfulToad]

Never too old!

You don't sound seriously overweight (that is, it's unlikely to preclude running) and in any case excess flab is more to do with what you eat than how much. If you have a sweet tooth or eat meals that are mostly stodge (bread, pasta, potatoes etc) then that'll be the problem.

If you can't run, don't be embarrassed to walk. Interval training (periods of walking interspersed with periods of high-intensity running) are extremely effective at improving overall performance.

[Rogo10 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

HiNo I’m not seriously overweight! Maybe just under a stone would be good to lose. I find it very hard to say no to wine , deserts , cheese etc! I do exercise regularly and walk every day but this weight won’t budge because I can’t say no! Bit feeble really but that’s why I’m game for any exercise to take my mind off food!