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!
Am I too old? : I’m pretty fit! I do Les Mills... - Couch to 5K
Am I too old?
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
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 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 😀
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!
Thank you. Good advice! I would like to be hooked but it’s hard to visualise at the moment!!!😂
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 😉
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
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.
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😀 🏃🏻♀️
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.
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!
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 !
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. ☺️💪
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.
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 ☺️
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!
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
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!
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.
Hi,Yes definitely give it a go, just go slowly, u can do it!
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!
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!
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!!!
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.
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!