I'm a 58 year old newbie: Did my first run/walk... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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I'm a 58 year old newbie

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate
65 Replies

Did my first run/walk this morning. Didn't think I could run even for 60 seconds and I managed it. Very pleased about that. Never thought of myself as a runner before. Hope I can stick to it. It's lovely to read about everyone's progress. Looking forward to doing this.

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CressidaB profile image
CressidaB
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65 Replies
GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

We are all capable of so much more than we think! Enjoy your journey, this programme is amazing and will teach you much more than just how to run if you let it.

Do read the guide to the programme to get all the benefits with no drawbacks

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Thanks very much Jo Jo

Plumpinthenorth profile image
Plumpinthenorth in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Very well done for getting started. It’s a great programme - good luck.

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Plumpinthenorth

Thank very much for your support

Penguingirl1 profile image
Penguingirl1Graduate

Well done. I never thought of myself as a runner either but am really enjoying it. Good luck!

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Penguingirl1

Thanks so much for your encouragement and taking the time to respond. It's very kind. 😀

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

Huge well done for starting

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun

Thanks so much 😊

The program is well designed, there are times when you question your running ability, but have faith in the program, it works!

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to

Thanks so much for the encouragement, very kind of you.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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.

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks so much. Very kind of you to pass on this info.

Sisteract5 profile image
Sisteract5Graduate

Back in March I was a 56 year older newbie - very anxious and unsure of how far I would be able to go - felt like needed a lie down in dark room after first 60 seconds!! I stuck religiously to the plan, although have never found it easy. Today I have completed my consolidation run 8 ….. still not finding it easy and not trying to say ‘look at me’ but, just wanted to let you know, us 50+ can do it ——- this group got me to where I am and I continue to read it to keep me focused and motivated to keep going out. I wish you luck and enjoyment 😊

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Sisteract5

Aw that is so kind of you. Thank you so much for your encouragement. Really good to hear your success story. Makes me feel it is within my reach. Congratulations to you for doing so well 👏

Sisteract5 profile image
Sisteract5Graduate in reply to CressidaB

Thank you - stick to the plan and come back here for encouragement- the combination worked for me. Good luck 😊

Hello and wellDone on the first run! X

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to

Thanks so much for your kind words

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate

Welcome! I am 57 and completed C25k a few weeks back and yes we more mature can do it stick to the plan and you will be amazed. I didn’t come onto this forum until just before I finished but found all the info so good so definitely read everything. Make sure you warm up and warm down to prevent injuries I also did the knee strengthening exercises which were also really good.I couldn’t run for a bus a few months ago now I am running every other day 5k or there about ! Go for it 🏃‍♀️

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Wavy-chick28

Good for you and thanks so much for your encouragement and advice. It is a lovely forum!

newbie-nick profile image
newbie-nickGraduate

Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I'm just one year behind you and I did it earlier this year. Good luck, and whatever you do, do not run too fast and listen to what your body is telling you. Re-do days or weeks if you need to, and please remember that the 5K is reached by very few at W9R3. The time running is far more important. Take care, go slowly and really enjoy your running.

We are all here to support and encourage you every step of the way. Anything you are unsure of, just ask... anything, even it may sound silly, still ask. Others will be wondering about it too!

Oh, get some decent running shoes and, if you can, get a gait analysis done, at the very least, do a wet foot test [Google it].

Run, smile and enjoy being out.

As always, my favourite inspirational Youtube clip.

youtu.be/btzJUYd1BVA

Have tissues on standby!

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to newbie-nick

Very inspiring - thank you. I'm overwhelmed by all the support. Thanks so much for taking the time and caring. And congratulations for your success which is so inspiring when you are just making your first tentative steps. Can I ask what 'W9R3' means? Thanks

newbie-nick profile image
newbie-nickGraduate in reply to CressidaB

Your are most welcome, and welcome to the big world of running. W9R3 is just shorthand for week 9 run 3 - the end of the program. As I have already said, distance run is not important. The time you run for is far more so, but if your body is unhappy, don't push it. There was a lady posting on here a little while ago who graduated after 29 weeks.

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to newbie-nick

Brilliant thanks for explaining. And you're advice is most welcome. I'll try to make it 28! Haha

Frizzbomb67 profile image
Frizzbomb67Graduate

Hi 👋 and welcome. Well done for taking that first step 👏🏻👏🏻. It’s tough at the beginning but it does get easier, honest 😂 Just stick with it, go slowly and take extra rest days if you need them. You’ve got this!

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Frizzbomb67

Thanks so much for your advice and encouragement. It is very much appreciated. I've never been on the receiving end of so much positivity, its great. Thanks 😊

girlsjustwannarun profile image
girlsjustwannarunGraduate

Well done - the hardest step is getting out there and you've done that! The programme can be challenging at times but everything you do prepares you for the next step and is more than achievable! Best of luck ☺️

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to girlsjustwannarun

Yes, I feel well supported by the programme and all the lovely folk on this forum. Thanks so very much to you 😊

VWBW profile image
VWBWGraduate

Good for you, give yourself a big pat on the back for getting started. 😃

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to VWBW

Thank you so much, very kind of you

Teddybob profile image
TeddybobGraduate

Brilliant well done!I have just graduated so if I can do it anyone can

Enjoy it it’s all in the mind lol

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Teddybob

Well done you. And thanks so much for the encouragement

Frenc profile image
FrencGraduate

Super well done CressidaB, so pleased you got out there and did your 1st run 😊. It’s the start of an amazing journey and experience! Best of luck with your next run. 🏃‍♀️👍🏃‍♀️👏🏼👍🏃‍♀️

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Frenc

Thank you so much Frenc. Much appreciated. Kind regards.

Angiekel profile image
AngiekelGraduate

I'm a 55 year old newbie. Always wanted to run but could never do it. Completed the program a few weeks ago. Couldn't believe it as I struggled to run for a minute at the start. Sticking to my 30 minutes 3x a week at the moment and loving it. If I can do this, anybody can!

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Angiekel

Well done you. Am so pleased you are doing so well. You're success will help mine, I am sure. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement.

Shirley-W profile image
Shirley-WGraduate

Well done! I'm sure you you'll be fine with completing it. I'm 59 and found running for a minute difficult and couldn't imagine running for 30 minutes! I graduated a few weeks ago... The feeling is immense... You'll love it! I now run with my dogs and love it. I feel physically and mentally healthier, and as a bonus I've lost weight and my body shape has changed for the better.Good luck with the rest of the programme. You'll be great! Xxx

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Shirley-W

You are so kind thank you so much for the encouragement. Its great that so many people of our age are doing this. Really makes me feel I can do it. Congratulations on your success.

Trecha10 profile image
Trecha10Graduate

I started in March, having tried a couple of times previously to run and couldn’t do it! Going to be 60 in July and thought I got to try one more time before I reach 60!🤣🤣🤣

I completed C25K about three weeks ago! I still can’t believe I managed it. I am now doing the consolidation runs. I had some wobbles along the way, but the app and this forum made all the difference! It is super supportive!

Best of luck 🙂

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Trecha10

I am so happy for you that you did it Trecha10. Hat's off! And thanks so much for your support and encouragement. I can draw on your experience to help me keep going and that is very much appreciated.

MrsHistory profile image
MrsHistory

Morning, CressidaB and well done - getting out there in running gear three times a week is a huge success! Keep posting/reading here, everyone is so supportive. I’m in Wk 4 - the advice I like best is that no run is a fail, the only failure is giving up and going back to that old comfy couch!! Listen to your body and take your time. Good luck and welcome to the running club.

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to MrsHistory

Thanks so much for the sound advice Mrs H. Congrats to you for your achievement. No run is a failure, listen to your body and take your time. I shall try this as a mantra as I am running! Thanks again.

Runninggirl59 profile image
Runninggirl59Graduate

Well done for starting. Follow the plan, take it easy and it will change your life. It does get easier as you get fitter. Most importantly, enjoy 😉

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Runninggirl59

I love those words - it does get easier! Wonderful. Thanks so much for your encouragement.

Nohare profile image
Nohare

Well done you, this really works and I find this forum invaluable. You will amaze yourself and feel so much better for it too 😊

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Nohare

Aw, thanks so much. I will do my best. Thanks for your kindness.

Wwps profile image
WwpsGraduate

Huge well done! You’ve done the hardest first bit. Keep at it fellow runner! 🙌

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Wwps

Thank you so much. Very kind of you.

LesleyLiv profile image
LesleyLivGraduate

Brilliant, you’ll love it. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to LesleyLiv

Thanks so much. 😁

tweedrun profile image
tweedrun

I'm 52 and hadn't run since primary school. Not even for a bus. I felt awkward on the first run as it felt so alien!! However I'm now in Week 8 and am totally AMAZED that I can run for 28 mins and it's genuinely ok!!!! 😀👍. The programme is just brilliant. I've re-run a few days and will be doing it again on my next run as I've had about a week off but I know I can do it and have no fear. It's all at your own pace. Re-run as many times as you like for confidence, but the biggest boost is discovering that you CAN actually run for 5 mins, then 8 mins, then 10, THEN 20!!!! Enjoy it. It's amazing.

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to tweedrun

Wow that's a fantastic account. You have inspired me. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm looking forward to doing this. Congrats on your amazing achievement.

Charlie296 profile image
Charlie296Graduate

Well done 👏 I'm 53 and have never considered myself a runner, but just finished week 7! I repeated week 5 as wasn't feeling great for the 2nd and 3rd run but persevered.You will be amazed how quickly the weeks go by

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Charlie296

So good to hear you never considered yourself to be a runner and have done so brilliantly. Very positive. Thank you.

Cortina61 profile image
Cortina61

Well done you, I'm 60 and just started week 6.My big worry is that temps here in Turkey are high and will be in the 30s by 8am soon.

The next 3 weeks might kill me!!

Keep going, you're just a spring chicken x

Maxxxy profile image
MaxxxyGraduate

Hi well done I am similar age and just reached week 5 however it’s my 3rd C25k attempt!! I’m please to have got this far. Keep at it and run slow if you need to I found it strange to run at first because it had been so long since I’d gone faster than a purposeful walk but Now it feels natural. Best of luck- keep going R

Pink4eva profile image
Pink4evaGraduate

Hi CressidaB , well done for starting C25K. I will be 58yrs in a month and am due to do my WK6 R3 tomorrow. I never thought I would be able to run again. Hope you enjoy the course as much as I am. 😊

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Pink4eva

Thank you so much Pink4eva. I am so glad you are doing so well and really enjoying it. I hope that will be me too!

Pink4eva profile image
Pink4evaGraduate in reply to CressidaB

CressidaB ,I ‘m sure it will be, just take your time and don’t worry if you need to repeat any of the weeks. I started running outside in February but never progressed from Wk2 until the gyms opened again in April. I find it a lot easier to run on a treadmill at the moment. 😊

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate

Well done you. I hope you manage with the heat. I really hope I can do this. All this encouragement is amazing. Thanks for calling me a spring chicken!!

WorcesterMikey profile image
WorcesterMikey

Good luck fellow 58 year old. I was a heavy smoker/drinker and now run at least a 5k most days. Just remember a bit of perseverance on any less motivated days. Well done for starting.

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to WorcesterMikey

Thanks very much for your support fellow 58 year old. Much appreciated.

Karis28 profile image
Karis28Graduate

Welcome CressidaB I’m 57 and just about to start week 4 run 1. Didn’t think I’d get passed the first week!! Totally enjoying it and this group has some great advice (my bedtime reading every night now lol) look forward to hearing about your journey.

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Karis28

Thanks very much Karis28. So great to hear you're doing so well and enjoying it so much. Thanks for being so kind.

Tuscanygirl666 profile image
Tuscanygirl666

I'm a 58 year old Newbie too I started day after my birthday last week. Am loving it!!

CressidaB profile image
CressidaBGraduate in reply to Tuscanygirl666

Well done you 👏 👍 😀

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