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.
I'm a 58 year old newbie: Did my first run/walk... - Couch to 5K
I'm a 58 year old newbie
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
Well done. I never thought of myself as a runner either but am really enjoying it. Good luck!
The program is well designed, there are times when you question your running ability, but have faith in the program, it works!
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.
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 😊
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 🏃♀️
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.
Have tissues on standby!
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
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.
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!
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 ☺️
Good for you, give yourself a big pat on the back for getting started. 😃
Brilliant well done!I have just graduated so if I can do it anyone can
Enjoy it it’s all in the mind lol
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. 🏃♀️👍🏃♀️👏🏼👍🏃♀️
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!
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
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 🙂
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.
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 😉
Well done you, this really works and I find this forum invaluable. You will amaze yourself and feel so much better for it too 😊
Huge well done! You’ve done the hardest first bit. Keep at it fellow runner! 🙌
Brilliant, you’ll love it. 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
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.
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
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
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
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. 😊
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!
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. 😊
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!!
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.
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.
I'm a 58 year old Newbie too I started day after my birthday last week. Am loving it!!