Frightened I’m too old and unfit

[444444445]

Hello want to start running Im 48 5ft 2in and weigh 13stone . Any advice greatly appreciated. Think this will help physical and mental wellness

[AH21MM Graduate]

Hi there!

No way are you too old and unfit! If you read through the posts on here, so many people are older than you (me included) and many are unfit and many have had injuries and serious illnesses…but they all can do it!!! The plan is just so amazing and it works and everyone on here will be with you every step of the way and be cheering you on!!

The moderators will give you lots of information and tips and guidance from an experienced, practical and safety point of view and answer any queries you have. It is an amazing journey and you will love it!! It is hard to explain how this plan motivates and inspires you! I personally am at week 4 after an injury at week 7 first time around and I am so glad to be able to do this again. I broke my foot and wasn’t bothered that I couldn’t walk or go to work…I was devastated my new found love, running, was halted! But thankfully I am back and determined to complete it this time with the support of this amazing forum.

The support is incredible…and the huge satisfaction after each run is just amazing …please try it!!

[Billy5 Graduate in reply to AH21MM]

I’m 60 just recently retired from work, so unfit started nhs app ate healthy lost a stone was nearly 15 stone started couch to 5k and never looked back just finished week 9 day 3 last week, did the same run 3 times this week and next week going for 5k to 10K wish me luck , but never felt fitter . YOU CAN DO THIS age doesn’t matter GOOD LUCK

[444444445 in reply to Billy5]

Thank you so much 👍

[444444445 in reply to AH21MM]

Thank you for your kindness in replying I am def starting 👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hello and welcome!

Not too old at all, and if you feel unfit, you have come to the right place...

Please do read the essential pinned post, which will tell you all you need to know about running C25K.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The mental and physical benefits off this are tremendous. The support you will find here is incredible!

I started this at the age of 65 and am at 71, still here and still running

My advice... take it slow and steady... go at your own pace.

Keep posting your runs, happy ones and the maybe not so happy ones The advice and support you will receive is so helpful!

Mainly... simply enjoy the experience

[444444445 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you x you are inspirational

[P-J-]

I’m 52 when I started and classes as obese on the NHS BMI calculator - I started C25K in Feb along with using My fitness Pal app to record what I was eating.Not only did I complete C25K I ha e now lost 2 stone and feel the best I have in years !

I repeated a few runs or a week until I was happy with it. I never looked at the next run just had it as a surprise

Good luck and you can defo do it

[444444445 in reply to P-J-]

Thank you and well done on your own success x

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Congratulations! You've made a great decision. 👏👏👏 If you allow it, running can change your life!

I'm 61 and started running when I was 58. I wasn't overweight when I started, but I had just lost three stone previously and, as a lifelong yoyo dieter, I wanted to break the cycle. It worked!

You won't burn enough calories at the start of your journey for running to make a big difference to your weight on its own. However, if you combine it with some healthy food choices: less processed food, more lean protein and unprocessed carbs, you will find your weight gradually coming off and staying off.

The good news is that running in itself helps to improve your mood and gives you the positive mindset you need to eat properly.

One other point - the scales may not be the best indicator of success, at least in the short term. As your body begins to tone up, you will replace fat with muscle, which is much denser. Many new runners report losing inches before they lose lbs. Maybe ditch the scales and use a tape measure (or a favourite pair of jeans) to measure your success.

Good luck x

[444444445 in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you for the tip think jeans best indicator 👍

[Penguingirl1 Graduate]

Hi. I'm nearly 49 and started this 8 weeks ago. I'm still very overweight but am really enjoying getting out there. My breathing and stamina have definitely improved. I'm not going to win any medals but I'm getting out there and doing something. Just go at your own speed and enjoy it 😊

[444444445 in reply to Penguingirl1]

Thank you x

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Nah. There are people on here in their 70s starting out. There are a several octogenarians at my local parkrun. They’re inspirational!

[444444445 in reply to Tasha99]

👍😀thank you

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Yep lots of oldies on here me included! Although I have become two years younger on my scales due to running and eating healthy. Having been stuck at home due to being vulnerable and not allowed in the office since last March, this March I finally took the plunge and signed up! Truly haven’t looked back and wished I’d done it earlier I never thought it would be for me.

I have found I’m just happier and healthier and absolutely love running and can’t wait to get up and get out.

The benefits of this plan are amazing kept going !!!! 🏃‍♀️

[444444445 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Can’t wait to start 👍 thank you for replying

[Dee2609 Graduate]

Same age as you (very nearly!) and on Week6, loving it! Biggest and hardest step is the first one, just do it! Xx

[444444445 in reply to Dee2609]

Thank you have recently changed job and can’t wait run in my spare time

[MollyDogMum]

Hi, I too am 48 and 13 stone. I had not run since school. I am about to start week 9. I haven’t lost weight but have toned up. If I’m honest I can’t say I particularly enjoy it but I’m determined to finish the programme and perhaps use my new and improved fitness to be more confident in finding an exercise which I enjoy more

[444444445 in reply to MollyDogMum]

I think like yourself I just want to start and finish my running program. Well done 👍 week 9 x

[Dups Graduate]

The biggest step was deciding to have a go at the C25K. You have hit the nail on the head, it will definitely improve your physical well being and will definitely improve your mental well being.

When you get to week 9 you will be pinching yourself, I promise. This is a brilliant forum that will give advice and tips in abundance and keep you inspired and motivated through your C25K journey.

Good luck 🤗

[444444445 in reply to Dups]

Thank you 😊 I am looking forward to starting x

[GoldenGirly Graduate]

Hi!I’m 46 (almost 47) am 5 foot 1 and weighed over 15 stone when I started running last August. Had never run before but always wanted to!

Almost a year on I have lost 50lbs, 23% of my body weight, and can run over 30mins comfortably 3 times a week 😃

The plan absolutely works. The only thing I’d say is that it didn’t happen in 9 weeks for me, it took me 29 weeks to complete because I was so unfit and heavy. I repeated runs/weeks over and over until my fitness improved and I felt able to move on. Don’t let having to repeat put you off is my main advice.

If I can do it, anyone can and I feel bloody amazing! Good luck and go for it!!!

[Mands50 Graduate]

I’m 51, 5ft 2 was nearly 13 stone. C25k is a great program for everyone as it eases you and talks you through your runs & speed. Some days you’ll have good runs and others not so good but that’s okay and normal. I would say a good warm up and proper stretching helps particularly the older we are. Give it a go - hopefully you’ll end up enjoying running and feel fitter for it. Good luck x