HealthUnlocked Newbie

Hello there, have joined for solidarity in my C25K journey.

I am 52, not new to running totally, but haven't run any length for 20 plus years. I've entered the ballot for the London Marathon, so have started my journey with C25K.

I'm on Week 4, run 11 tomorrow. Experiencing knee niggles but not pain and am hoping that's just part of getting used to running again...

Good Luck everyone!

[Folkylass Graduate]

Welcome LittleArrows ! This is a super duper friendly forum for support, ideas, advice in fact everything you need to know about running . We have all been where you are today 😀

Although having already past experience about running I’m sure it won’t be long before your up and running so to speak 😂😂and getting ready for your London marathon.

Happy running.🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️👍

[nowster Graduate]

How long have you got before you would be doing a marathon?

Personally it took me a little over a year to get from couch to Half Marathon, with several setbacks along the way.

I'm a similar age to you.

[Hidden in reply to nowster]

October, but I'm not guaranteed a place at the moment. So there is time to move my commitment... if my fitness is lagging behind my goal.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Hidden]

After 20 years without running that might be quite a big ask! Best of luck anyway. 👍

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hello and welcome to the forum and the program.If you haven't already then please take a look at the program guide !

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It's full of information to help you through the program with advice on stretching, hydration and there is also a link to some knee strengthening exercises.

Enjoy the journey

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

I am assuming that you are entered for the ballot for the full distance marathon, which frankly would be a big ask for a 52 year old who has done little running for the past twenty years.

While I agree that age is only a number, we all have to accept that as we age our ability to develop our bodies is diminished and injury risk is raised.

C25k is a perfect way to start to rebuild your running body, stamina and endurance, alongside gently reducing injury risk. With such a challenge in your sights I would suggest that you immediately start to cross train to develop your general strength, alongside the training plan. To comfortably and safely complete a marathon within a year of starting running again....... because that is what it sounds like you are doing.......you do need considerable conditioning and injury resistance just to cope with the training.

Please read the guide linked to above and you may also find the FAQ Posts healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which covers many other aspects of running.

Take care and don't be tempted to rush the process.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, I have entered the ballot for the full marathon but I don't have a guaranteed place. To be honest I entered the ballot on a whim after being so moved by watching everyone cross the line on the TV. It was the kick I needed to start running again.

I appreciate your comments. I'm happy to just take this running goal one day at a time and review it as I go along. If I get a place and don't feel I can commit, I'll let it go and set myself a goal further down the line.

Yoga is my jam, so general strength is good and the plan is to increase my strength training this year. Yoga also helps keep me in tune with my body, so hopefully that will stand me in good stead not to overdo things!

Loving C25K so far!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Hidden]

Sounds like a balanced approach.

If you are intending to do longer distances, start working on core strength as well as leg strength.

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Hidden , enjoy C25K!

How far did you use to run? If you've not done a marathon before and you do get a place in the London Marathon, remember that you don't have to chase a time, or run all of it.

Fwiw, I found going from HM to marathon distance far more challenging than getting to HM. It was time-consuming and required months of commitment to training, and I much prefer doing my own thing.

Good luck, whatever happens!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Earlier today this user was called LittleArrows. When someone deletes their account they show up as Hidden, probably for GDPR compliance. Sadly, it looks like they've signed off permanently.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to nowster]

Indeed. When I replied yesterday evening the user was still there, but must've left shortly after. I think that's the third time in three days that someone's signed up, posted, then apparently closed their account within hours. Maybe it's the same as buses...