older runners: Much to my surprise I have... - Couch to 5K

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older runners

Leotigris profile image
LeotigrisGraduate
12 Replies

Much to my surprise I have noticed that many of the posts in this forum are from runners over 60. Being in that age group myself I find this quite fascinating as I thought that at 63 I had left it too late to start running.

I wonder if this reflects the fact that so many people over 60 have decided to take on the challenge of C25K or whether they are just more likely to contribute to the forum than younger runners?

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Leotigris profile image
Leotigris
Graduate
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12 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Most but not all of the runners on this forum are over 60 years, many have retired and started the C25K app to keep fit, for you 63 isn't too old to start C25K, if you do wish to start, take all the runs slowly, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish to, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, no running on consecutive days as that could cause a injury, good luck if you wish to start C25K.

Leotigris profile image
LeotigrisGraduate in reply toAlMorr

Thanks AlMorr, I have actually completed C25K much to my surprise, having been a determined non-runner since childhood!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply toLeotigris

Congratulations 🎊 👍🏃🏾

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

We have runners of all ages on this forum but as with any social media platform you will find that some are more attractive to certain demographic groupings than others.

I would not agree that most contributors on this forum are over 60, and we have no way of ascertaining that assumption, but I do think that our welcoming and all inclusive ethos makes this community more approachable than other, possibly more competitive, forums.

All are welcome, regardless of age.

alpacagirl profile image
alpacagirlGraduate

I first completed C25k at 57 after being put on a 24 hour blood pressure monitor by my GP. I have always been a normal weight but apart from walking never did any exercise - I decided to do something about it. Running was something that cost nothing (I used trainers I already had to start with) and I could do from my front door and here was an achievable programme also available for nothing. So perhaps like me many other people are motivated by their inactivity catching up with them in late middle age!

alpacagirl profile image
alpacagirlGraduate in reply toalpacagirl

Oh and I meant to say - I joined the forum because I needed the support and extra motivation!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate in reply toalpacagirl

I was 57 too. Never ever worn Lycra. I was more concerned about that than the runs ☺️ I never looked back.

Good luck ! Have fun 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🙂

I only started C25K running in my early thirties in a group of 8 similar aged unfit mothers. I joined this forum after a few weeks for advice about a matter that affected our whole group (which proved to be brilliant by the way.) I then found reading about others experiences and writing about my own (just as an outlet really) was really helpful.Although I have mentioned this site numerous times to other members of my group, none as yet have joined it.

Teresa1632 profile image
Teresa1632Graduate

I started running three years ago, at the age of 62. Prior to that, the last time I had run was for the school bus (and I missed that 😂). I did C25K for a bet with my younger brother (won the bet).Then bought a new pair of shoes, and thought "I'd better keep running to get my moneys worth out of my £100!" (The most expensive shoes I owned).

A year later, took on a challenge to run 10k for charity. Then a month after that, took on another to run a half marathon. At the start line for the HM, I met a 75yr old who started running at age 70. I talked to everyone on the way round, and had a ball!

Last year, ran my first marathon in tribute to my late brother Declan, (who was killed in an accident age 42, so a 42k run seemed appropriate). I also qualified with UK Athletics as a running coach - ahead of "youngsters" who didn't make the cut (old age and treachery will always outwit youth & inexperience 🤣). I coach at my running club (you don't need to run fast to coach 😉).

In October, I'll take on another marathon, dedicated to the brother who bet I couldn't do the C25K. He passed away suddenly 6 weeks ago, after completing a 400 mile cycle ride fir charity. (Heres to you, Seamus for starting my running ❤).

So, you are never too old to run, or to learn, or to lead. Whatever your age to give it a go. Get the shoes on, the laces tightened, and get out there. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

hamit profile image
hamitGraduate

Older runners Rock! I love running at 75, got nothing to prove except when I overtake someone younger so I shout Old Guy Coming thru.....😁 in my dreams

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate in reply tohamit

It never ceases to amaze me just how many older runners there are out there. I was out racing last night and there were loads of us.

I started the C25K in my early(ish) thirties with a group of other mums. I had no underlying health issues, no previous injuries, not overweight, I am a non-smoker, I was just unfit.

Some of our group were overweight and a couple smoked too, but other than that, all were in good health. Giving up smoking was an additional challenge for some, and for most, weigh loss was achieved almost as a biproduct of a decision to eat healthier. The way in which some of our group have completely transformed themselves leaves me full of admiration for them.

When we completed the C25K we were all extremely proud of ourselves for achieving something that I definitely didn't think we would manage.

When I now read about the various challenges that some people overcome, the age that that people start, and what they have achieved since, it almost makes me ashamed of my previous self. How did I get that unfit at that age?

If someone had asked me 5 years ago to describe a 70 year old person, a vision of someone sitting on a chair in an OAP home watching daytime TV, or trundling down the street in a mobility scooter would have sprung to mind. That may be true for some, but from reading posts on this site, it would appear that most are out running marathons!! I still have a lot of catching up to do. :)

It has just occurred to me that my parents are only in their early 60's, so there is no reason what so ever why they shouldn't sign up for the C25K. I think that will be my next mission. :)

:) :) :)

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