When I started C25K last year I was approaching my 69th birthday. I'd been very overweight for many years (20stones!) and had lost some weight over lockdown and decided to work on my general fitness. I'd seen friends talking about C25K. I was extremely doubtful: my first runs were done in places where no-one could see me - I thought people would laugh and point! The dog was definitely very puzzled.
I graduated on time. My week 9 runs covered about 4K, but I was running continuously for 30 mins, and this website convinced me that was fine. I did do a 5K a few weeks later but I wouldn't say it was my finest hour!
Then I saw a post in my local FB feed advertising Ladies Only squash sessions. The picture showed a group of women who were certainly not the stick-thin 20 somethings I expected to see, and I thought "why not?". I'd loved squash at university 45 years ago - maybe I could do this? The squash coach invited me for a 20 minute hit at my local club five minutes walk away and I loved it. He was encouraging: nothing ventured, nothing gained.
18 months on, I'm in the Ladies Squash team. I'm still not very good but I do love it and my serve has improved *a lot*. Three weeks ago, all our good players were injured so I was pressed into service. I didn't win (obv) but I played well and I was by no means a walkover. And our youngest player was exactly 60 years younger. So thanks C25K, thanks everyone here for persuading me not to give up. I feel like a completely new person.
Written by
Benben21
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
This is such a brilliant post to read. Massive congratulations to you and all you’ve achieved. C25k really can be life changing and you’re a superb example of that ❤️
Thanks WillowandSola! I'm not sure "proud" is the right word really. I'm just amazed and I do want to share a success story. I do feel incredibly lucky. I know, for sure, that there will be others like I was 20 months ago, doubting themselves and thinking "this isn't for me". I did follow the plan pretty much to the letter, not overdoing it, not hurrying but crucially not giving up either. And I think that's the message really: go on, have a go and see what happens.
I'm still in awe, you are 3 yes older than me and have changed your fitness around so well, I work a full-time busy job so don't run as much as I'd like but mulling over retiring next year,
This is so great to read! C25K has so many positive benefits doesn’t it 😁. I’ve tried squash a few times but would always end up getting cross 🤣! Well done Benben21 you are a ⭐️ 😊😊😊.
Inspirational! We get written off as we get older (at least that is how it feels) so it's great when we can prove that we are still capable and determined - squash looks so energetic, it must really improve your strength
We do, Clarys. Or worse, we write ourselves off. I think I probably had. So here I am, six stones lighter and loving life and feeling very very lucky.
Squash can be wild, but it's also a game of cunning and strategy so you can play effectively without hurling yourself around the court. And as it's a club you quickly suss out the ones who are happy to play at a different pace!
Absolutely fantastic story and I can wholeheartedly agree. Running and this forum with the fantastic people posting positive and encouraging stories and also offering support has lifted my spirit and made me a more positive happier person.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Life Changing 
My first attempt at c25k
My C25K journey and beyond 😊
Life as a C25K graduate
Life after C25K. 
