Can I start running at 55?

[John_W]

'course you can!

The woman below did and now look at her!

BBC News - The 81-year-old Leeds runner aiming for 300 marathons

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-l...

*DON'T*:

- always believe the advice from health professionals, some of whom hate running and runners

- listen to friends and family who think you're too old or might be making a fool of yourself

- listen to those negative voices in your head telling you you can't do it

- give up

Instead, *DO*:

- come on here for encouragement

- get your gear on and step outside the door or onto a treadmill

- go along to a park and start with a little walking

- find a friend (s) who might be thinking of starting and encourage each other

You never know... You might just love it 😍😎🏃‍♂️

[nowster Graduate]

Sadly my 80+ year old next door neighbour had to stop running for a period due to a heel spur and now is finding it difficult to start up again. He still does a walk of over a mile (including a hill climb) to get his newspapers every day.

[Upsidaisy Graduate]

When I was diagnosed with osteopenia some years ago, I was told by a physiotherapist not to run as it could cause micro fractures. I listened to his advice and wasted 2 years when I could have been helping to maintain my bones. The excellent people at the Royal Osteoporosis Society assured me that running/jogging was perfectly safe for me and in fact they have detailed advice on diet and exercise to help maintain bones in the best condition possible. Advice on exercise for people with osteoporosis has been recently revised and I can recommend the organisation to anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Running might not be advisable for people with severe osteoporosis or who have already suffered fragility fractures, so it’s important to check with your health care provider first.

[JetsNanna Graduate]

I started a few months before I hit 58 and I haven’t looked back. It’s been a complete blessing and saved my sanity during lockdown(s). C25K has been transformative and I am so very pleased that I just got up and out and did it.

[XenaZelda Graduate]

I absolutely love it, I have always loved watching triathlons, athletics, olympics etc since I was a little girl but never thought I was good enough, started very lat at 59 yrs old, now I absolutely love it and will always run now until the the time I can’t 😃

[Jerichomile Graduate]

yes!! You can do it. This C25K is incredible. Both the programme & the community here.

[RollingPea Graduate]

Yay! Like XenaZelda I started at 59. I'm 6 months post grad and planning to build up to a 10 km "race" this year - not against anyone, but with myself and the other runners - on my birthday. Every time I step out for a run I celebrate the fact that I can do it. All the other health rewards that happen gradually are fantastically welcome too; goodbye spare tyre, puffy legs and face, gloominess, grumpiness, wheeziness...Go for it, anyone over 55 who is still wondering if they can/should, and stick with it anyone who is a newbie. 🌟🌟🌟

[Madmabeline]

Yes you can. I am in Week 4 of my first ever attempt at running and I am 61. The last time I ran was school sports. I love it. The advice on here is excellent. Enjoy the process. 😊