is age a factor in success here, I am 53, will I cope. I have just started week 4, who is the oldest person to complete the 9 weeks?

[martinm]

[blueboots Graduate]

If you finish, I won't be the oldest, as you have a year on me. I'll bet there are others older than us. You will be fine, just pace yourself and don't worry to much about the 5k. The 30minutes can be one goal followed by a second goal of 5K. Good luck and keep us posted.

[martinm in reply to blueboots]

you are right! I have decided not to think about the 5k but to concentrate on the 30 minutes. Thanks

[CaroleC Graduate]

Hi Martin,

I am 51, and will be 52 in August. I completed C25K last year, and have since done the Bridge to 10k and now doing the Bupa 10mile programme. It's not really a matter of how old you are...it's how fit etc. If you are majorly overweight, or have not done anything, even walking much, for a long time, you may want to get cleared by your Dr, as you would for any new exercise programme. Some people make sure they can walk for half an hour at a reasonable pace before starting.

I had lost weight and done some keep fit with the Wii fit before I started, but hadn't done much exercise for about 4 months before getting out there. I had only tried to run once several years ago but went about it all wrong, not using a proper programme etc so ended up giving up because of ignorance and pain.

Where do you think you fit in that?

CaroleC

[martinm in reply to CaroleC]

Your comment about going about it all wrong is so true, I have tried many times to get out running but it never lasts more than a week, I find the guidance from the podcast so useful. Thanks.

[shelleymcb Graduate]

with regard to age & success I dont think it really matters. I was 42 when I started this last year & hadnt run for 25 years. I wasnt overweight & thought I was quite fit, that is, until I tackled week 1

2 of my daughters, aged 12 & 13 are on week 5, run 2 & have experienced the highs & lows that I did. my 13 year old is super fit but struggled with 2x8mins & the 12 year old who has had to really push herself to complete the runs paced herself & was fantastic with the same 2x8min runs. complete turnaround.

if you are on week 4 & have managed so far I would think that youll have no problems completing the program. its those running demons you have to look out for ~ the ones that sit on your shoulder & tell you to go home

[SarahR Graduate]

Hi Martin

I don't think its an issue at all... Im 55, never run before and am on week 8 and loving it....

[groovychick54 Graduate]

Hi I'm 54, and although i'm a regualr gym goer I have never ever been a runner, not even at school. I can't beleive i can run for 30 minutes non stop. Fantastic result for me.

[debbzi Graduate]

I'm getting on for 52, carrying too much weight and the legacy of a 40-a-day cigarette habit which I only kicked six weeks ago. I'd done a bit of power walking and gym before starting C25K but was almost dying after 90 seconds running in the early stages.

I've just done Week 7 Run 3 (my fourth 25-minute run of the programme).

You'll cope, just have confidence in yourself.

[martinm in reply to debbzi]

well done on stopping the cigarettes, as an ex myself I know if you can knock 40 a day on the head then there is not much you can't do, thanks for the encouragement.

[juicydee Graduate]

Hi - I'm 55 and about 4 stone overweight. I got to week 5 run 2 then had 4 weeks off with a horrible chest infection....... shame cos I was SOOOO looking forward to week 5 run 3 ;-). I started again yesterday, and really surprised myself by managing week 5 run 1 even with a hill at the end. Thought I'd have to start way further back than that - must admit I felt a bit tearful during my 5 min cooldown walk. I have never run properly before and am amazed I can do it at my age and weight. So all you potential Saga customers: go for it!!

[Hidden]

So good to hear that so many 50 somethings are doing this! I started the programme on Feb 1 2012, skipped the advice about leaving a day between runs only because I felt ok to do so, and completed the programme within 4 weeks. Although I ran every day without fail best stick to the advice given as you dont want any injuries. For some reason I felt fine and now run 30 mins a day. In a short while I aim to progress to running for 60 mins though not every day around 3-4 times a week. Completing Sport relief end of March, Race for Life in July and Great South Run in October are all my goals this year. I'll be 52 early April and never felt better! Keep going all and be proud its a great achievement.

[Hidden]

I'll be 58 next month and just finished W4R3 today...have always thought I couldn't run (and always failed miserably growing up), but this program is working for me and I take very seriously Laura's tips on helping me achieve this. I am not about to outrun 30 or 40somethings...I am running for me, my health, for stamina...I want to be able to run 30 minutes and that's the goal I'm working toward. I got 5 years on you, and I know you can do it! Go for it!

[martinm in reply to Hidden]

Just to let you know that I finished week 9 about two weeks ago, I have continued to run for 30 minutes three times a week since and although it is still difficult the feeling of achievement in finishing the C25K was great. You are right when you say that you are doind it for you, I think that is the key to success here. You are not up against others, it is not a race, it is just for you. Keep up the good work!!!