I'm a 59F who managed to complete C25K in my 40's. Sadly I didn't continue and up until about six weeks ago, haven't done any running in over 10 years. I did manage to get my niece into running when she thought it was something she could never do and now she's in love with running. I would so love to be able to run a 10k race with her so I'm in the gym 4 days a week doing the C25K program and some strength training but it is so much harder for me now and I am so slow I wouldn't want to subject her to my pace even though she would insist on staying with me. I would love some encouragement from anyone my age or older who has stuck with it and improved significantly. I'm currently on week 5 and struggling to keep a 14 minute pace for 5 minutes.
Am I too old for this?: I'm a 59F who managed to... - Couch to 5K
Am I too old for this?
Not too old 😊
Not too slow 😊
I’m not an expert, but as someone who is coming back to running and having to go slower than I used to, I can feel your struggle! It’s taken some adjusting to.
Bravo for getting out there. I hope I’m still running at 59 (it isn’t so far away!)
Thank you!
Too old???? You are a youngster! I started this at 65 still here, still running...74 in April!!
My mantra? Slow and steady. Got me to my first HM at 69...!
Okay.
Cut yourself some slack. Reduce your gym times...and slow right down.
If you're struggling, you're pushing too hard. Forget about pace. Just run the run.
Take rest days...Head across to the S and F Forum for some super, relaxed strength and stamina work, on just some of your rest days.
Stay here now. We'll keep you moving. We'll keep you from wearing yourself out.
Slow it all down ...you'll get much further if you do.
Week 5...building you up for the lovely relaxed runs to come.
Be kind to yourself...and I'll watch for your next post.
Oh...and ...very well done you.
You can do this, all you have to do, is believe it.
This is just what I needed! I do tend to push myself too hard. I will definitely take your advice. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!
There you go..that’s the answer I was waiting for xx
I love this post. Am new here - can I ask what is the S and F forum? Thank you 😊
It’s another board like this one but devoted to strength and flex…
healthunlocked.com/strength...
Pop in and say hi! Oldfloss and CBDB will give you a warm welcome!
healthunlocked.com/strength... you go x
Very well put OldFloss!! Happyfeet4life you are definately not too old!! I started C25K during May 2020 lockdown and then started Parkrun in July 2021 when they came back. I love running, it keeps me sane and helps manage stress levels. Ive had a few health problems this year and did start to question was I too old (I turned 63 last week) but I told myself that no Im not and as Old Floss advises, I have gone back to just enyoing my running and not getting too het up about my pace. My advice is, if you enjoy it, stick with it!!
Of course you are not too old 🙂. I started running aged 66. I had never been a runner before. I will soon be aged 72 and can run up to HM. I have done a 28:17 5k ….you can beat all of that out of sight at your age BUT….Oldfloss is right (as she is in all things) the key is to make progress sensibly; you do seem to be pushing too hard….no point in blowing things by picking up an injury?
Wow, you are amazing! I couldn't do less than a 30:00 5k the 1st time I did the program almost 2 decades ago. I will be scouring this forum hoping to unlock your secrets of success but if you have any specific advice to share that helped you achieve this level of fitness, please do. I can't say how inspiring this is to me.
I took up running during lockdown aged 62 following C25K. At this stage slow right down, take the rest days between runs. If you’re feeling any injury niggles take two rest days. After you have completed the C25K program, if you have a heart rate monitor, you could look at the MAF180 method. It worked for me (fastest 5k 27:20 in November 2023). It’s all about slowing right down and then slowing a bit more. All the best.
😂 nothing amazing about me. I started really slowly, and even when I got to 5k I kept the pace down, choosing to go on to 10k before doing any intervals. Post 10k, I did intervals once per week and kept up the two short/ one long run pattern until I passed 10 miles. The intervals made my short runs faster, and about 18 months on from starting C25k I eventually hit sub 30 minutes for 5k through Park Runs. Now I still do two short and one long each week, but I keep the pace down, so my PB 10 miles last year was at 7mins/k pace to give you an idea. Usually I run long at closer to 7:30/k. I use NRC HM plan quite often and run on my own up in the local woods. Too fast too soon equals physio for me. I need to keep on top of stretching and rolling out lumps in muscles. My physio is a sorceress! Find a good one is my main tip! Hope that helps.
From where I'm sitting you definitely are amazing. I appreciate the deep dive into your journey. Just knowing what you accomplished gives me the motivation and direction I needed to keep going. I'm so happy I stumbled upon this site. I can't respond to every post but I am reading, learning and enjoying every one.
🙂 I hope that your feet stay happy for life. I know lots people of my age who run further and faster than I do, but I also know others who choose to run more slowly and for shorter distances too. The unifying factor is that we all enjoy what we can do, and don’t worry about what we might have done had we started at a younger age. I look forward to reading happy posts 👍
⭐ Beachcomber66
I'am 66 with Asthma. I think the key to week 5 is (as said above) don't worry about speed - slow down and just keep running at any pace. Steady your breathing. Perhaps try to find a flat course... Good luck and best wishes, col
Too old ? Never! You are doing great but maybe a bit hard on yourself . I’m soon to be 66 years next month infact and I started this programme in I think it was round about 2015. I’m no marathon runner and I’m not looking to beat any records. I just run for personal enjoyment, me time etc all the usual .
Like Oldfloss ‘s mantra slow and steady !. Just enjoy it and remember this is for you no one else.
Looking forward to reading your up and coming running posts🏃♀️🏃♀️
Good luck 👍😂😂🥰x
Well done for getting to week 5 , that’s achievement in itself , Don’t look at numbers run how you feel and run consistently, I started C25K at 58 and it changed my life , I struggled to run 5 mins now I can easily run 30-45 mins at my own pace , keep going and good luck 🐈
I agree with all the above. I’m 58 and did C25K twice over the last few years. Now I do Parkrun regularly taking somewhere between 38 and 33 mins. It’s never easy but I feel fitter and am keeping at it. We’re all different and some, like me, will never be super fast. But it’s a good way to be healthy anyway. Enjoy.
Not too old as I’m sure you have realised with all these replies I’m 59 and 11 months. Yes we won’t be running the same pace as a teenager but doesn’t mean you can’t run and find your own pace and enjoy being a runner again!
Stay on here and keep posting you will receive all the encouragement you need, good luck
hi I completed the couch to 5k when I wa 64 and did the park run most weeks for about a year . I had to stop due to injury but now retraining back at week 5 (66next week! ) Don’t worry about your speed , that will improve , run at your own pace just build up to the 5 k , and listen to your body, stretch after a run and rest days . And enjoy yourself !
🍏🤣Never too old!! I only started running for the first time ever, when I was 67 & I am now nearly 72! While you are back on Couch25K SLOW running is the only way to get the runs done. Don’t ever try to keep up with someone else’s pace. Let them run on ahead. Breathe normally so you can hold a conversation & enjoy it!
Similar story here started at 60 now 73 and have repeated C25k a few times over the years. Have had the 10K app beckoning for years and this year I will do it ! Week 6 starts tomorrow 😊 slow and steady.
🍏Excellent Caradora2 Week 6 is a fun week as we celebrate the last of the intervals. By the end of the week you are fulfilling the dream of being a runner as the longer runs beckon. Breathe normally run the first 10 mins extra slowly then the second half slowly and you will nail it. Bear in mind with the longer runs that you need to leave room in the tank to finish…. Even marathon runners pace themselves very easily at the beginning & then give it welly at the end! We just have to have gears of slow and easy at this stage! 😄 look forward to hearing all about it! X
Hi Caradora, can I ask which app your using for the 10k please.
No you are not too old. I didn't start running til I was 69 having never run before in my life. Due to a birth defect I've had 3 hip replacements and back surgery. I'm a slow and steady runner now. My girls and I did the Morun last November; they did the 10k and I did the 5k. I endorse everything already said above; slow and steady, don't panic, take rest days and don't beat yourself up. Be proud that you are doing it and keep posting your progress. 👍🏃♀️😊
I'm with old floss. I started at 65. I'm about to turn 69 and love running. I'm slow but who cares. I get out there and feel great afterwards for the rest of the day. Go for it and enjoy
61 1/2 M. I started C25K at 60, after 3 years of illness, coming off the back of a slipped disc. I was 61 when I finished. I got injured a while after and have slowly built back up again. I am not interested in pace but am now (just) able to run 6k and have just gone past 42 minutes of continuous running. I guess I will continue to build slowly.
You are very, very definitely NOT too old!
You can absolutely do this.
You can do it. I was 60 when I completed c25k not in 9 weeks I add it took me more like 9 months as I kept repeating each week until I felt strong enough to continue. I'm not 66 and run at least twice a week. Good luck you can do it!. I'd never run in my life beforex
Ditto to all the above. You are not alone. I spent the first few months of starting C25K on the dreaded Web, trying to find any evidence to say I shouldn't be running at my age, that I was doing myself harm etc. Couldn't have been more wrong, so long as you listen to your body. Started C24K in April last year age 60! Now embracing my pace, my form and all sorts of different runs. Feeling better than I did in my fifties and hoping to do my first Park Run soon. Don't run anyone's run but your own and be really proud of yourself for running at all. ❤️🏃🏼♀️👍
Eh??? Too old?? You are a youngster, at the "pull up pants" stage of running! I'm 67 and took up running at 61. Last year, ran 10 half marathons. This year, have 4 HMs and a Marathon to do before Aprl.C25k is about building endurance, allowing your body to adjust. After C25k, you can add speed drills etc. So, stay sloooow, the slower the better. Do lots of walking too; I'm a coach and I get my C25k ers to walk 5k in week 1, timing how long it takes, them walk 5k in week 2, try to beat last weeks time.
Walk the distances first, always works!
Not too old at all! I think it’s fab if your niece wants to run with you. She wants to run with you because you are inspiring and you are you not because you are super fast. Just find a pace you enjoy and you will both have a great time. I bet your niece won’t mind what pace you both go at so don’t spoil it by pushing too hard. Best of luck you can do this!!
No, you’re still young. I did my first proper 5k last September, I’m 71.
Oh, it was also exactly 3 months after I had open heart surgery for a replacement heart valve and a bypass. I’ll never break any records but it is good for my health. I’m slow compared to some others on here but I enjoy myself ….
Brilliant!👏👏
Inspiring. Yours is a fantastic success story 👏 👍😁
No, so Rock on and have an Excellent Day. I started at 72 and am still running at nearly 77.
Oldfloss has given you the perfect advice above and hopefully you can see from all these replies that you are definitely not alone!
I am 59 In a few months time and graduated from Cto5K 8 years ago now. Recently I have returned to running after an injury which hampered my runs for 6 mths, so very little running was happening. I am using the program to regain my fitness - and pace is the last thing on my mind at the moment! I am loving being back.🏃♀️
Take the pressure of yourself and run by ‘feel’ - slow, steady, conversational pace. The rest will all fall in to place with time. Good luck!🙂
You’re not too old, and you’re definitely not too slow. I’m a 59 year old male… I started running, for the first time since I was at school. Last year in June I started C25K and at first I struggled. I finally ran my first nonstop 5k in October, taking 42 minutes. I was quite disappointed with the time but I started thinking that the distance is far more important than the time… I actually slowed down and started to run 7.5k in around 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. When you run you are a runner regardless of your pace. I’ve learned so much about myself over the last 8 months and found that my ability is far greater than I ever thought. It is hard to run when you’re older but so much more rewarding for that reason. You’re smashing it and you are capable of so much more than you think, believe me…
Too old? No!! I started c25k at 55 and will hit 10 years of running in a couple of months. I’m currently in the early weeks of a 10k plan, having not run further than 5k for a very very long time. You’re not past it, but as we age we have to run smarter. It takes longer to train for events; it takes longer to recover from a run; and it’s plain stupid to take risks such as running when it’s icy or if you’re not feeling great.
Find a plan you have faith in and try stick to it. You’re definitely doing the right thing by adding on strength training -something I’ve always failed at - so all that remains is to work hard and not expect the impossible, just your very best. I got my 5k PB at 61 after following the Garmin 5k plan. I was ridiculously proud that I’d achieved something I didn’t think possible but I wasn’t as fast as my 35 year old niece and a few years later I’m definitely much slower now. It doesn’t matter, I was as fast as *I* could be then after training hard. Cut yourself some slack and revel in the fact that you *can* run and you’re doing everything you can to achieve your maximum potential. Comparison is the thief of joy. Good luck
Fabulous! 👍👏👏😂🏃♀️🏃♀️x
Wow, your post shone a light on more mature runners I didn’t know existed. Thanks; I feel encouraged now too 👍
🍏🙌 Me too
Definitely not too old!!! I did C25K at 66, having never run before, and now 6 years later run 7-8K 3 times a week. If I can do it, you can too! Don't worry about the speed, just enjoy the running. Good luck!
I turn 55 in a few months. A constant restarter since aged 40 as life gets in the way. I completed C25K last October. Can run for 30 mins, not that my brain agrees! Started around 18min/mile pace and have knocked a couple of mins off of this over 4/5 months. I will never be fast and, as much as I like the idea of running with people, I can’t keep up so it’s usually me and The Hairy Bikers’ podcast plodding around the village. You are only too old to stop moving when you are in your wooden overcoat. Until then you can so do!
No, you're not too old Happyfeet4life . I went from doing C25K aged 59 to completing a 46.45km, 1835m elevation gain trail event three days before turning 61.
Bear in mind that my attitude to running is literally off the beaten track, very different to that of most people on these forums. Bit more in my profile if you're interested.
And you have all of those hunters to contend with !
True, but only for about six months in autumn and winter, fortunately. And no bears: theguardian.com/lifeandstyl...
😂 I didn’t run in Alaska in the summer; our daughter trained us in bear attack avoidance/ management… fortunately our only view of mother bear plus cubs was from inside a coach, so my skills were not tested!
I started C25K when I was 67. Am 70 now and still running. I don’t do gyms, all my running done outside. So no, you are definitely not too old, far from it. There are plenty of people still running in their 80’s 90’s and even later😂.
The trick is to run slowly, you should be able to hold a conversation while running. Many (most?) people seem to make the mistake of trying to run too fast, when doing C25K. I run with a local running group and they are all much younger than me, but kindly wait for me to catch up if/when I fall behind. Maybe you could find other runners to run with when you have completed C25K. It’s a good way of improving, I find. When finished C25K you could try parkruns for the experience of running with other people. You won’t ever be last because they have people walking at tail end.
As for running a 10K race with your niece, if she wants to run with you fine. If she is much faster and finishes ahead of you, how nice you will have someone at the finish to urge you across the line and congratulate you👍.
Good luck with your running journey.
Wot they all said. You're not too old. Sounds like you might be a bit too fast. I started c25k at age 60 having avoided running all the rest of my life (including at school). My best time for 5k is 39 minutes but who cares? It has made me feel ten years younger, which is very useful as I hit 70 next month. It has improved my general health so much that the surgeon who operated on me gor bowel cancer in November said he wished all his patients were runners. I'll be starting Week 1 all over again in a few weeks time. Slow and steady is what it takes. Hope to do another 5k race for life in the summer, but I won't be aiming to break any records.
hi Happy feet 👣
I’ve not ran for a while now, various reasons ( and I miss it … and I do intend to get back to it once paced life slows a little)
BUT
It’s brilliant you’re out there and YES you can do this.!
Read some of my posts- I didn’t think I could do it but I did… and I’m older than you. I had lots of fun along the way too.. ( secretly I think I’m the Bridget Jones of the running world🤣)
Be kind to yourself (ref the pace)- the important thing is you’re out there- that’s amazing! Your pace does improve slowly but surely but show me the rule book where it says you have to?
Go get it lady and give yourself a huge pat on the back! 🙌 💕
I believe in you! 😀
definitely not too old! I did a 10k in the summer with a couple of friends. Was quite a big deal for me as I generally plod slowly at 5k a couple of times a week. Signing up for it was a great motivator. Three of us all at different speeds for the 10k. We left the start line together. Eventually got into our own pace and split up. We crossed the finish line at varying times but waited for each other there snd cheered each other over the line. Felt like a great achievement. And a team success. Just sign up and do it! 🤩😊 xxxx
Never too old and never too slow. I'm 72 and completed last year at very slow pace. I don't compare myself with anyone - at least we are trying! Good luck
I started at 66 and will run my first HM in March after a few 10k's. Age is no barrier. My friend just started C25k at 71 😁
I started at 64 and although I said I wasn’t interested I did in fact manage 10k a few times. Never too old.
hi,
I am a 59M and managed it. You are so right that it feels harder than it did a few years ago but please stick with it, our bodies adjust and your pace will increase. I am taking training tips from someone 3 years my senior who is much quicker than me 😊
I'm 67 . My thoughts
1) you are not old
2) but you body is probably not quite what it was at your peak - you probably can't go as fast but you probably do have the stamina
3) So go slower , don't compare you pace with any one else or with what you did before.
4) But keep at it and treat it as relaxation - not as a task!
You are defo not too old! I started C25k the day after I retired at 65…that was in 2020.
Due to various ups and downs, I’ve just completed C25k for the 3rd time…I’m slower this time around, I haven’t reached 3km in my 30 minutes. The last time I ran 5k was in June last year…it took me 48 minutes, and my last 10k was 1hour 47 minutes last May.
I’m not running to win races…I’m out there to enjoy myself and keep fit. If I go too fast my body objects!
Embrace your inner snail and enjoy! 😊🏃🏻♀️🐌
Thank you to everyone responding to my post. I tend to get tunnel vision when I set goals for myself. You all made me realize that I need to work on cutting myself some slack and adjust to the fact that I can't expect the same running journey I had in my 40's. I'm realizing it's only as hard as I make it. Today I slowed down and focused on enjoying the feeling of being in touch with my bodies primal nature for the short time that I was able. I look forward to extending that time now with each session rather than dreading the next session and the feeling of not living up to the unrealistic standards I set for myself. Your real life stories give me all the assurance I need to believe that hell yeah I can do this!😁
Result.... ! A HUGE well done to you and welcome to the family xxx
How can you be too old, you are doing it and there is your answer!!!!! You aren't running as you were when you were 30 or 40 but you are running and the key thing is you are doing it. I know how you feel though. I started running at 60 and had hated it all my life. Now going out is never easy and I am slow, BUT I know the first bit is the worst and then it will be easier and after a bit I will enjoy it. Oddly, just sticking at it, I have got faster not a lot but a bit. I am just glad to be able to run. Get your trainers on and remind yourself that you are speeding past all the people sat on their arses. You can do this.
late to the party but all the above! 👆🏼 accepting that we can’t do what we did and finding the wins in our new race- just enjoying running for whatever it brings is the key to success imo
Absolutely have goals but don’t push yourself too hard -run your race, not anyone else’s and don’t worry about pace
You’ve got this 💪🏻 - and lots of cheerleaders on here!
absolutely not. I’m 65 and started at 63. I’m not speedy - 40 min 5k is my best BUT I’m a whole lot fitter and can run (shuffle) for a whole hour now. My advice for what it’s worth would be concentrate on how much fitter you feel rather than worrying about pace and distance.
I started a year ago at the age of 74. I hadn't run since my teens, but it never occurred to me that I might be too old. I repeated most weeks several times, tripped and broke a toe on W5R3 so had to take 8 weeks off, but I started again and am still loving it. Just go at your own pace, and enjoy it without trying to compete or keep up with anyone else.
Never too old or too slow, I started C25k at 61 in 2019 with a BMI over 30, now approaching have redone C25k twice, and close to 80 parkruns. Do i run nonstop for 30 mins or more every time .... no, but am active for 30 mins or more at least three times a week. So never too old or too slow
No you're definitely not too old! I'm 65, didn't start running until the year I turned 60. I've done 3 10ks - 2 with my daughter who is almost 36 years younger than me. Currently training to do my first half marathon. I regularly run with my daughter who tells me I run as fast if not faster than some of her friends. Just enjoy it and don't worry too much about your pace which will improve. Good luck.
You are never too old or too slow. I started C25K about 5.5 years ago aged 46. At that time I took 51 minutes to complete my graduation parkrun, I got that time down to 43 minutes, but after 3 years out with a hip injury I am back around the 50 minute mark and I could not care less if I ever get faster I found a community that cheers me on regardless and if I run with friends they go their pace and I go mine and they wait and cheer me in at the end. I joined a running club, and one of the members I admire most is an 86 year old who used to run several marathons a year and now take over 1 hour 20 minutes to run 5k, but he still makes the effort to keep moving. Don't let the idea of holding someone else up stop you having a go. If your niece insists on staying with you, that is her choice. I wish to you Luck with the 10k (the Bridge to 10k programme is a good one to follow after the C25K)
I am so glad you posted this question as it is something I am thinking myself. I was quite active at 60 but am hoping to come back to it now at 69 and wondered whether I was really just too old to start again but looking at the comments on here It seems you’re never really too old as long as you’re sensible with it so good luck 🏃♀️
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