hello
I’m 60 and have never been able to run, but really envied people who do😊
So I started couch to 5k on Sunday
Just got back from day 3 week one, although I’ve managed to do it I have found it really difficult but I’m determined to continue.
Looking forward to gaining tips from what looks like a lovely group 😊
Wish me luck
Wendy
Good luck, if you've done Week 1 you can definitely do week 9 😁I was nearly 63 when I started, lots of people here were older. Three years on I'm still going strong. Starting C25K was one of my best decisions ever., as was joining this lovely supportive forum.
Enjoy your runs and let us know how you get on. We're all here to help and rooting for you to succeed!
Hi Willow5166, one of my first comments about W1 referred to concrete legs so i can totally empathise! Try to get into the habit of going out regularly and play around to find out what time of day works best for you. Seriously, it does get better. Try to be positive and not dwell if your run is a nightmare. I found I rarely if ever had two consecutive rubbish runs. Just keep going and above all just enjoy it.
well done on completing your first week! Almost everyone finds it hard but I like your determined attitude - good luck on week 2. 👏🏻💪🏻
Congratulations to you Willow5166 on starting C25K with runs 1,2 and 3 of week 1, welcome to the forum, never too old to start running, 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 for your running journey with C25K, onwards and upwards to week 2 ✔️✔️🏃🏾🏃🏾
67 with a dodgy hip here. I exercised for many yrs but running was never my thing, now ? It's definitely not lol 🤣I can manage a stumble on a good day at best.
The main thing is you're doing something, at our age, any exercise is good exercise. But... Pls be careful injuries and falls, will just set you back, so slowly does it !
Hi Ive just completed R3W2 did C25K last year and tripped on R2W9 how disappointing but I couldn’t run tried joining the gym but gosh 30 mins on treadmill seemed hours so back outside now and keen to complete this time.
All take care when your out at our age it hurts when you fall.
Top tip Willow5166 ? Read the C25K FAQ, if you haven't already done so.
Huge well done you.. sorry for the late welcome!
Do, please, as Cmoi suggests , give this a read... dip in now and again too, for great support and advice and information.
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Age really is just a number and yes, it can feel like a heavy one at times...but I was 65 when I began... 74 in April and still here, still running. Loads of wonderful seasoned runners here!
For me and many of us . slow and steady is the mantra... if it feels like a struggle, ease back and take it more slowly. The pace will get you where you wish to be, and we will be beside you, every step of the way!
On you go!
PS
Keep posting..
PPS
ENJOY!!!!
I think Sunday Run 1, Tuesday Run 2 and today, Run 3,, maybe 
You can definitely do it. Just keep going. I found the podcasts very motivating and helpful. Good running
hi, this sounds very familiar to me! I started running at the age of 62 having never run before in my life. I found week 1 hard and week 2 even harder. But I stuck with it. I’m now 65, I do a 5k parkrun every Saturday and love it. I run 2 or 3 times during the week, I’ve done a couple of 10k races and am training for my second half marathon.
I know this must sound impossible for you, but it’s not. Trust in the C25K process, it’s very clever and before you know it you will be running for 30 mins. It’s an incredible feeling.
It’s changed my life and it can change yours!
Well done Willow5166, I'm on Week 6 today, I was thinking the other day when was out running, how in that first week I thought a minute felt like forever! I don't know. You can do thus, enjoy.
I am 62 and can now run for 30 minutes ( not 5k yet). I started when I was 57 and could never run before and hated cross country at school. Just follow the programme, go back a week if you need to and just keep going.
I was 62 when I started and an avid non-runner but started C25K during Covid as I wasn't doing any exercise. I now run with a social running group twice a week and on my own once a week which suits me as the group pulls me along as they are faster and I can do my own thing when I run on my own. If anyone said I would be a runner I would have put money on the fact I wouldn't but enjoy the support/friendship of the group and being out in nature. Good luck and enjoy your running journey.
I've had a couple of attempts but finally did my first proper 5k last September at 71. Oh, it was also 3 months after I had open heart surgery.
The main thing is you are making the attempt, you're faster than those who who remain on the couch ...
Good luck Willow5166, it's not easy but who said it would be 😁 I did it aged 66 and my friend started 5 weeks ago at 71 and he was never been a runner. 18 months later I'm doing my first half marathon next week. You never know where it will take you but remember to enjoy the adventure and smile
Many of us have found running late, but 60 is not old I will be joining that club next week 🤪
Seriously the plan is magic if you listen to the plan and take great advice from this forum you will do it, listen to your body and make sure you warm up and cool down you will be a inner in no time!!
Hi Willow. It is difficult but..... It will make a big difference. Just take it steady and remember that YOU have decided to be awesome! I've restarted c25k after a bit of a lay off. Steve Cram sounds like a good lad! See you out there!
start out slow then go slower than that. I used to start out too fast struggled with getting my breathing right, heavy legs etc. The key is to go slow and remember you are not only training your legs but also your heart and head to cope with the extra activity.
🍏🤗Welcome Willow!! So many lovely comments here to spur you onwards & upwards. I will be 72 in May & still loving that I can get out & run! Slow enough to breathe easily & hold a conversation will enable you to enjoy those runs too! We are so happy to have you onboard! 👏
keep going it’s not about being fast it’s not about being an athlete it’s about putting one foot in front of the other and just doing it , good luck 🤞
good luck
Well done!
In what way did you find it difficult?
hi
My legs feel really weak and breathing is a bit of a problem
But hopefully this will improve in time 🤞
I can't help with the weak legs - they will get stronger though! - but what is it with your breathing? Too heavy? Out of puff?
out of puff definitely 🤣
Welcome. I started at 60 too - looked in the mirror and realised life was not a dress rehearsal and that I was seriously over weight and unfit and the future was not that appealing. Fast forward nearly 6 years and I’m 4 stone lighter and can just about trot for about 50 mins. It’s never too late and my top tips - follow the programme, repeat runs and weeks as you feel you need to, nobody notices you so don’t worry what you look like, 5k in 30 mins is a tall order and I’m still not there yet, nobody cares about your speed (especially your nearest and dearest), comfy shoes are worth every penny (and expensive is not always best) , a podcast is a great distraction, invest in EarPods, don’t compare yourself to anyone else, forget about pace and you can do it. Now I’ve retired it’s much easier to fit it all in but I love the sense of mindfulness when I’m out with my playlist in the fresh air.
Good luck xx
Good on you for starting and reaching Week 3. I can’t offer any fresh words of wisdom but I can offer fellowship. I start C25K at 57 having never ever been a runner. I am still running and enjoying it and if you follow the program there is no reason that you won’t do the same. It can be challenging but it is so worth it. Keep at it because age is NOT a barrier to success with this program.
Tips that I picked up along the way are these - hydration is SO much more important than you’d ever believe until you get it right and then it’s like a lightbulb moment, rest days are vital, warming up before a run and stretching after a run are also non-negotiable.
Keep up the good work!
Good luck Willow. Start slow. You'll get there in the end.
Well done. I started at 61. Still going.
It will get better.
🏴☠️ Beware. May be addictive 🏴☠️
Fellow 'oldie' here (61), just on Week 5, I always liked walking but never believed I could actually jog before trying this program! Whatever you do, don't try to go too fast. Definitely check out the Youtube video on 'Japanese slow jogging' (link in the FAQ post that Oldfloss gave you)... I find it's a great way to run without hurting myself. Best of luck!
Hi Wendy, I started the program just before my 65th birthday. I'm 69 today. I'd never run before. Didn't like exercise of any description. I love running now. It takes some courage to start, so you've done the hard bit. Try to carry on with the program, it's very logical. Remember very slowly. Good luck
I wish you luck 🤞
Hello willow, i started c25k at 59 and now im 60 and almost a year anniversary, i am now running regular 6k to 8k and hill repeats and i absolutely love it alrhough im injured with an ankle sprain at the moment and cant run until its better, but i started out thinking i would never be a runner and its too late bla bla but once i graduated the world was my oyster and i run in all different places and feel free out on my runs listening to audio books i absolutely love it and so flad i pushed myself to where i am now albeit with an unjury 😀
hope the ankle is better soon 😀
Thank you so do i, enjoy your running, slowly does it as you need to enjoy it 😀
Go slower than you think (may even be slower than walking!). Keep hydrated even on non running days. If you need to repeat runs or weeks to give you confidence or just because you feel it's too soon to go on just repeat. I repeated every single run! It's worth persevering. Good luck and take care 🏃♀️
Brilliant! Well done you!
I'm a 61 year old and I did it last year. It seems like a mountain, but it is eminently achievable.
You can absolutely do this!
I’m 70 and started C25K when I was 67. I run because it stops me feeling old. 😎
still boring, still old, but no longer an old fattie
Letter to my old self
Slow coach and being old
Too old to start running?
Old ladies in the rain...W5R1
