I did Couch to 5k 5 when I was in my mid-60s and loved it. I got to 5k easily and ran 2-3 times a week for about 2 years and lost a stone of weight naturally without dieting.
Now at 71, I've got various health problems and have put on a stone plus from taking steroids daily for 18 months. So, I have started Coach to 5k again, but Ive only done my first run 4 days ago. I got pain in my legs, hips and lower back after only 4 x 60 second runs. I decided to take a couple of days to recover. I have a partially torn hamstring tendon in my right leg and have exercises to manage that which work very well but I am still worried about causing damage. My physio has said I would be fine to start running again as long as I take it easy.
So fingers crossed I will start again at day 1 tomorrow and take it gently.
Good luck to all would-be runners out there. It's worth it! Mary
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Handloomweaver
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Well done. I started at aged 74. 4 years later 3000k with no real issues. Decided to change from streets to hills and track. Made the transition too quickly so it's been many months of recovering. Looking back '"not taking it easy and stopping if you get pain" was ignored too often. Ok I've learned my lesson the hard way 😀. So yes good luck with return to running but yes take it easy. Oh and yes it's worth it.
Wishing you lots of luck! You know you can do it and you’ll be surprised that the muscle memory never really goes away, even if it’s a bit creaky and unfamiliar to start with. You’ll get there. It’s brilliant you’ve got a physio too-they’re such great professionals to be able to seek advice from when you need it.
Slow and steady as you go and welcome... There are a few of us seasoned runners here... I am 74!
Take a quick look here just to refresh your memory.... and listen to that body, even if it is creaky... those gentle exercises you have already, in between run and rest days too, will keep everything moving!
I had to start again after 8 months convalescence and I am just heading towards running for an hour again. I will be 71 next week so I know how you feel. I find my ankle stops hurting and then my back goes, get my back sorted and my hip plays up, fix that and my knee plays up… But as you say “Listen to your body” and don’t push yourself to far too fast and if you need a few days rest then take it. Good luck with your return
great stuff!! I m 74 and a think C25k is fantastic. I’ve never been a runner and even now I’m very slow, but it’s so true that it’s time not distance that counts. I find I need two days rest between runs but that doesn’t matter. My body feels better for it. For me it’s the mental lift - getting out there, doing something challenging and having a treat when I get back in! An added bonus is the amazing fellowship I meet on the way- other runners, people cheering me on(!) and just camaraderie. So well done take it steady and enjoy yourself!
well done for starting again. I am nearly 64 and started running again 2 years ago. I have osteoarthritis in my hip and feet and have found I sometimes need 2 days in between runs to recover. I am very slow but get such a sense of accomplishment from completing each run. Just take your time and enjoy being outside.
Well done, keep going but carefully! I know someone who took up running 4 years ago at 70. She now runs every day and regularly runs 10ks which I find rather inspiring 🙂
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