So far so good!!

[Redbuz]

Hello folks. First post here - after joining quite a while ago!

Started the plan a couple of times, but didn’t manage to stick at it.

Now, at the age of 65, I’ve decided to give it another go.

I am more focused and determined this time, and hope to gain more fitness and lose a little weight along the way

I completed Week 4 Run 3 this afternoon and feel quite chuffed with myself. I feel okay, a little tired and sore legs after each run, but post run stretching and cool down are a huge help

Hopefully 🤞🤞🤞by Christmas I might be managing the 5k target, but at the moment I’m just enjoying the process

Looking forward to week 5, although it looks daunting tbh😂😂. I’ll check back in with progress (hopefully) next week!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge welcome and a well done to you!

Hope you read the important info in the pinned post!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Loads of useful stuff there and then...maybe pop across to the S and F forum for some great stretching exercises and other useful strength and stamina work...

I began at 65 and still here, still running, at 74! Slow and steady and enjoy!

[Redbuz in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much for the welcome and advice

The stretches and other exercises help massively particularly at my age😂😂

Actually looking forward to Week 5 (gasp!)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Redbuz]

Please try not to worry about week 3... you will handle it beautifully...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Rabbit561 Graduate]

Just a thought - you mention the 5k target. The C25K name is misleading. The target is actually 30 minutes running. Many of us - me definitely - complete the programme but get nowhere near 5k. I only just get to 3k and at 67yrs old I’m okay with that. But you may be much fitter and faster than me!

Good luck with you running

[Redbuz in reply to Rabbit561]

Very wise words! I would be delighted to reach 30 minute runs, and as you say - that’ll do me!

Besides, at the speed I will be lucky to be anywhere near 3k in 30 minutes 😂

Thoroughly enjoying the challenge though

Thanks very much for advice and support, on to Week 5 tomorrow 🤞🤞

[moopo in reply to Redbuz]

Redbuz, good to hear your enjoying it. Week 5 is where I really got a crack on with the plan. I think for that was when my fitness started to improve and I became comfortable with a slower pace and the exercise and exertion became tolerable and it was much less of a force of will to go for a run. healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... Week 8 tomorrow. I had a good number of stalled weeks twixt 1 and 5 getting my fitness up. I got into my stride from 5 onwards. Technically I only have 2 weeks or 6 runs until completion but I don't see it that prescriptive. Last week I added a 4th run to week 7. As was reminded the couch to 5k is a bit of a misnomer, I hope once I have ticked off all the runs from week 9 I will try and run on after 30 minutes, increase the distance and the speed gradually and come to my own runs. Whether that be something more, like a 5k/30min pace, a 10k distance or 60 minute runs.

[Redbuz in reply to moopo]

Thank you moopo

That’s really motivating and encouraging and particularly the wise words on the week 5 watershed

Run 1 of week 5 later this afternoon (before the snow arrives in Lancashire 😂) so I’m looking forward to the increase in run time

Good advice re possibly adding an extra run into the schedule. All the very best to you for week 8 tomorrow!!

[Gentlydoesnt Graduate]

I’m slightly behind you completing week 3 , but your determination is an inspiration to me to keep to it. It’s hard I know but if it was easy everyone would be doing it rather than sat in front of the tv or o. Social media for some!. Well done and best wishes

I’m 60 and a little well a fair bit over weight and out of shape but onwards and upwards

[Redbuz in reply to Gentlydoesnt]

Oh thank you! I didn’t expect to be an encouragement to others - in fact I’m in awe of everyone undertaking this challenge

As you say - if it was easy…..

Keep going! We will get there together I am sure

Well done👍

[Baggieboy61 Graduate]

Hi Redbuz.

I’m a newbie too. In my sixties. Just started week 7. Just wanted to say welcome. You will find it inspiring being amongst these lovely people. Good luck with the program.

[Redbuz in reply to Baggieboy61]

Thanks Baggieboy61 - the encouragement and advice on here is tremendous! Good luck to you too - week 7 seems a way off yet for me, but hopefully will get there in one piece!