New runner

[Newrunner61]

Hi, I’m a 61 yo female , have never been a runner and am interested in staring toward a goal of run /walking a5K in the spring ( 5-6 months from now). I’m not an exerciser and am really new to all of this. Any words of advice will be appreciated:). Thank you!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

I'll start by saying that managing 5k by springtime is absolutely possible 😁

First a question: how fit are you now? How far can you walk? It's a good idea to increase your walking so that you can comfortably manage to keep going for at least 30 minutes. Once you're at this level you'll be absolutely fine.

Next, download the Couch to 5k app. Invest in some trainers designed for running, they don't have to be the most expensive and they definitely help.

Dress in loose clothes, put your headphones in, press start on the app and off you go.

After that, tell us how you're getting on. We'll do our best to help and encourage you and share your ups and downs.

You've made a great start with your post today 😁

[Newrunner61 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thanks so much for the advice. I’ll start with the walking and work up to 30 minutes, then go from there I appreciate the advice-have a great day

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate in reply to Newrunner61]

You too, and good luck with all the progress you're going to make. Believe me, you will amaze yourself with the things you're capable of

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Hello and welcome! Do . please check out this post... LOADs of great advice... and supportive tips.

Slow and steady is the way... and you will be amazed where that takes you to by the Spring. I started this wonderful running at 65... still here at nearly 74!

Keep it gentle, keep posting here, successes and set backs, we are all runners and we all run together

Looking forward to your first run post

[Newrunner61 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much! I read the entire article and will refer back to it . I very much appreciate the information. I am going out now to start building toward 30 minutes of brisk walking. I will post again when I am ready to begin week 1of C25K. This group is amazing, and I feel excited to begin this journey. Again , thank you for the positivity and help:).

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Take all the advice given and you will do it! Many people start later in life and find it an absolute joy !

[Newrunner61 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Thank you so much for the positivity -I’m excited to start this journey

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

Well done and good luck on your journey. You’re in exactly the right place for loads of advice and encouragement 👍

[Newrunner61 in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thank you so much for the positivity -I’m excited to start this journey

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate]

Go for it. You'll love it. (I started at 61 too).

[Newrunner61 in reply to MrBassmanjazz]

Thanks so much -glad to know that you started “ layer in life” too! Thanks for the support

[Martlet76]

Look for something positive in every "sortie", the song of a blackbird, the smell of the poplars, a friendly "hello" from a fellow runner, the thrill of a shallow descent.There is always something out there.

M77

[Newrunner61 in reply to Martlet76]

I love this message… I’m going out now to begin my 30 minutes of brisk walking in preparation for beginning C25K. I’ll make sure to notice the small things and appreciate them along the way! Thanks for the great advice

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

Hello.

There is so much possible advice that it could be overwhelming.

You are doing the right thing in thinking of building towards starting the C25k by a walking programme. Once you are feeling comfortable with walking for 30mins you could increase the distance or put in some faster paced walking sections just to challenge yourself.

You could then trial some slow running sections -just a few 30seconds runs with walking intervals in between . This should prepare you well for Week 1run1. .

I’m sure that I’m not the only person on here who chose a very quiet flat road for my runs as I just didn’t want to be seen trying to run. That wears off quite quickly I found. Now I don’t mind neighbours waving and I no longer feel like I should look like I’m an Olympian rather than the reality of a short grandmother in leggings!!

If you wish to build up your overall fitness there are plenty of free short exercise videos to try. (There are long ones too obviously !)

Do find and watch the Japanese Slow Running video on YouTube if you can. It shows you just how s l o w slow running actually is.

By sticking to a very gentle pace you should find that running feels doable and you don’t get out of puff and uncomfortable. It will also help prevent strains and niggles from doing too much too soon. Your body has time to get gradually used to the different movement and muscle use.

I really hope that you enjoy the whole experience , it is really fun and the achievements feel amazing. We will be here to cheer you on ! Ask more questions as you go or just tells us how it’s going and what you learn.

[Newrunner61 in reply to JeremiahObadiah]

Thank you so much for this advice. I am very unfit, so will definitely be working up to 30 minutes of brisk walking before beginning the C25K. I will also take your advice on trialing some short jogs prior to beginning the actual program. I watched the “Slow Running” video and appreciated the information on small strides and midfoot landing … all new information for me I’m going out now for my first (of many) 30 minute brisk walks and will post again when I’m ready to begin the program. It may be several weeks, but I’ll let everyone know how it’s going . I very much appreciate the positivity and advice. Have a wonderful day

[moopo]

Christmas time I made a commitment to my waistband that I would move about a bit more. I worked out a local route of about 4 miles and walked it every other day, just over an hour and a half. Weeks into this routine I tried to increase my pace. A few months of that getting a bit quicker a chum who is a running proselytiser suggested I look at C25k as it got her running for the first time in decades. I honestly didn't fancy it but I thought it'd fit into my day and be more efficient to run for 30 minutes rather than walk for over an hour .

[Newrunner61 in reply to moopo]

Thank you for the kind reply and positivity. I’m excited to begin this journey!

[HorsePlay Graduate]

Hi there, I was the same as you (except that I'm 60) and I started the C25K programme in the Summer. Still can't quite believe that I can run for 30 minutes now - pinch me! 😂 So believe me, it's possible - and good luck 👍🏻

[Newrunner61 in reply to HorsePlay]

Thanks so much for the reply and words of positivity -knowing that you’ve done this at ( nearly ) my age is inspiring. I’ll keep the group posted on my progress-have a wonderful day!

[HorsePlay Graduate]

Thank you, have a great day too! And I'll really look forward to heating more from you!