starting at 79

[Bernied45]

I’m now 79 80 in August couch to 5 k would that be good idea or stupidity to start

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Welcome back Bernied45 ! It’s not your first time-you know what the programme involves. Are you fit and well? Are you able to do a brisk walk for thirty minutes? Do you need to speak to any health professionals who might be looking after you in some way? Those are the sorts of questions I’d be asking myself before beginning.

Good luck with your fitness journey!

[nowster Graduate]

If you're up to doing a brisk walk of half an hour, you're probably fine starting Couch to 5K again. You sound like you have the motivation.

I'd suggest getting an MoT from your doctor first.

[Bernied45]

was diagnosed with copd 2 years ago legacy of smoking I guess ,stopped 30 years ago if now I get a cold goes straight to my chest so suffer a bit .

[MissUnderstanding Administrator in reply to Bernied45]

It sounds like it would be sensible to discuss the possibility of running with your doctor/nurse first.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hello again.... MissUnderstanding has given you some great advice... and if you answer all the questions she suggests you ask yourself... you will know the answer... I will only add, you are never too old for this, but make sure you are good to go

I am 75 in April !

[GrandadP Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I am so pleased you mentioned your age in this post. I was 75 last august and have been running with the Cto5K programme on and off for the last 2 or 3 years. I am always wondering if I am too old to do this even though I feel fine and managed to achieve my 50th Parkrun last December. I have taken the advice of the post about Slow Running and have found that really helpful. I really enjoy running (slowly!) and take encouragement that I'm not the only person my age doing it. Thanks again for your help and encouragement.

[Fionamags Graduate]

Exercise is really good for COPD - that’s why the do exercise in pulmonary rehab. I have been taking my 83 yr old neighbour who is sight impaired running as he can’t do it alone. He absolutely loves it as in his youth he ran marathons. We do a very gentle joggle and it’s fab! He did check with his GP first., which reassured us both. Good luck!

[Raisemeup Graduate]

I’m also in the septuagenarian running camp and find it gives much more than a good form of exercise. It keeps the body functioning well , improves balance and strengthens not only legs but mind too . Obviously , you have to make sure you are fit to run and a chat with your gp would be a helpful reference point. Be prepared to start at the beginning with a slow build up , but that is all explained in the C25K programme.

All things being equal, I wish you the best of luck and much enjoyment for when you embark on your first run - all the best .

[Gthants]

Some great advice here - I started at 60 and my health is a lot better in the couple of years since. Strongly recommend a check in with GP. Also other exercise too - I got half price gym membership for a year through my GP practice and 2-3 times a week with simple exercises and non-scary machines there have really helped too.

Good luck!

[drl212 Graduate]

Sounds like a good idea to get the ok from your healthcare provider...!!

[sigasiga Graduate]

I started at 66 and am now 73 and still running. As others have said, probably best to check with your GP first in view of your COPD, but assuming you get the go-ahead - go for it, and happy running!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I would just like to add to all this that at the World Masters Orienteering Championships last year, a 97 year old woman was competing.

[Bernied45]

Amazing lady .