Octogenarian: Well, here I am at 80! It is 2... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Octogenarian

TedPacemaker profile image
21 Replies

Well, here I am at 80! It is 27 years since my last marathon and in that time I have changed jobs (that got in the way of training which virtually stopped), had various health issues and the installation of a pacemaker. I tried a bit of running but became very breathless very quickly. So, from looking like a runner who was training 60 - 70 miles per week, I have swallowed hard and started C25k. I never realised how long 60 seconds could feel! Into second week now and, hard work - yes, but enjoying getting back to running - definitely. Who knows, when I have the stamina at the end of C25k, I may start some intervals, hills and speedwork again - perhaps eventually another marathon. (That will give the pacemaker something to think k about!)

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TedPacemaker profile image
TedPacemaker
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21 Replies
Jancanrunagain profile image
JancanrunagainGraduate

When you think you’ve seen every type of story on here another one comes along that makes you marvel at people’s strength and ability.

Go you - the most i ever ran was 22km and that was in London and so was flat. I’d need a pacemaker to manage 7O miles a week.

Good luck

Gthants profile image
Gthants in reply toJancanrunagain

I'd need a bus!!😂

Jancanrunagain profile image
JancanrunagainGraduate in reply toGthants

Fair point

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate in reply toGthants

🤣👌

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

You'll be putting us all to shame with your fantastic attitude! Looking forward to reading about your progress :)

T2runner profile image
T2runnerGraduate

Wow, impressed with your story, furthest I have ever run is 5k, and that was Saturday just gone! Kind of wish I was starting out and do this with you. You will inspire newcomers to this forum, along with the other veterans already here, but please take it at your own pace, you will know what your body feels during your journey here and don't push to hard or fast.Stick around, I think you could be giving us all advice on our running journeys.

Good luck and looking forward to reading your story as it progresses.

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

well, I am in awe of you …I’m sure I’m not the only one..good luck with your journey, we are giving you the biggest cheer!!

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

Good for you - most of all that you are enjoying this running. You have perhaps embraced the 'beginner's mind' which does so much to keep us safe (I often say that it seems those previously or currently very fit who struggle most with C25K because they don't appreciate that one of its many gifts is keeping us reigned back and investing in long term wellbeing rather than short term achievements)

Don't measure yourself by your old achievements, what you are doing now is very impressive.

BahamaMama1 profile image
BahamaMama1Graduate in reply toGoogleMe

Wise words

RiceAndPeas profile image
RiceAndPeas

Fantastic, what an inspiration you are!

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

Just brilliant. I have repeated the C25K programme several times when I have been coming back after illness or injury, and it always works. Enjoy your journey xx

Gthants profile image
Gthants

That's awesome! I didn't start running until 60 and two years later have moved on to making shorter runs a part of my general fitness programme. But the idea of running at 80 ... it makes me want to push further and harder.

Really well done for getting back out there. Happy running my friend!

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumGraduate

Your story is inspirational. Please continue to share updates. I’ve redone c25k several times due to injury and illness and I’m redoing it at the moment because, although I *can* run 5k, at 66 I can’t run it as well as I want to. C25k always makes you a fitter and stronger runner. Good luck!

MintT profile image
MintTGraduate

Wow, what a wonderful read — enjoy your journey. I look forward to following it.

BahamaMama1 profile image
BahamaMama1Graduate

Good grief... note to self - must try harder 😁

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate in reply toBahamaMama1

😂👍

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

That's so uplifting to read, we can all run, even if it's slow like me, it's keeping us fitter than if we sat on the couch

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

HUGE welcome to the seasoned runners Central! I am 75 today!

Well done to you... !

Did you check out the important How to Run C25K post? Please, if not do take a peek.

Slow and steady is the mantra ( I am infamous for it on here), it works!

Keep posting and simply, enjoy!

Jayrunner profile image
JayrunnerGraduate

Well done! Also very inspiring. I hope you are finding that you are enjoying the journey.

I’m 67 and have taken a break for a while. Because of a neck problem. Once I get the go ahead from physio I’m going to resume and look ahead rather than be put off by the temporary (I hope) thwarting of my progress. I hope then to continue running as you are doing.

I look forward to hearing about your progress

O505k profile image
O505kGraduate

you are inspirational.

FoleyB profile image
FoleyB

I'm 10 years behind you, being only a youngster at 70, but thank you so much for posting your piece. It's so inspirational to hear from you. Keep going on the programme. Lots of luck.

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