Concerned - Just starting

[fawcetti]

Ok I'm in the upper age range and overweight. I have to do something about it. Has anyone got experience of this?

My partner thinks I'll injure myself. So out will come the heat rub , voltarol etc etc.

So theres skepticism but support behind me.

Am downloading the podcasts and need to set aside time to do this.

[Deryn61 Graduate]

Hi. There are people of all shapes and ages doing or who have done this! Depending on how overweight and inactive etc you are you can always check with your GP first?

I turned 50 last year, hadn't run since school (and then avoided it as much as poss!) and was about 3 stone overweight when I started. I was used to walking each day with my dog but had never ever thought I could run!

I am now 1 stone overweight but in the best shape of my life. I still run slow but thoroughly enjoy running, have got up to 8 miles recently!

Take it nice and slow, and I think as we get older it is even more important to get some stretching done after your runs.

[sfb350 Graduate]

You should go for it. If your partner thinks that means it is necessary to apply heat rub etc afterwards then let him get on with it and enjoy it....he clearly cares, even if he's worried it's not the best thing for you.

My Beloved isn't convinced that running is the safest form of exercise but he can see it benefits me so he isn't unsupportive and I'm not sure I'd have found the confidence to do it without him.

[RhonaL]

The plan is written very carefully and builds you up slowly. In addition, the rest days in between runs make sure that your body has time to recover. May be you could reassure your partner that you won't be running around like a bunny rabbit for a while! I would make sure that your shoes support you well. I didn't and my knees hurt until I got shoes that did support me. The first run is a bit of a shock to the system but you will feel great after you have done it. Good luck and keep blogging.

[MissMessy]

Definitely definitely get your gait analysis done and get a pair of trainers that suit your running style.I'm quite overweight and didn't do this,and ended up with Plantars fasciitis.Ouch! The program will give you such a sense of achievement-go for it!!There's always loads of support on this forum too,it's great!

[Joysmum Graduate]

Do get a check up from your GP but C25K was developed to take people from the sofa to running 5k in a gentle way.

I started the programme when I was 4 stone heavier than I am now and although I'm 39, I'd never exercised regularly as an adult. I'm amazed to think I've gone from barely able to do a shuffling waddle for 60secs to now feeling comfortable running for 45 mins (I get bored doing it for longer) and actually looking like a runner when I look for my reflection!

[shelleymcb Graduate]

if you are worried about the running bit then give the first podcast a go. if it is too much then perhaps try walking the walking bits & fast walking the running bits until you feel happy about stepping up & running the running bits.

it is hard first off but the feeling at the end of completing a run/week is worth the effort & becomes very addictive ~ my kids all gave me strange looks when I got to week 3 & was proudly announcing that I could run for 3 minutes!!

& dont be tempted to look at the next weeks runs. just take each week as it comes. maybe only download each week at a time. I got myself all worked up about the following weeks when in reality they were fine, tough but fine.

good luck. keep us posted on your progress. lots of support & answers to any questions that you may have X

[Grammadog1947 Graduate]

I'm 64 (will be 65 in October) and was 2-1/2 stone overweight when I started C25K.

.....make sure to check with your GP

.....get your gait analyzed and buy well made running shoes early on...before W3 for sure

.....don't skip the rest days. They allow your body and mind to recover.

.....if you must run on tarmac, beware crowned roads (higher in the center for drainage). They will destroy your knees if run the same direction every time. (Always have one short leg)

.....research and bookmark reliable sites online which address the myriad aches and pains common to running. NHS also has links to helpful hints on their homepage.

.....don't get discouraged if you don't experience a huge weight loss immediately. Read the blogs currently being posted by Alaiyo...they have been very imformative.

.....remember, if running was "easy" everyone would do it and no one would drive a car

.....when the going gets tough, come in here and have a moan. That's why we're here.

.....when you are celebrating, come in here and wave virtual pompoms. We thrive on successes, also

Good luck and good running!

[sarmkel Graduate]

Your situation was similar to mine - I would suggest you first get a well woman check with your practice nurse, tell her what you want to do. I also did some walking and cycling first (low joint impacts) to build some fitness, this in conjunction with a low fat diet loosing weight until I felt ready to start running without risking injury. Your nurse may help with this using weight charts. All the effort really is worth it - keep motivated!