W1r1: Tonight's the night..im 49 totally unfit... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,089 membersโ€ข159,459 posts

W1r1

PaddyD68 profile image
PaddyD68
โ€ข42 Replies

Tonight's the night..im 49 totally unfit,diabetic,17 stone at 5ft 8 so it's time to do something about it. Very apprehensive but just hope I can do at least a couple of the run sections.

Written by
PaddyD68 profile image
PaddyD68
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
42 Replies
โ€ข

And go for it!!! Remember you don't have to be fast, you just have to keep going! Let us know how it goes! I'm going to follow you (if you know what I mean ๐Ÿ˜€)

fayecheshire profile image
fayecheshireโ€ข in reply to

I am 63 . Fairly fit but never been able to run...i panic. I am on last run wk 5. Best advice is to get oxygwn in when on the walking bits and go slow. Breath in a pattern when running. I do two steps in two out but you will find your own pattern. If you find it hard repeat the week and dont do more than is in the plan. Most importantly remember you are not the first and wont be the last to gain success with this plan. Good luck!!!!!! Faye

MrsMelia profile image
MrsMelia

Do it! You have nothing to lose - stay positive and stay at an easy, steady pace ๐Ÿ˜Š

Ulandawawo profile image
Ulandawawoโ€ข in reply toMrsMelia

You can do it all the best

Yes another one off the couch! Congratulations :)

Go really slow and concentrate on getting through each run section(don't worry about the next one until it worries you) Good luck- YOU CAN DO THIS :)

Debbie698 profile image
Debbie698

You can do this๐Ÿ˜œJust slowly does it. I am in my fifth week-who would have thought that was even possible. Loving it!

Nemota profile image
NemotaGraduate

I start just under a month ago and it nearly killed me.I am 56 yrs old 6ft tall and well overweight . I finish Wk5 R 2

this morning and I am looking forward to Thursday so I can do Wk5 R3 . Follow the plan and run slowly. Good luck take it very slowly when you run .

PaddyD68 profile image
PaddyD68

Thanks to all who have replied and Pelican I think I'm going to need a follower to keep me on track thanks for taking the time. Will post when back from the attempt after work.....

โ€ข in reply toPaddyD68

I'll look out for it โ˜บ

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Yes, go! Just go above brisk walking speed to a very light jog, that's it! keep putting one foot in front of the other.. ๐Ÿ˜Š

LegalLorna profile image
LegalLornaGraduate

You will - I'm 51 and 15 stone at 5 10 with knee surgery from past running habit over 12 years ago when I was nearly 5 stone lighter! I'm on week 5 now and if I can do it so can you. Take it very easy and try to do some strength training in a gym too to help build core strength- it will be worth it.

Kimchoc08 profile image
Kimchoc08Graduate

Well done for making the best decision of your life.

Three invaluable words you will hear and read over and over are-Slow and steady. Slow and steady. Slow and steady.

Run it at your pace and enjoy this new found freedom and feeling xx

Congratulations on joining the best running club in the world. take your time, remember the 9 weeks do not have to be calendar ones. Rest and follow the plan and if you see advice or posts from either of our site mentors Oldfloss or IannodaTruffe - they are both wise beyond words and can help you a lot.

Post and let us know how you get on, we are with you...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Just take it slowly and steadily...many, just like you :) have run this way before and many are still running their own amazing journey :)

Listen to your body... take your rest days... never push yourself too hard. Trust the programme and keep posting for great advice and support:) Just relax and enjoy these first runs :)

Good luck I had my first run yesterday and I'm still alive today!! ๐Ÿ€

CB27LJ10 profile image
CB27LJ10โ€ข in reply to

Congrats on 1st run and good luck โ˜บ

Go for it!!!well done & good luck x

Hoopylady profile image
Hoopylady

Good luck! Deciding to go for the first run is always the hardest step, and you'll be amazed how quickly you improve!

J9_54 profile image
J9_54Graduate

Well done for deciding to start. Good luck. Do let us know how you get on.

Listen to the mentors; stick to the programme, if you are struggling slow down but keep going to the end, always rest for at least one day between runs, drink plenty (non alcoholic) before and after your runs and stretch after.

You'll be fine promise :)

PaddyD68 profile image
PaddyD68

Oh my go#. I managed to do 7 of the 8 run sections but the pain in my calves was horrendous,weirdly it hurt more during the walking than the running and I basically waddled home. Think we need to put that one down as a pre run. Can't believe how tight and painful my calfs were however I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't get as out of breath and gasping as I thought but that maybe down to there being nothi g much BRISK after the first e z d a half minutes!!! Has anyone any advice on the calf pain is that normal

CB27LJ10 profile image
CB27LJ10โ€ข in reply toPaddyD68

Some stretching exercises I found helped (before and after) and my nice long soak in bath of course โ˜บ

CB27LJ10 profile image
CB27LJ10โ€ข in reply toCB27LJ10

Well done on your 1st run that's the hardest part done ๐Ÿ˜‰

J9_54 profile image
J9_54Graduateโ€ข in reply toPaddyD68

Well done you. Are you going a bit too fast? I remember the coach on the app saying if you are running round a field and a person saw you from the other side they shouldn't be able to tell if you are running or walking. I would slow down a bit more when you go out next. Good luck, stick with it you'll do it.

GrannyO profile image
GrannyOGraduateโ€ข in reply toPaddyD68

Well done! It's a brilliant programme but as everyone says keep it slow & breathe deep. Good luck.

โ€ข in reply toPaddyD68

Congratulations! Rest tomorrow and enjoy!

Hillrunner2201 profile image
Hillrunner2201

The calf pain will go if you stick with the plan (honest๐Ÿ™‚). I remember similar with not getting much out breath but my leg muscles screaming when I did the plan!! Just stick with the plan, repeat runs/weeks if you're finding it very tough and don't worry about being slow!

Cornet-Carolyn profile image
Cornet-CarolynGraduate

Welcome to c25k it's a great programme just stick to the schedule and enjoy your running

SkinnedKnees profile image
SkinnedKnees

I'm a practice nurse specialising in diabetes management. I'd just love more of my patients to do this programme! It will be interesting to see how your blood glucose levels improve. Good luck!

PaddyD68 profile image
PaddyD68

Wow I can't get over the community spirit on here,I was really disappointed in tonight but had an hour or so to mull over the reality of 25 to 30 years no exercise means it's gonna hurt a bit, plan is for rest and exercise bike tomorrow then another stab at r1 on Thursday. Thanks to all that have taken the time to reply.....

โ€ข in reply toPaddyD68

Hey there PaddyD, just back from an evening out, so happy to find that you stuck with it, despite it feeling a bit new and uncomfortable. I'm on week 8 and my calves still feel a bit tight sometimes, but it's getting better. Hopefully it won't be too sore tomorrow ๐Ÿ˜€. Well done! Slow and steady eh! ๐Ÿ˜‰

โ€ข in reply to

PS - not sure about the exercise bike tomorrow tho. The day's rest is to let your muscles mend little tears and avoid injury apparently, perhaps go easy? The mentors can offer good advice...

Jododds profile image
Jododds

Good for you! How was it?

Billyboggis profile image
Billyboggis

First step done...you have committed to starting -well done!

ruralfrance profile image
ruralfranceGraduate

Brilliant! Even if you don't do all the runs first time, making a start is an achievement. It's all good practice and more than you did before. Forget about speed. I can say all this because I've never run in my life, am unfit and overweight and 64 to boot! Now on to week 4. You can do this! Good luck.

haycart profile image
haycart

Hi PaddyD68, how did your first run go? I'm 51 and 15stone. I started the C25k on Thursday so I can understand the apprehension, but I felt much better after taking that first step. I've received lots of support from this forum so I thought I would pay it on. The most commonly given advice was to take it slowly and celebrate each achievement, however small. Good luck with W1R2

Vixen67 profile image
Vixen67Graduate

From couch to .... remember your body is doing 'stuff' it's really just not used to so everything's getting a wake up call ...

this forum/chat/advice/community is amazing if feeling low just read it will pick you up and carry you forward ๐Ÿค“๐Ÿ‘

mixindave profile image
mixindaveGraduate

I started c25k at 17.5 stone in march. Last time I ran before that would have been in school about 17 years ago and admittedly tried running several times but failed. This is where the c25k and this website helped. Currently I'm 16 stone, 16 park runs down and two races 5k and 10k. You will Do it. Yes the first couple of weeks might be hard but you will soon pick it up.

Wannabefit19 profile image
Wannabefit19Graduateโ€ข in reply tomixindave

Well done

Surreyjelbel profile image
SurreyjelbelGraduate

Well done you for starting ๐Ÿ˜€ I too suffered hideous calf pain in my lower left leg after Wk1R1. Started Wk3 this week and had no pain at all

I googled lots of videos on how to stretch that area and remembered a great one from physio after I tore my Achilles' tendon in my right leg (have had no probs with this leg weirdly) am waffling.....

Stand on the bottom stair, facing the stairs and with both heels hanging off the stair, stand on tippy toes and let heels drop. Repeat. Don't forget to hold on!

I have stretch before, after and on rest days to ease the old thing!

Running-mam profile image
Running-mam

Remember you are a lot faster than those sitting on a sofa

Wannabefit19 profile image
Wannabefit19Graduate

Well done -- this program is excellent and keep checking in you will get lots of ideas support and love from this running family .

It honestly gets easier I promise

pilquin profile image
pilquin

Hi Paddy itโ€™s my first one tonight ! Iโ€™m in Poulton are you near me ?

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

W1R1

Hi, newbie here. After several (7!) weeks of procrastinating, i finally donned my 'running...
Polly2723 profile image
Graduateโ€ข

W1R1

Total beginner just finished my first run, my ankles where aching really badly half way through...
Bemsy profile image
โ€ข

W1R1

So I did my first run this morning on the treadmill at the gym. I'm too much of a wimp to go out in...
Happy-runner profile image
Graduateโ€ข

W1r1

Just finished my first run. I really struggled at the start but when i dod the last 60sec run i...
BabyGirl95 profile image
โ€ข

W1R1 completed

W1R1 Complete and feels good.๐Ÿ˜Š I must admit looking on at the longer runs is daunting to think it...
Shazzaroo1 profile image
Graduateโ€ข

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.