At 57 yrs old I'm thinking of starting C25K - new to running, any advice?

[MsPrima]

Hi, I'm about 2 stone overweight, I have no motivation to diet, but I like to exercise so I'm thinking of starting the C25K - would love some advice/tips from anyone in an older age group who is new to running.

[IgaT Graduate]

Hi, welcome to the forum :)I would recommend to start with walking and building it up to 45-60min walks before starting running. But if you are already there, go for week 1 of the plan. You can repeat weeks as many times as you need. Take it very slow, I am usually thinking 'don't try to run, just jog super super slow'. Showing up and going out is more important than anything, consistency will get you there Also remember to drink water to minimise cramping muscles. Warm up before and stretch afterwards to help with muscle regeneration and joint stiffness. Good luck!

[Cmoi Graduate]

Read the How to run C25K guide at healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and have fun  MsPrima !

(Incidentally, if you are hoping to lose weight, please don't be discouraged if doing C25K doesn't result in weight loss. It might, but there are more factors at play - see here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[GTFC Graduate]

Go for it! It's absolutely changed my life. If you start, follow the program and stay consistent, it'll give you so much back. I hope you go forward on this unbelievable journey 😊

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏🙌 Many of us started running with this program later in life & are now addicted! I was 67 & am still running at 72! Slow, easy running is my mantra!

[GoGranGo]

I have just completed week 1 of Couch to5k.

If I can do it you can.

Run 1 was not easy but run 2 better and run 3 almost easy! I ran every 2 days as I have bad knees and arthritis in my feet and I do it slowly.

I also ran in the local park as it’s easier on my knees.

I also walk the Park run which is a great supportive community.

[Tessie66]

Take it nice and easy as slow as you like and don't worry about moving on stay on the same week/run till your happy to move one keep us updated on how your doing

[RunByTheSea64 Graduate]

I had never run until I started C25K in January, at 64. I graduated in early March, and am now regularly doing parkrun and working towards 10k. I couldn't have imagined any of this 6 months ago - it hooks you in! I find there are both mental and physical benefits as your strength and resilience build over the weeks. Just take it carefully and be prepared to repeat weeks if you need to, take the rest days as advised, and generally listen to your body. Good luck on this fabulous journey!

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

I was 63 when I started C25K, that was 3 years ago and it's one of my best decisions.I was at least a stone overweight and getting quite blobby. I'm still a similar weight BUT my shape has changed for the better. I have a waist for the first time in a long time and my legs don't look quite so much like raw sausages. 'muscle weighs more than fat' is actually true.

The other thing running can do is improve how you see your body. I never realised my chubby little legs could run 1, 5, even 10 km and I now respect their abilities rather than having a down on their appearance. If I want to wear shorts (or a bikini) I now have the confidence to realise it's my business not some mythical critical observer's.

So go for it! You have nothing to lose but your negativity 😁