Couch to 5k

Do it now! Air is a lot less polluted at the moment! Good Luck. Also you don't have to follow it like a slave, there is room for individual adjustment.

I started Couch to 5k in February at the age of 65. I’ve never been able to run - I was the one in PE who got left till the end when teams were picked and eight years ago I got an autoimmune rheumatological disease which meant I was inactive for a couple of years. The programme builds up your stamina slowly but steadily - I was out of breath after the 90 second run so it feels like nothing short of a miracle that I’m running 4 or 5k three times a week. And loving it. Running is a slight exaggeration - it’s more of a laboured jog - but I do 40 minutes without stopping. No mean feat in hilly Devon. Mostly there are only sheep round here to judge me - but I wouldn’t let embarrassment stop you. Other runners are really supportive but what keeps me going is how good it makes me feel afterwards and how much more energetic in general I feel. I haven’t lost weight (I eat what I like) but have lost several spare tyres. And have gained the undying admiration of my children and husband who are amazed I’ve done it.
Make sure you’ve got good supportive trainers and do some stretches before and after. Oh, and go for Michael Johnson as the motivational voice....

I’m 70 and already did a lot of walking but always hated running. However I started couch to 5K last summer, it took me a long time to complete as I had some injuries, illness etc but I finished it before the lockdown. I now can’t imagine my life without running, I run 3 times per week for 20-30 mins depending on how I’m feeling. My resting heart rate is 50bpm so it’s made me fitter than any other exercise I’ve ever done.
I’d recommend it to anyone regardless of age- just give it a go. You start of really slowly so it’s not as daunting as you may think.

It definitely works, go for it

I have done it and it works, it's brilliant. Did mine 18 months ago with a local support group. Still running,usually did Parkrun until lockdown. Biker, don't let embarrassment put you off. I have had nothing but nice comments from people, and I am no stick insect!

I started this for something to do during lockdown. I have a treadmill in the summer house in the garden, so can leave doors open and have a good breeze wafting in, this is very necessary as I get very hot. I’m on my last run of week 7 so running for 25 mins. I never thought this would be possible. Really want to try running outside, but not sure the general public is ready for me in Lycra! It works so go for it! I’m 61 and if I can do it anyone can.

I'm still not sure what this is all about, as I have never heard of the people or programs mentioned but I will only say that the thought of any organised keep fit routine has never appealed to me, and the thought of actually going to a gym is not something I would ever have considered. However, since I seem to be considerably older than the rest of you I shall content myself with my frequent trips up and down two flights of stairs. tending my garden and walking for at least an hour every day. Am I forgiven?

Yes, very successfully! Started at the beginning of lock down and now regularly run alternate days up to 5 k... used to go swimming and gym before lockdown so reasonably fit..i am 63

At the age of 51 (I’m 63 now) and post-lumpectomy, I started training from nothing and six months later I completed the Great North Run in aid of Breast Cancer Care. I followed a plan in a sports shop magazine that I picked up when I took my son to get his trainers. Same idea as 0 to 5k. Go for it. What have you got to lose?

Been doing that for over a year now
Absolutely brilliant and completely free.
I have much more energy and have lost, without doing anything else, over half a stone.
It's a shock at the beginning when you realise how unfit you are - huffing and puffing to run for just a few minutes. It's carefully paced so you can build slowly and the great thing about following it via an app on the phone is if you feel you need more time at one level before you move on, that's exactly what you do.
Good luck!

I’m using the NHS app and I’m on week 5.
I’m 61 and about 1 1/2 stones overweight but healthy and regularly walk and swim in normal times .
I always hated running before and was out of puff almost immediately!
Strangely.... I’m actually enjoying this !
I have Laura encouraging me and some upbeat music so it passes quite fast .
I decided to use this time at home to get fitter , eat better and reduce my wine drinking and I am definitely feeling better for it .... give it a go !
If it’s not for you at least you have given it a try :-)

I've done it. I'm also a bit overweight and haven't exercised in years, but managed with no great difficulties. I was very self-conscious of running in public but there are so few people around in the mornings and quite a few doing the same thing, which has helped. Finally got up to running the full 5k last week so I'm feeling very pleased with myself!

I'm 66, two stone overweight and asthmatic. I'm on Week 5 of Couch to 5K - thought it would be good to do it during lockdown, and so it has proved. Not finding it easy, though.

My sister in law (62) and me,73, startedthe Annie Deadman 21 day exercise two weeks ago. Very hard to start but getting easier now. We both walk and swim so thought we were quite fit!!!

Another vote here for Leslie Sansone. I heard about her on Gransnet and have been doing her workouts 4-5 days each week during lockdown. I am usually a hill walker and am missing it desperately (especially during the wonderful walking weather we have had since lockdown began).

Matelda Thanks for your advice. Am in the same age range and this is very encouraging

Have a look at the NHS website Couch to 5K

Yes, both my husband and I did it last year but we agree we prefer walking! Personally although we managed it, I can never wait for the running to stop!!

We both walk around 2-3 miles every morning quite briskly and much prefer this,.

I am 64 and he is 66 both active but not super fit, so it is doable. Just depends if you like it I think. Good luck

Definitely go for it. It works! Started (with a local running group) four years ago when I was 62. I am now able to run 5k + a few times a week at my own pace. Never thought I would be able to do it. It keeps my resting heart rate down, as shown on my Fitbit.

Nor me neither!

well. I haven`t the faintest idea what you are all talking about!

That's what I was thinking Shirley. I think what's really stopping me is feeling self-conscious running (or attempting to run ?) in public.

I just love the party atmosphere of Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home, which is available in one, two or three mile chunks for free on YouTube (or there's a subscription website with an app at yourdailywalk.com). As I''m over 70, I can do it all in my living room. The pace is quite brisk, and better for me aerobically than an outdoor amble. It's possible to cover 5K in about 45 minutes.

Yes, I am the same age and am now at 5k so can enter Park Runs
Great idea

I've started a few times, got to week 3 then stopped, daft I know, should of carried on....what I do now is a brisk half hour walk but I would really love to start and go all the way with C25k....and carry on after.....I'm 61 also ?
No reason for me not to start it again.
Be perfectly fine during lockdown bikerhiker. It's no more than the hour we are allowed out ?