Couch to 5k

Shirleyw
I started c25k last October. I had many set backs and did many weeks more than once. Just before lockdown, for some strange reason I started again and completed it on 24th May so it took me 7 months!!
I then did what they suggest which is consolidation runs for about 9 runs, by this time I was running 30mins 3 times a week. No way was I running 5 k but so what?
Had a break in the summer when family came to stay and am now back to trying to run 3 times a week but usually not succeeding as I work full time so if I can run 3 times a fortnight I feel I am doing ok!!
Apart from the lung problem, I have rheumatoid arthritis, fortunately not so bad that I need medication, 2 prolapsed discs and severe wear and tear in my neck (work related)
I have tried yoga, pilates and tai chi, all of which I ached after but for some strange reason, running is fine and causes no pain except from the odd sore muscle. My dodgy ankle can start to ache before a run but seems to be fine after?!
Have you looked at 'Health unlocked ' on line? Lots of information and support for those doing c25k.
Good luck, make sure you don't run 2 consecutive days and always stretch after a run.

Thanks sart, that's really good....do you still carry on running every week?
I'm still doing it....I'm doing week one on week 3 as I'm comfortable with that so I'm not pushing myself too hard or I know I won't stick to it, I'm just pleased I'm keeping it up lol.....I've a dodgy knee, reckon it s a bit of arthritis creeping in....or probably a weight thing , it's not as bad as it was but funnily enough it's ok when running....

Shirleyw
Well done you!! I started C25k about year ago,I'm 66 years old and I completed it during lock down.
I had TB of the lungs in my late 20s in both lungs and have badly scarred lungs as a result. If I can do it anyone can!
Having said that, I have had a bit of pain in my ankle which goes away if I rest for a day or two so listen to your body and make sure you have plenty of rest days between runs

Week one done and dusted...now into week two ??

Did the 2nd run today, didnt feel quite so self conscious.....next run Friday .

Ok....here goes...started again today...week 1 run 1......is a nice morning, 19 degrees so perfect temperature ...wasnt too bad....was glad when the runs finished

I also have mild asthma and am maybe half a stone overweight but generally fit at 59. I would love to be able to run and have tried Couch25K a couple of times. I always get stalled at about the same place and have decided - I know it sounds odd - that I just have the wrong running technique! I decided to use my treadmill until I was fit to be seen out in public, but have never yet reached that stage!

I tried couch to 5K about 3 years ago. I was happily in to week 4 when my ankle suddenly seized up whilst out jogging and I was in agony. Had to hobble home for half a mile. Ended up 2 months off work with a partially torn achilles tendon.
My Osteopath hates apps like this, as they do not know if you could have any underlýing health problems before starting.
Indeed, neither did I. Seems I had the start of psoriatic arthritis without even knowing it.
Just be very cautious as I thought I was fairly fit, but it uncovered (painfully) a problem I didn't know I had. Apps like this assume everyone is starting on an equal playing field, but I found out to my cost that isn't the case.

Chattycathy - thanks for posting, especially re asthma. I’ve only recently been diagnosed and a bit nervous re exercise, but you’ve prompted me to give it a go! Thank you.

Stillearning - what an achievement! Thanks for your motivating post!

Matelda - that’s a great idea to start with. I do feel very self conscious out in public puffing and wobbling through my permitted once daily exercise. I’ll give this a try and then look at the NHS one. Many thanks.

I looked at couch to 5k at the start of the year(thats as far as I got) how do you stop large bits bobbing about as you run

I used Couch to 5k, it’s a free NHS one

There are a few apps which one is everybody using?

I did this 6 years ago when I turned 70
I was not fit at all and realised quickly that I needed motivation so I asked my children to sponsor me for a charity which they did. It was in December and the day I ran for 8 mins without stopping I was glad it was raining because I cried with joy!!
I completed the 5k on Christmas morning running with my daughter in the local Park Run. Needless to say I was last home but it was an amazing feeling so I would definitely say go for it, if you want to you will do it, Good Luck!

I started it 2 weeks ago but just run round the garden as I'm a bit self conscious to do it in the street. I haven't a huge garden either It's not too taxing but I am reasonably fit and active. I, too have mild asthma but it doesn't hinder me in fact exercise is the best thing for it! Have a go!

I started the program that was on here a little while ago and am about to start week 8. I am 64 and reasonably fit but with all the rec centres closed I needed to do something because I want to eat what I want. I was very pleasantly surprised (research on the internet) that women my age average 45 minutes to complete 5 km = 9 minutes a km. Have always considered myself very slow when I ran in the past but am completing 4 kms in just over 28 minutes = 7 minutes a km. Not usually a numbers person or competitive but was super motivational to find out that I wasn't a snail! Totally intend to keep it up!

Yes, I was away in camper van for the winter so downloaded the app to have a portable fitness project. I was really impressed with the sensible gradual plan and surprised to find myself actually enjoying it. Michael Johnson’s voice was great for motivation... Unfortunately though, I hurt my knees. ( I don’t know how), and frustratingly had to quit at the 28 mins 3x per week stage. Running seems to prevent recovery so I’ll have to wait until they’re completely better and just keep up with my low impact fitness regime. I just hope that it isn’t running that’s caused the problem. I’m 54, fit and normal weight.... good luck ?

Hi, yes! Started it in January when away in camper van for the winter and wanted a fitness project. I loved the gradual sensible progress and used Michael Johnson’s voice as my motivator. All great. Unfortunately, and I am really not sure how, I hurt my knees and at the final hurdle have had to knock it on the head... hopefully not permanently... I was running 28 minutes three times per week... but, I don’t want to do anything to aggravate my knees so unless they get totally better I’m going to have to just continue with all my other fitness regimes! Good luck to you ?

I started running when I was 60. I’m 62 now. I had regretted not running with our previous dog and so when we got our field Spaniel I decided to give running with him a go. My husband has always run and he runs with me and he very kindly supervises the dog We are very fortunate to have woods nearby where we can run. I’m running 5k twice a week. The most important thing is to get a good pair of running trainers to help avoid injury.I don’t time myself as I am only running to keep fit and to enjoy running with my dog and if I start to time each run I could feel like I’d failed if I was slower than a previous run. I’m also not going to extend the distance to any longer than 5k so as to minimise the risk of injury

I am 64, I completed couch to 5k on two day ago. I have never felt fitter. It’s a brilliant programme.

I’ve done this a couple of times and found it really good as I’m useless at judging distances etc. At nearly 60 I’ve finally found my pace - slow! However until lockdown I had increased my distance to 5 miles and was very happy.
I have to walk the dog daily so that’s my daily exercise but have found my mild asthma slightly troublesome and think it’s not running and expanding my lungs to be the reason. I do kettlebell training which is great but it’s not the same.
I reckon I can justify a run each day as well as dog walk so might try from tomorrow
Give it a go, I’m sure you will be successful.

Thanks moth62 for bringing up about the C25k.

Thats great to read all you guys doing the c25k, very inspirational. Making me want to get back out there again, (I still have the sports bra which I definately will need ???)

Hi Im 60 and about 1.5 stone overweight and jog 4 miles every Sunday. It does me more good then harm, so I would strongly recommend giving it a go.

I am 69. I did start it last year but then went on a soft track which caused me to hurt hip. Was told after that sort of track is wrong for older person. I was getting on quite well. I intend starting again soon.