Late 40s, menopausal and fading - so fighting back with exercise

[galwaygal]

Following on from the Late 40s, menopausal and fading thread this is a new one for us golden oldies who are fighting back with attempting exercise and possibly the couch to 5k.

I personally cheated and did week 1 run 1 on saturday, and was doing great with the week 1 run 2 today until my mp3 player stopped working and then I had to exercise the old grey matter to try to work out when I should run and when to walk!!!!!

How have others got on with starting the excercising?

[Butterbur]

I started running, pretty much for the first time, last summer. I was 53. I am now at least 2.5 stone lighter, and at a weight, and shape I haven't been since I was 18. I feel great, and although everything is wrinklier and saggier than I remember it from the last time I weighed this little, I look much better than I did.

I didn't do the Couch25k, as i'd never heard of it at the time. I just did my own thing, and can now run over 10k.

[galwaygal]

Butterbur - it is great to hear that it actually works, and well done for getting so fit. Do you run a few times in the week still?

[Butterbur]

Yes, three times a week, plus once a week to the gym, plus karate, but it's the running that got rid of the weight. The other stuff I was already doing.

I wasn't doing much mileage either, at the start, maybe two miles at the outside, and the weight just fell off. I suppose, to be fair, I did control my food intake too, but the running just suppressed my appetite, and the weight coming off was so motivating, that I managed to carry on.

Now I eat normally, and have stayed the same weight for 6 months. So good luck with the couch25k - I'm sure you will have great results if you stick with it!

[menagerie]

Butterbur, that's really inspirational. I'm late forties and have put on over a stone in the past couple of years, having been the same weight for 20 years. I've just started C25K training and have entered the lottery for a place on London Marathon. Never ran before. I'd be so happy if the weight fell off too. I'm sick of catching sight of a hefty middle aged woman in the mirror and realising it's me!

[sluttysbrawearer]

Come and join us on the C25K thread! All would-be runners welcome!

[Butterbur]

Menagerie, I'm sure you can do it too. Good luck!

[menagerie]

Went for my run today - start of week 3 of C25K. Really hard going at first and then suddenly my whole body felt warm and buzzing with energy. Quite enjoyed it. That's a surprise!