I have started running at 54!

[crispsinasandwich]

Just that really - anyone else started late and actually enjoyed it snd carried on.

I have joined a beginners ladies group locally. Did my first run yesterday.

@crispsinasandwich

One more week of my course - next week is 5k! Eek!

Could I please ask a question of experienced runners?

I am still the slowest in the group - by quite a long way. There is the opportunity to move on to a development group. The other ladies are and will be much fitter and faster than me. Would it be better to carry on on my own, trying to get fitter and faster, or should I put my pride aside and be the slowest in the development group.

I am not really interested in running any further than 5k at the moment.

Thank you x

Do they have a group that just runs 5k instead of going further?

No - but there are social runs

The development group will probably do things like hills/ interval training etc - different training can help with speed. I'd try the group and see how you get on, and if it's not for you, do park run/ your social runs and enjoy the feeling of having achieved the 5km at whatever speed!! I know when I started a few weeks ago, just a couple of minutes running seemed so hard, and our group is at the 15min stage, so I'm starting to feel much better about it all. Such a great feeling after the run!

I did my homework run today – it was hard – 3×10 minutes with two minutes break in between.

I did try and run up some hills though.

The run earlier in the week was 28 minutes – which I managed and seemed easier than today! Maybe today I'm still tired from my earlier run.

I ran 5k today without stopping!

I started c5k in January aged 60. Completed my first 5k run today I’m thrilled it’s the furthest I’ve ever run in my life.

@crispsinasandwich just spotted this thread. Well done on your first 5k. That is blooming brilliant!!

I started c25k last year at age 53 and now run regularly - 5k three times a week. This is the longest I have stuck at any exercise. I have played about with increasing the distance, but to be honest I think the prospect of running for longer would make me look for excuses not to bother, even though I enjoy it. I just know what I'm like. Recently, I have been swapping the odd session for interval training, where I run as fast as I can for 30 seconds - really going for it as opposed to pacing myself - then 2 minutes of brisk walking or light jogging, then repeat, and I am loving it.

Fantastic @Dinosaurwoman that is a great achievement. I felt on top of the world after my first 5k.

It's good to know there are other, ahem, mature women like myself, new to running, pounding the pavements and getting fit.

@Dinosaurwoman

I started c5k in January aged 60. Completed my first 5k run today I’m thrilled it’s the furthest I’ve ever run in my life.

Well done - we are probably feeling the same high!

[quote ClinkeyMonkey]@crispsinasandwich just spotted this thread. Well done on your first 5k. That is blooming brilliant!!

I started c25k last year at age 53 and now run regularly - 5k three times a week. This is the longest I have stuck at any exercise. I have played about with increasing the distance, but to be honest I think the prospect of running for longer would make me look for excuses not to bother, even though I enjoy it. I just know what I'm like. Recently, I have been swapping the odd session for interval training, where I run as fast as I can for 30 seconds - really going for it as opposed to pacing myself - then 2 minutes of brisk walking or light jogging, then repeat, and I am loving it.

Fantastic @Dinosaurwoman that is a great achievement. I felt on top of the world after my first 5k.

It's good to know there are other, ahem, mature women like myself, new to running, pounding the pavements and getting fit.

[/quote]
Thank you - do you run in a group or by yourself.

I think I would like to try interval training to hopefully get a bit fitter and faster.

@crispsinasandwich I run by myself. That's why I like it! I always listen to an audiobook as I run.

I downloaded an app to my phone called IntervalTimer which can be customised to suit different timings. It gives me a wee prompt when it's time to run faster or slow down. I am feeling the benefit of it after only a few sessions. Luckily there is a leisure centre nearby with several playing fields and a path around the perimeter, so I do my intervals there. I sometimes wear a pair of trail runners during busier times and stay on the grass away from innocent bystanders!!

how do runners find things weight wise?

I have about 4 stone to lose.

I used to run but that was about 5 stone ago. I don't want to put my knees through it. And now someone has mentioned bladder...that might be a new issue since last time I did any running.

I think this thread will disappear quite soon so I just wanted to thank you all for your replies and encouragement.

I am now running 5k about three times a week. There are only certain days I can run due to work, and I don't want to run by myself in the dark.

I am tempted to join a gym so that I can run on a treadmill which will allow me to vary the system that I run.

Well done

5k three times a week is absolutely brilliant. Well done. Do you feel much better? I manage 3.5k once a week and even that makes me feel better. I am 51

That's fantastic, well done. I'm almost up to 5k, running 3 x a week and feeling great!

Today I ran 10k - FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE! I am stupidly proud of myself

OP you have encouraged me to dust off my trainers and start running again.

Well done on your 10k. That is amazing!

Well done, that is fantastic. Like you I started C25K at a similar age, and when you manage 10k for the first its a brilliant feeling.

@Sallycinnamum

OP you have encouraged me to dust off my trainers and start running again.

Well done on your 10k. That is amazing!

Fantastic news. If you knew me in real life you would be astounded that I could inspire anyone to do anything vaguely exercisey so thank you for saying that - and we'll done x

@tryingtorun

Well done, that is fantastic. Like you I started C25K at a similar age, and when you manage 10k for the first its a brilliant feeling.

It really is - thank you x

I have had covid so not been able to run for 2 weeks - still not feeling great. I think I might need to star my at the beginning of my programme again - don't want to go out and not be able to do it, get disheartened and give up!

Anyone else successfully restarted after a break ?

Thank you

Oh what a lovely thread - thank you @crispsinasandwich; I was just about to post how you've inspired me to start again and then I saw your last post.

A two week break is nothing, but after Covid you'll need to give yourself plenty of recovery time. This bit is crucial. Don't try to do too much too soon.
Would a (fairly long) walk give you a reasonably good measure of your fitness levels maybe?

I was a restarter after a serious illness last year and it wasn't too much of a struggle, but I took it slowly.

I had to take another break (not health related) so I'm now a restarter again, so your thread is doubly inspirational
I'm definitely trying again

(Mid 50s grandma)

Well done!! Im 47 and have been running for 10 years. Loving it! Made a lot of new friends.

My joints will maybe suffer in years to come but hey, who cares! Live for today!! I can always get new knees!

@FredWinnie

Oh what a lovely thread - thank you *@crispsinasandwich*; I was just about to post how you've inspired me to start again and then I saw your last post.

A two week break is nothing, but after Covid you'll need to give yourself plenty of recovery time. This bit is crucial. Don't try to do too much too soon.
Would a (fairly long) walk give you a reasonably good measure of your fitness levels maybe?

I was a restarter after a serious illness last year and it wasn't too much of a struggle, but I took it slowly.

I had to take another break (not health related) so I'm now a restarter again, so your thread is doubly inspirational
I'm definitely trying again

(Mid 50s grandma)

Thank you - I will take it slowly. I am out of isolation but I am still very tired. A walk is a good idea. Good luck with your running

I have started running again but due to work I can only go out one day a week at the moment.

Went for a run today - beautiful crisp day - running along - smile at people as I passed them. One bloke - he did look drunk to be fair - called me a fat slag. Now normally I would be upset by this but today I'm just angry - fucking arsehole a- who does he think he is!

Just needed to get that off my chest