to think I can start running in my 50s

[PetraThePanda]

A younger friend has asked me to join her on a 5k run in December. She lives in a different part of the country, so we couldn't train together but would obviously keep in touch.

But AIBU to think I can actually work towards running this sort of distance without my knees giving way or is it a recipe for disaster at my age.

I'm reasonably fit, but mostly do yoga etc at the gym. Have never done running.

AIBU?

Some of the ladies from my WI did this last year.

Build up slowly and it's doable. You need to finish, not finish first!

Oh, and good luck!

No you're not, especially as you do yoga which will help enormously as you will have good core strength from the start.

YANBU. My Father started when he was 58 (few years ago) and he's done 20 milers since then . Being careful to avoid injury yes but that applies at any age. Good luck :)

YANBU. I'd start slowly, and build up gradually, but it is perfectly possible. I've heard of people taking up marathon running in their 70's very sucessfully!

Yes, you can - do the couch to 5k programme and redo a week if you find it hard. Get some proper running shoes fitted too.

nope not at all - try couch to 5k for a planned program or just go and do it I love outdoor exercise

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

You absolutely can!

I had never run a step until last year when I was 49. Started with the c25k and just made myself do it. Two weeks ago aged 50 and four months . I did a 10k race! it's the best thing I have ever taken up!!! just do it

Mother started running in her 50s. Now does 7 miles a day and she's 63.

Come and join us on the latest couch to 5K thread :)

I started C25k exactly a year ago. I'm younger, but my body was trashed from pregnancy / birth and a long recovery from SPD. I started to get some cardiovascular fitness back.

I ran my first half marathon today!

Take it gently. It is possible.

Wow some inspirational running stories here!

Course you can do it op! Good luck

You can definitely start running.

One of the women at my dojo took up karate at 50 and was a black belt by 57. You can definitely take up running!

As pp have said - take it slowly to start with, invest in some decent running shoes, give yourself rest days and try for a graded intro like couch-to-5k.

Thanks all. I started c25k today

Go for it. :)

I started running at 40. I know that is younger, but had hated all sport since being forced onto cold, muddy hockey pitches in school. :)

Love it now - have done a Half Marathon - and various 10k races.

Just take it easy - work yourself into it at your own pace - and enjoy!

I did c25k at 54. Join the gang.