Too old to take up running??

[Em308]

I’m 46 (nearly 47). Very unfit. About 1.5 - 2 stone overweight. Type 2 diabetic, recently started insulin with very high insulin resistance (since starting certain meds I’ve put on a stone in 8 months, without eating more which means more fat and worse insulin resistance.) Its a vicious cycle. I eat well, low carb, but my blood sugar levels are still high. I don’t want to keep increasing the insulin as this just leads to more weigh gain! A local fb running group has just advertised a beginners group starting soon, it’s a couch to 5k thing with mental help support too, but I just don’t know if I’m too old to take up running? Will I make a total fool of myself? Is it safe to ask this of my body? Has anyone any positive stories of taking up running later in life or do I just accept it’s all downhill for me from now on?

never too old to start!

the couch to 5k plan will mix running and walking and ease you into it gently - that's the key.

good luck - park runs can be quite addictive!

@Bargebill19

Not too old. All the above advice plus it doesn’t matter about speed. I got hung up on that bit. So long as you are moving forward, it does not matter how fast. Try using different surfaces. Some like hard surfaces some like soft. Enjoy the process.

I would agree totally

I was obsessed about pace but once I relaxed and took it much much slower, I enjoyed it so much more. Do not worry about those who can run quicker!

I eventually settled on Brooks trainers. They are pricey but I was also overweight and used to get sore knees/hips and the cushioning in those shoes really helped (plus losing the weight!).

I stopped running in lockdown and need to start again from scratch as I've also put on a stone and I'm older than you so you definitely won't feel old doing it!

Am another v late starter who now enjoys running!

Jog/walking can be great. I started with this. It helped me not to find it so hard as to put me off!

If you have the money, recommend a heartrate monitor to help you stay in a sensible ‘zone’. Whatever exercise you’re doing.

Was also a v late starter to group fitness, and really enjoy that too, for different reasons.

I put on nearly 2 stone, (was already overweight) from covid, Christmas and lockdown. Started the c25k app, and then signed up to Joe Wicks. Lost that weight plus another stone, running 5 to 7k couple times a week plus couple of hiit sessions, gone from nearly buying size 18 clothes to a 12. I am mid 40s, feel stronger, fitter, mentally healthier than I have on years. Go for it, find what works for you.

Well done @Rocketpants50 that's amazing!

I took up running in my late 40s and my running club has more aged 40+ than younger.

Re the myth that running is bad for your knees, this was one of many articles I came across in a quick Google
www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jul/18/knees-stretching-heel-striking-three-running-myths-debunked

That's not to say that you should continue to run if experiencing pain in knees or anywhere else. Listen to your body, rest if required and see a physio if an issue doesn't go away.

Good pair of shoes and supportive sports bra are a must. Can also recommend getting an anti chafing product - Ive used Vaseline but now use body glide as less messy.

Running has been invaluable for my mental health as well as physical well-being.

Last bit of advice with C25k is if you finding a particular week hard just stick with that weeks schedule for another week or more until your body adjusts and you can progress again.

Perfectly doable.

I took up running at 40 and then went through a few periods of not being able to run and then starting again over the last 10 years. Only ever managed 5k and my fastest ever time was 29mins.

I'm now 51.

Put on a stone over lockdown and was already a stone overweight before anyway so decided it was time to start running again.

Started slowly but within a couple of weeks had built back up to a non stop 5k but it took me 38mins to get round.

I'm now a few weeks further on and running twice a week gradually building my speed up. I did 33mins on my last run.

Have lost 1.5 stone in 8 weeks ( have also been dieting and have cut right back on alcohol)

Feels great. Go for it.

@Rocketpants50 that is seriously impressive! I bet you feel amazing.

I am the same age and started last November with C25K. Took it really slowly, repeating a lot of weeks but I am now running 5K two or three times a week. And I love it. It's so satisfying- I couldn't run more than a minute at first!

Ever seen the elderly Olympics ?

Never too old

I think that I voted wrong 😳

I said that YABU as in, yes it’s unreasonable to think that you’re too old to go running and/or join this group. Go, have a great time! You’ll get fitter and make some new friends.

Good heavens, no! I started running ‘properly’ during lockdown one and I’m in my 50s. Decent shoes and a good sports bra essential. Good luck! And no, it’s not bad for your knees - strengthens the muscles around the joint and can help with arthritis because of that.

I'm another..
Started in my 40's..never been sporty, was overweight and unfit.
First run I thought I'd die... I vomited in the hedge.
Now aged 53..done 10km, half marathons and in October am running the London marathon
It is so good to feel fit, healthy strong and clears menopause brain fog..
I love running.
I am very slow but I don't care... Its not a competition.
So please give it a go OP.

Definitely not too old! I'm a year younger than you OP and have run a good few ultramarathons in my 40s!

There are plenty of more up to date studies that show running isn't bad for your joints so ignore that - I'm riddled with arthritis and running well.

The Run Mummy Run Facebook group is incredibly supportive to women of every age and ability

A lady who must have been in her mid 70’s + ran past me today and I hope that if I’m still about at that age, I will be out running too! you are never too old to take up running. I started in my 40’s.

If you are worried- pop along to park run next Saturday and you will see the diverse ages.
It's part of the appeal for me- really is for everyone.
Have fun!

@Viviennemary

I have read that running is bad for the knee joints. I would start with brisk walking.

Trust Viv to try to dampen your spirit!

I opened this thinking you were going to be 60+. Of course you're not too old!

Definitely not too old! I turned 40 this year, and I started running last year. I absolutely love it. C25k got me doing it. I run every other day now, mostly 5k. I feel so much healthier for it. Go for it!

I started running 2 years ago at 60. I took up ParkRun too. Have never regretted it. I am 62 today and have never been fitter or healthier. I go at my own pace enjoy the freedom.

You don't need to have completed C25K to enjoy parkrun

You can make it one of your runs - think if it as a brisk walk with 6x 90secs jogging, as slowly as you like. You can up the proportion of running as you progress through C25K

Runners World or some other running mag did an anrticle about 'what advice would experienced runners give to beginners' and the only think that featured on all the lists was 'start parkrunning as early as possible, even if you can't run yet'

I am 46 and obese (worse since lockdown) I started couch to 5k with DH a few years ago and got such bad legs (shin splints I think), which is a shame as in the first couple of weeks my shape was changing). DH carried on, I quit. Now I have bought a running machine for less impact but have lost the motivation sadly. Try it OP, you may enjoy it.

C25k has been great for me in my mid-40s. I have been prone to knee injuries in the past but have been doing joe wicks alongside and so far no injuries at all. I did a few of the C25k weeks for more like a fortnight so I could build up really gradually. I am now really enjoying running - good luck!

I started running a year ago at the age of 46 and supremely unfit (I realised on my daily lockdown walk I was out of breath after walking up a 100yd hill!).
C25k is the best thing because it builds your stamina and muscles slowly allowing your body to catch up with where you should be. It's also easy to repeat runs etc when you need to.
I now run 5k three times a week, and I love it!
I see.loads of people older than me running where I live too
Good running shoes, good sports bra that's all you need.
I love Jeffing too when I'm tired

Best thing I ever did and quite literally changed my life. I’m 42, started 3 and a bit years ago and over 4 stone lighter. The children I work with are amazed that I’ve run several marathons and ultras.

Take it gently - C25k is a great place to start. Running groups are amazing. The best investment you can make is a good sports bra and the right type of trainers. Good luck!!