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?

I started c25k at 40, then progressed to 10k, then half marathons, did my first trail marathon this year. Was diabetic when I started but lost three stone and am not diabetic any longer, would definitely recommend starting running!

As an aside with regards sports bras. I’m an F cup and really need a good bra for running. I’ve tried “shock absorber” etc but as an emergency stop gap threw this one on my trolley at Sainsbury’s. I’ve been so impressed with it. I’ve never had a sports bra with an underwire before and although not always ideal for bending movements ( this ones not for yoga) it’s been perfect for running. It’s doesn’t give you that squashed mono boob look either. Great buy for £14. Sorry about the long link

tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Active-DD%2B-Black-High-Impact-Flexiwire-Sports-Bra-/136216898?istCompanyId=07cf3c1d-7207-477f-aab0-212732e114dd&istFeedId=03391e81-6312-4095-9322-96087f0115ae&istItemId=iiqmqmlrw&istBid=tztx&&src=Google&med=Shopping&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12107698704&utm_term=136216898136216898&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=115090680183&utm_custom2=825-875-8916&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyK-e3Nzt8QIV1vhRCh1GdgvtEAQYAiABEgIi6vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Not sure the link is working.

I started C25K at 49, 4 stone overweight, and in less than a year I ran (fairly slowly!) my first ever 10k Race for Life.

5 years later, I'm still running, never more than 5-10k (and 10ks only for special occasions) and my formerly dodgy knees have never been stronger because Ialso take strength advicefrom a sports physio (although that's obviously optional!). When (not if!) you've completed C25K there are 3 NHS 'graduate' programmes: stepping stones, speed and, finally, stamina. I use speed and stamina at least once each a week. They're really good.

You can do it, OP!

Forgot to add, that with the running and using My Fitness Pal, I lost the 4 stone in less than 6 months, and have kept it off!

Great tips, have also been considering running.

Go for it! I started running again (after 25 years) when I was about the same age as you, but way more overweight.and have loved it!

Go slowly, listen to your body and have fun! A running group is an excellent idea - there's so much support and encouragement on offer.

Good sports bra and running trainers and you're good to go.

Noooo FB group Couch to 5k UK is amazing 🤩

I'm 62 and have been running since I was a teenager. Unfortunately I had to stop in January due to a repetitive stress injury that required a minor surgery to correct, but I hope to be back at it soon.

Buy your first pair of running shoes at a shop that specializes in them to make sure they fit properly and support your type of pronation. You can also alternate a bit of jogging with brisk walking as you get into it.

No I’m nearly 50 and started couch to 5k a few months back. I’m super unfit so have had to repeat some weeks a few times but as long as I’m getting the exercise I’m not bothered.

Insulin will also increase your insulin resistance. Has your GP commenced this? If you are overweight and insulin resistant, there are other medications on the market which will help reduce this and your diabetes. There is a daily or a weekly injection which will Reduce the weight but if y have a history of pancreatitis it’s no good. Gemma Collins and Kerry catona had it. It’s called skinny jab but there is one licenced for type 2 diabetes in the UK