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Original poster

Help me to start running and getting fit over 50

16 replies

KittiKat · 15/02/2015 12:57

Hello

I am seriously considering starting running. I am over 50 now, I am suffering with depression/stress/anxiety and I know I just NEED to do something with my life. I go to work, I sit at the kitchen table when I come home, I do nothing all evening, go to bed and so the cycle continues. My stress levels at the moment are very extreme.

I have lost 2 stone in the past 2 years but have another 2 stone to go. I want to get fit, lose weight and start feeling good about myself.

I have a gym membership which runs out in July (used it once in the last 18 months). I think that exercise will help my depression.

Am I mad to consider starting to run at my age? I need to get seriously motivated. Is anyone else over 50, depressed but found the motivation to get moving and started to love life again?

OP posts:
knackeredknees44 · 15/02/2015 13:06

You seem very motivated. I started running in November. I haven't progressed as quickly as I had hoped but really enjoy it. I don't have to plan or book a run, I just get changed and go. I'm less self conscious of my puffing and panting (I wear headphones so I can't hear myself!) Go for it!

knackeredknees44 · 15/02/2015 13:11

I think being outdoors, getting rained on and feeling the wind and rain on your face is therapeutic. I am not depressed, but definitely feel a natural high after a run. I have also heard that running can prevent symptoms of dementia so that convinces me that running is good for mental health. I was running with my son and told him about the link with preventing dementia, he kindly told me that I had told him that in the exact same place last time we ran together, whoops - need to run more often!

VitoCorleonePart2 · 15/02/2015 14:20

Well im not 50, but i do suffer depression and anxiety. I don't run outside but i have a treadmill, all i can say is as soon as i get into it and focus on my step by step and get into a good rhythm i can feel my mood instantly change, its actually a weird sensation but its like all of a sudden everything seems positive and i feel optimistic.

I am going to move on to running outside once the weather starts getting better. It is definitely good for your mood.

Go for it!

cheerup · 15/02/2015 14:31

I am not 50 but can attest to how exercise can change your life and lift your mood. Running is good but can be hard on your own as a beginner. C25k is brilliant for starting out. I did it about 2 and a half years ago. I am now a regular gym goer and training for a Tough Mudder (with a 10k race as part of training). Get some upbeat music on your headphones - Katy Perry's Firework works for me - and enjoy just putting one foot in front of another without thinking for a while.

Original poster
KittiKat · 16/02/2015 09:56

Thank you ladies. I am going to try tonight by just walking around the block (about 2 miles). I hope that by doing this, come whatever the weather it will get me into the habit of going outside and DOING something.

I am off to Amazon to find some headphones! Grin

OP posts:
knackeredknees44 · 16/02/2015 15:04

I really hope you enjoy yourself. Another idea is to download a podcast. I'm a radio 4 comedy and drama addict and enjoy catching up on a programme whilst I exercise. Last night I ran only about 4 km, felt pretty rubbish at first but was literally dancing to my tunes in the garden when I got back!!! Hope the neighbours didn't see!

ChinUpChestOut · 16/02/2015 15:12

I'm 52 in 2 months!! And I started running in November, had 6 weeks off due to over indulgence, became shocked at how much weight i put on and got my sorry fat arse back to the gym. I also need to lose 2 stone, and have suffered depression. So I'm your exercise buddy!

I started with low-ish expectations, so I couldn't fail. Your idea of a walk around the block is a good one. I aimed for 20 minutes on the treadmill with 2 lots of "running" (I use that term loosely) in it and some brisk walking either side. I did that 3 times for the first week. The second week, I brisk walked 5 mins and then ran at 7.5km/hour for as long as I could manage (low expectations) and then brisk walked for about 7 mins at the end. Probably ran for about 10 minutes in the middle, as I wasn't running very fast. After that I rowed for 2km at an easy level, and not too fast.

I can now run for 4.2km and I'm aiming to be able to run 5km by April. I average my speed at 8km/hour with maybe 3-4 minutes at the end at 8.5km or 9km if I'm feeling frisky. It's all done wonders for my mental health. Not lost a lot of weight, but I'm feeling better about myself.

How was the walk?

knackeredknees44 · 17/02/2015 15:48

Did you enjoy yourself? I'm about to get changed to go for a little run. It is lovely and sunny - I used to run in the dark due to embarrassment so running in the sun will be a novelty! I haven't got faster or lost weight, I now have the attitude 'at least I'm giving it a go!' It's v windy so I won't be long!

itwillgetbettersoon · 17/02/2015 20:22

I started running age 49 last Feb. I joined a beginners course at a running club and did the 5k in 10 weeks. It took me mths until I could run 5k without stopping. I now do the park runs at just over 30mins. At age 50 I'm aiming for my first 10k race in May. It makes me feel great. I'm leaner, BP lower, cholestrol lower and feel great. Go for it.

MelanieCheeks · 18/02/2015 08:04

Couch to 5k (C2 5k) is a great staged programme - you can get various versions of it online.

sassytheFIRST · 18/02/2015 08:11

I started running on the treadmill at a gym as I felt much more confident running indoors and could also control my pace etc. 18 months on the gym is cancelled and I run up to 9k once or twice a week outside.

Remember, it takes about 14 mins for the endorphins to kick in when running so it's usual to feel like you are dying from about 7-13 mins in!Grin

feetheart · 18/02/2015 08:28

I was going to say what sassy said - prepare to feel like you are going to die for the first 20 10-15 mins. You won't :)

Couch to 5k is brilliant - you start by walking more than you are running and you never think you will be able to do the next run, or next week, but you do. It is also fine to do it at you own pace and do every week twice (or more) or repeat weeks that were hard, or have a break because you get ill and then go back a few weeks.

Parkruns are also BRILLIANT - a free, timed run every Saturday morning that is for everyone from super-duper fast people who head off into the distance to people who walk the whole way round. There are kids, dogs, buggys. Everyone is welcome, everyone's achievements are celebrated and as it's regular you get to meet and know people so it's really sociable.

Good luck, you won't regret it.

Original poster
KittiKat · 18/02/2015 11:43

I am sorry not to have replied sooner!!! I had a bit of a shock this week and the stress I think sent me into overload. I woke up at 5am in excruciating pain in my back and chest. It went away after a few hours and then returned later in the afternoon. I don't think I am having a heart attack, my thoughts are maybe gallbladder (having Googled) so I have made an appointment at the GP for early next week.

I did not get to go for my walk which is a disappointment but I was knackered and had no enthusiasm. I will get there...

ChinUpChestOut don't suppose you live near to me by any chance?!!! I am 52 next month. I like the ideal of a buddy, so watch this space, I will get out there!

OP posts:
feetheart · 18/02/2015 14:27

That sounds scary, no wonder you are knackered. Glad you have GP appointment sorted. Exercise can wait.
52 is a GREAT age :o

ThatBloodyWoman · 18/02/2015 14:29

I recommend any outdoor sport and yoga.

knackeredknees44 · 20/02/2015 20:10

Hope your GP can help you out. I agree, exercise can wait.

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