Can an unfit, overweight, soon to be 35yo learn to run?

[BrightYellowStripes]

So, prompted by my half life crisis thread, I've decided I'd like to challenge myself and see if I can learn to run a 5k.

I'm asthmatic, a few stones overwight, uncoordinated and was always last to be picked at school

Is it possible to emerge in six months as a lithe, toned, fit and energetic runner? Or should I think again

Download the couch to 5k podcast, buy yourself some trainers & away you go! I started running 3 years ago (age 37) and am now a member of an athletics club! have done road races, 10ks, half marathons & a 24 hour relay! Just working up to a marathon with DP (who I met at running club )

C25K is 9 weeks I think? 6 months is plenty of time to get 10k or even half marathon fit :)

It's possible - I've done it! I now run 10ks one year on. I'm not asthmatic but a few stone overweight and never been "sporty". Sadly I havent lost much weight but I'm much fitter and I think I'm retaining weight whilst breastfeeding. That and my wine habit

Couch to 5k changed my life!

Can't make any promises about how toned and fit you will get. But if you follow something like C25k then you will certainly get fitter.

You just need to be focused and stick with it!

Get a good bra!

I lost some weight before starting running, but went from being a total non-runner, via C25K and Parkrun, to my first 10k race in 9 months.

And I'm somewhat older than you.

Yes!!! C25K, a good sports bra (shock absorber is a good brand to look at!) and some good shoes if possible, and you'll be set

Definitely definitely!! Our local running club has a walking group which meets 3 times a week which is a pre-CouchTo5k group to get people in the habit of going out to exercise before they even start running. If you're in the NE of England they could be near you.

Also our local parkrun has a tail walker (not tail runner) which shows how inclusive it is for "non-runners".. not sure if this is the same for all parkruns but I assume it is.

Enjoy

Get some running buddies. I ran with a group of friends training for a 10k, starting with run / walk round a 2km lake. We use an app called runtastic and most of the people who started dos a 10k, 10 weeks later. I was gobsmacked!! Most of the women (8 started, two have dropped out due to other commitments and 2 have joined) are still running three times a week and significantly fitter. Set one goal at a time and go for it. Good luck!

A lot of running clubs do a 'learn to run' type course once or twice a year... mine does & some of the people I encouraged at the beginning now run a lot further & faster than me! One of them just did her first marathon (Berlin) age 60. Running is very inclusive, cheap & easy to fit into your life

Of course you can! I was 4st overweight and a total couch potato!! In 4 months I did couch to HM. I've fallen in love with running and now I'm also super toned ;)

This is so encouraging!!

Would you recommend starting out on a treadmill or on the road? I do like to listen to music so wonder how safe I'd feel on the road or in a park...??

Also, is one app better than another?

I think that's personal choice. To me road over treadmill anytime!

Will also look into Park walk Run

I'm a roadrunner (never on a treadmill) , never used an app/training program but use GPS enabled fitbit to give me an idea of my distance. I'm always listening to my tunes on my earphones :)

Absolutely you can! It's a lot more fun outside. I use earphones but quiet enough that I can hear what's going on.

If you want music, but want to hear what's around you there are two solutions.

One is to put only one earbud in.

The other is to get some bone-conducting headphones. Main brand is Aftershokz. I'm thinking of treating myself (as my hints about what I'd really like for my birthday failed dismally)

Yes
Decent shoes
Decent bra
NHS Couch to 5K

Park definitely!!!

Ahem

Fantastic!

The couch to 5k app is great and really helps you ease into it. Starting with 5 min walk walk up, 60 seconds jog then 90 seconds walk repeated for 20 min then cool down.

I've just started it and I'm doing better than I ever expected I would!

Well done!

I am significantly overweight but I love running, I did the C25K and now regularly run 5k - very slowly!!!

I agree with the good shoes and good bra comments. I have a shock absorber and I went to a specialist running shop to get fitted for great running shoes, I was scared of hurting my knees.

You can do it, get down to a parkrun you can walk, run or cartwheel round it's great and free, they have tail walkers so no one is last, if you have kids under 14 do a junior with them it's only 2k x

Hi. Can i ask what happens when you're overweight and running 5k? I am a good 3 stone overweight, 43, and on week 2. I realise you can't put run a bad diet but when I get to running 5k regularly (hopefully) will I be any slimmer? Or is it really about eating a lot less and feeling fit is the bonus of running.