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Is sixty too late?


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I've never been a runner, never in fact been much of a sports person, so now with a couple of stents, pacemaker and a double herniated disk, that was operated on this time last year, I've decided to go for the five. Today I did a, "trial run", just to see if I could make it in the dark. Where I live I am too far away from the nearest gym for it to be possible to commit to going there on a daily basis, so I found a flat road alongside the river. Forgot my earphones, phone battery died after second run so I guess it was not a resounding success. I really would like to reach the goal, and would appreciate your encouragement.

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I hope it's not too late. I am 60 and I downloaded the app 4 days ago; day before yesterday I went for my first C25K workout.  Who knew I was that out of shape?  I used to weigh #313 and now I am down to #215 through portion control and common sense. My goal is #180.  My neighbor turned me on to the app. He started about 6 months ago and now routinely runs 5-7 mies a day. Of course, he is 20 years younger than me too, but hey, it's a goal, right?

 

Today was my second day. I love the app and I did as someone suggested and put the iPhone in my pocket instead of looking at it.  I did great and I did also use my treadmill this evening just to walk off some stiffness.

 

When I got a little disappointed in my pace I thought about the quote here someone said, "Regardless of your speed, you are moving faster than the guy on the couch."  That's good enough for me.  For now.

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Today was my second day. I love the app and I did as someone suggested and put the iPhone in my pocket instead of looking at it. I did great and I did also use my treadmill this evening just to walk off some stiffness.

 

In addition to keeping the iPhone in the pocket, I didn't wear my a watch on the last 2 runs which has been helpful because I have no sense of time so I can't do the 'how long more to the end' countdown and have no choice but to 'just run till I'm told otherwise'. Also helps in not being further imprinted with watch tan line
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I would focus on time running rather than distance (the distance assumes that you're running a pretty decent pace and you may not be to that yet). Focus on endurance before you worry about speed. The speed will come. I don't think there a lot of people who finish the program in 8 weeks that can run a 5K in 30 minutes (at least I know I couldn't when I finished the program). I felt the program did a great job on endurance building and then when you feel ready, you can look into picking up the pace with interval training (but as always, go slow as you introduce new training regimens to minimize injury risk). For now, just work on time and you'll get to distance.

 

Great job everyone!

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  • 1 month later...

So, here's an update. Week 4, Day 3 I developed some pain that wasn't normal at all.  I couldn't make it around the block.  I came home, defeated and disappointed and started icing my left knee.  That was a Friday. Saturday it was worse. MUCH worse.  I called my doc, he said ice every two hours, no heat.  Sent me some meds for the pain.  I saw the doc on Monday and he referred me to my orthopedic guy - so many steps for insurance, it is ridiculous.  Finally a week later, I'm on a cane and still icing and the ortho guy says I need an MRI - thinks we are dealing with a torn meniscus. Another week to get an MRI.  MRI came in and the good news was NO torn meniscus and absolutely NO signs of arthritis at all in a 61 year old knee!  BUT.  I have a stress fracture n the upper part of the tibia, running ALMOSt to the top of the bone; within 1/4".  Had it been closer he would have suggested surgery to pin/screw it into place.  So, into a brace and crutches for a few weeks.

 

I was worried it would break again but the doc says that a stress fracture actually heals stronger than surrounding bone so it likely wouldn't happen in the same location.  He also says that after our March 11th appointment, I will likely come out of the brace but he strongly suggests that I not go immediately back to the program (which BTW he thinks is AOK).  His suggestion is that after the brace comes off that I still be careful for another 30 days and then start back with a codicil:  don't do the program as designed, but repeat each week. So two week one, two week two, etc.  Build slower and more carefully.

 

I also am totally guilty, your honor, of not stretching properly.  I relied on the 5 minute warm up walk to do it. My doc sat on the floor with me and showed me how to properly stretch and gave me some tips.  He is training for an ironman and has many marathons under his belt so I figure the guy knows his stuff.

 

So there is my update. 60 isn't too late IF you do it right, but there can be problems and we just have to deal with it.

 

I was disappointed because I have to tell you, the sense of accomplishment I got during week 3 and the start of week 4 were crazy good for my old ego.  I will be back. I will start again. I will follow my doctors advice and go slow(er) and stretch better!

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  • 2 weeks later...

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