New jogger at 53

corderdeb

ok...i'm 52.5...
I've never run before in my life - I swim.
In fact, I swim nearly 4miles a week - so I have stamina and air. But no legs.

I have new shoes (got on the tread mill and everything to get a good pair).
I have a training app on my iPhone. (C25K great app!!)
I have signed up for a 5k (for modivation) later this spring/summer.

What else should I do/know?

Thanks!

iangale7

The only thing to be aware of that I've found when jogging outside is learn to relax no body is watching you so go slow relax and enjoy it.

corderdeb

bump

hazymary

The only thing I'd want to tell you is....Age has nothing to do with anything ( I'm 55 and just finished my first 1/2 marathon) Just get outside and enjoy !!

corderdeb

The only thing I'd want to tell you is....Age has nothing to do with anything ( I'm 55 and just finished my first 1/2 marathon) Just get outside and enjoy !!

GOOD FOR YOU!

kstahlke

The main thing I would add is - don't worry about pace. Now is not the time to think about speed. Go slowly enough that you enjoy it. That will keep you running for the long run. You can worry about speed later.

Other things to consider:
Find a running partner. So great to keep eachother accountable and it makes the run more enjoyable.
Join a running club or social runs. So fun!
Enjoy it. It is so fun.

BflSaberfan

Honestly I'd run outside if you can.

LisaO85

My advice would be-

1. Follow the app, you are going to have good weeks and bad weeks
2. Buy some moisture wicking running clothes, there's nothing worse than sweating in a cotton shirt.
3. Sign up for a race to keep your motivation- I see you did that already so kudos to you.
4. Have run and don't worry about your age it's just a number.

corderdeb

Honestly I'd run outside if you can.

LOL...yeah today is my day to run...and it's snowing (that's spring in Colorado for you)!

Bernadette60614

As someone who just started, my goal is to run every day. After I finished my regular gym work out, I just go round the 1/4 mile track. I do a combination of walking and running. My goal is to do a full quarter mile of running at some point in time.

I like the indoor track since I think it is easier of the knees and there are fewer distractions.

GiddyupTim

Go easy. Go slow. Most new runners get shin splints at some time, or some other repetitive use-type injury. Because you are in shape from swimming, you are a perfect risk for going harder than your body can tolerate.
At 53, when you get injuries, it takes forever to heal. Trust me, I know this.

Eatkansasbeef

C25K is a great program. I did it when I was 50 and I'm still running. All the advise you've gotten here is good. I would add that the program works so take it easy, go slow and don't be afraid to move on to the next week. If you can finish the last day of the week perfectly, move on. I found that the C25K forums were great because everyone is in the same boat you're in. I guess you can say there is comfort in numbers! You'll do fine, enjoy!

BTW, good sports bra and shoes are a priority.

TJMiddaugh

if you can i highly advise you find a running partner. someone to be accountable too. helps alot. someone who is a better runner will get you up to speed faster than trying to muster it alone. but even someone who is just starting also will do. be prepared for bumps and bruises, but nothing in life thats worth while is typically easy. you can use it as a ranting session (with a partner) haha always a good way to get rid of negative energy. turn a negative into a positive. funny how certain things in life sort of bottle you all up to a boiling point sometimes, but when i go for a run it all goes away. things just dont seem as hard when your done running... and yes, find a place outdoors. preferably with a low impact surface. high school track, or out door track with like bark shavings or something. nice to experience all the seasons. continuous grinding away on pavement is the worst. save that for your events. good luck to you!!

corderdeb

C25K is a great program. I did it when I was 50 and I'm still running. All the advise you've gotten here is good. I would add that the program works so take it easy, go slow and don't be afraid to move on to the next week. If you can finish the last day of the week perfectly, move on. I found that the C25K forums were great because everyone is in the same boat you're in. I guess you can say there is comfort in numbers! You'll do fine, enjoy!

BTW, good sports bra and shoes are a priority.
[/quote

The sports bra was the first purchase...for me even more important than shoes! Thanks for the advice. ]

neil4ad

In terms of what you should know....has anyone mentioned stretching? Jogging is much higher impact than swimming, so a good stretch before and after are key.

dr_tina

Some of your favorite music that has a medium tempo is good too. Music is what I love about running, just makes it that much better, especially when you are outside on a nice day. I am a swimmer too, and always have been. Started running a year ago, and I love it. I found it hard to slow myself down enough to go farther. Having a heart rate monitor is really important for this. If your heart rate gets up there, slow it down and walk for a bit, then when your heart rate drops enough, then start running again. This will teach you how to keep a good pace and be aware of your body. Took awhile to get use to this and just enjoy the walking too. Some days I like walking more than running, and will just walk really fast.

CCNYE63

I'm 50 and just finished C25K. I agree with everyone who says "Take it slow." I moved through the program slowly, too, doing every week 2 times before moving on. Take extra care on cold and snowy days, which are hopefully over now! I do my 5 minute warm ups indoors when it's cold otherwise I have trouble with my hamstring. I like to do some easy yoga moves to stretch out after too. seems to make my muscles and joints feel better. While I love to be outside, somedays I like the treadmill as it's more forgiving than the hard pavement.

For motivation, I signed up for Runner's World's motivational quote of the day email. I also bought a few issues of the magazine as it makes me feel like I can be a runner. Their online forums are great too.

Have fun and good luck!

corderdeb

I'm 50 and just finished C25K. I agree with everyone who says "Take it slow." I moved through the program slowly, too, doing every week 2 times before moving on. Take extra care on cold and snowy days, which are hopefully over now! I do my 5 minute warm ups indoors when it's cold otherwise I have trouble with my hamstring. I like to do some easy yoga moves to stretch out after too. seems to make my muscles and joints feel better. While I love to be outside, somedays I like the treadmill as it's more forgiving than the hard pavement.

For motivation, I signed up for Runner's World's motivational quote of the day email. I also bought a few issues of the magazine as it makes me feel like I can be a runner. Their online forums are great too.

Have fun and good luck!

I live in the Colorado Rockies....we're getting 5-6 inches right now (nasty drive home). I like the idea of doing each week twice. I'm not a fast runner mostly because I don't trust myself not to fall. I feel very weak in the legs.

BflSaberfan

Honestly I'd run outside if you can.

LOL...yeah today is my day to run...and it's snowing (that's spring in Colorado for you)!

I'm in Buffalo. I feel your pain lol

ellenkilpatrick

i find no exercise more relaxing or fulfilling than running...i run alone because i like the peace and quiet to think and plus i go at my pace for the distance i want.....you will soon learn that it is awesome!!!!!!!

TAMayorga

I have never heard anyone else discuss this issue I have: no matter how long/far I eventually am able to cover, I struggle through the 1st mile. I just can't seem to get my breathing in rhythm and my lungs "opened" up enough to breathe as deeply as I need. I have learned to just power through that first mile, and I'm fine. I'm not trying to hijack the thread, but wondered if the OP should keep an eye out for this too.

turkeyhunter60

The main thing I would add is - don't worry about pace. Now is not the time to think about speed. Go slowly enough that you enjoy it. That will keep you running for the long run. You can worry about speed later.

Other things to consider:
Find a running partner. So great to keep eachother accountable and it makes the run more enjoyable.
Join a running club or social runs. So fun!
Enjoy it. It is so fun.

BIG stick for the dogs!

corderdeb

I have never heard anyone else discuss this issue I have: no matter how long/far I eventually am able to cover, I struggle through the 1st mile. I just can't seem to get my breathing in rhythm and my lungs "opened" up enough to breathe as deeply as I need. I have learned to just power through that first mile, and I'm fine. I'm not trying to hijack the thread, but wondered if the OP should keep an eye out for this too.

Well living at 9000ft...there is no air here. So I understand. I seem to have more trouble catching my breathe at the end of the run/walk right now.

corderdeb

BIG stick for the dogs!

FUNNY!

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

Congrats on starting the program! I started last month, and I'll admit to skipping ahead. But I'm a speed walker and in pretty good shape. The starting and stopping was really bugging me. Other than that, it's a fabulous program.

Some things I learned:

Dont run on the sidewalk. They're usually cement as opposed to softer asphalt on the road.

Moisture wicking headband, socks and undies (I'm still looking for a decent pair that wont give panty lines) are pretty great to have.

Runner's capris and tops are not only functional, when you're dressed the part, it's easier to become the part.

Great shoes (which you already have).

Don't run every day! You will set yourself up for injury! As much as I long to get outside (we're one of the rare states having a good spring) every day, it's not worth it. I did 3 days in a row last weekend, and my 3rd time out was crap.

Rub a tennis ball on the bottom of your feet and calves for shin splints.

Good luck!