in need of support and encouragment

Hey hon,

I'm 26, 122.7kg and am living proof that anyone can improve their fitness levels significantly if you work your way up slowly, but do some exercise every day. Persistence is key. I started this journey 3 weeks ago, and would struggle my way through 2km in 18 mins on the bike, gasping for air and shaky for hours. Today, I did 8.7km in 30 mins and didn't suffer any ill effects at all. I'd love to support you if you'd like to add me! My big advice is to STRETCH! Stretching is your friend, and lets you do a little more tomorrow than today. Good luck!!

-Coolchick207

I am in the same boat, just getting back into fitness after almost 5 years of pure laziness and false starts. This time I gave myself a month to ease into exercising, build up some strength and flexibility, and just start building up the habit. That means exercise can be anything, even if it's gentle. Stretching videos on YouTube, a walk around the neighborhood, or whatever I want... Just so long as I'm doing something. I knew if I started with an aggressive workout plan, I'd get exhausted and fail.

At the end of this month, I'm going to take it up a level and set a specific goal.

I used to jog/run a bit before I had my last child, and I think I'd like to try that again. I had started with my own modified version of couch-to-5k, only it was more like couch-to-20 minutes. I went out for 20 minutes every other day, each time walking one minute less and jogging one minute more until I could jog for 20 minutes straight. After that I just kept going! I was never fitter than when I was running regularly. I miss that.

Your age doesn't matter, your current fitness level, does not matter either; to reach your ultimate goal of running you have to make up in your mind that this a goal worth working towards. Set small goals (example, walk 5K steps each day) as that goal is achieved and met consistently increase the distance and speed until you get where you want to be. Couch 2 5K (C25K) is a good program to try. Remember to keep going and you will get there. I see people in their 60's running at the gym so don't let your age get you down! Good luck!

Hi I have been a runner about six years. I've completed one marathon, numerous 1/2 marathons, and several 5k's. Recently though I have cut down on my running so I could add strength training into my program. I only run three times a week now, and strength train three times a week. One way to become a runner is to start off walking. Walk for three minutes, run for one minute and continue. gradually increase your running increments until you are running without walking. That being said, that's not the way I started off running. I had been fast walking for about three months, five times a week, for one hour at a time. I decided one day to try running to see what kind of shape I was in. I went out and ran for five miles without stopping. I was hooked. I have never looked back. Good luck on becoming a runner. You are more then welcome to send me a friend request. But I do have to warn you that I do not comment on every little thing in my news feed.

I'm 47 too and am in the same boat. Please feel free to add me.

Also 47 in March, I use to run track in school and I walk 3xs a wk, this past week I tried to run and I did it not long but I did it and it felt awesome. Slow and steady be consistent and never give up keep pushing and we can all succeed :happy:

I am not a runner (my boobs are too big). Once I lose some weight and can fit back in my sports bra I would like to try though. It all starts with walking and working out. Raising your fitness level. I work out with videos on youtube. I like the "walking" workouts. I like TaeBo. the beginner TaeBo workouts are very attainable fitness wise. I just have to try and motivate myself to work out and do SOMETHING everyday. I mean I am 5'0 and weight 175 I am very out of shape, but I am trying to take control of my life!