Over the Hill? - General running

Jaybird

20/04/2006 at 13:18

At fifty (in 6 weeks time), female, WELL fat (15st4 - youch!)and grossly underactive (oh, and asthmatic for good measure) I desperately need some help here.

I know what I'm supposed to do but find some fabulous excuses not to. I'm an armchair athlete who reads Runners World mag and online forums, watches athletics on telly while stuffing my face and drinking vino, then complain when I look in the mirror or go shopping for clothes. Spent 2 years at a slimming club and lost but then found 2 stone - so have stopped going.At least my weight is now stable as I've cut down on the vino.

I can do things when I want them badly enough - I managed to complete five GNR Half maras without any prior training - I jogged and hobbled round and thoroughly enjoyed the satisfaction of doing them. I only stopped doing the GNR last year when I wasn't accepted in the open ballott.

But I've decided it's time and I need your help.
I need the final kick up the arse (would do it myself but can't get my heel far enough back)and shove out that door into the lighter evenings. I need to break old habits and develop sustainable new ones, but unfortunately don't have a 'support' team amongst my lovely mates.

Come on - do your worst. I know a good bit of the theory but don't put it into practice, I need some honest feedback.

Am I too old to start running in a fairly serious way? Can you help me to gain confidence and stay motivated?

I want to be getting fit and nifty at fifty - not fatter and fartier and fifty!

Jaybird

Barkles

20/04/2006 at 13:41

Never too old.. look at Ratbag!

Jaybird

20/04/2006 at 13:45

Barkles - where is Ratbag - and are you being slightly disrespectful?!

;-O

j

Nessie

20/04/2006 at 13:55

S'ok Jaybird. Barkles and Ratbag go back a long way. :o)

No you are not too old, and there is no reason whatsoever that you can't be fit and fifty.

The trick is to start slow and steady, and build up gradually, so that you don't get injured and lose motivation.

If you look in the grey "training" tab at the top of the page and find the beginners plan, that is a good place to start.

Week 1 day one is "Run 1 min, walk 90 seconds x 8".

Do that today/tonight, and report back here tomorrow.

We will be watching........

20/04/2006 at 13:59

Jaybird, you go, girl!

You know the theory, as you say, but it really is only you that can put it into practice.

It's going to take you months of shuffle/walking before you can run for any length of time, but if you keep at it you WILL do it. I am only one of LOADS of people here who can say that with conviction because we've done it too. Bigger people, older people, less fit people, even wheezier people.

Get up off that chair now and go for a walk. That'll be your Day One.

see ya.
;o)

20/04/2006 at 14:01

...and there are people like Nessie who type quicker, too.

:op

BTW - Nessie would be the first to agree (coz we's buddies!) that while the beginners' plans are fab, they are only guidelines. It may well be that to run for a whole minute is way beyond your capabilities at the moment - just do as much as you can. The idea is to enjoy it, remember.

Jaybird

20/04/2006 at 14:13

Thanks Nessie - that's just what I need, some beady eyes upon me...with no escape!

I'm thankful Barkles and Ratbag are acquainted - I hate the sight of blood!

Jaybird

fat buddha

20/04/2006 at 14:14

JB - take a gander into the Matures thread on this General forum, and then at over 60's training in Training.......there are peeps on there who started later than you and probably heavier than you.........

never too old, never too heavy

FB - 53, 16+stone, 4 maras since 50 and one Ironman and still as mad as bucket of ducks.......

fat buddha

20/04/2006 at 14:15

and Barkles and Ratbags are just youngsters - 'cept Ratbag who is just an old fart........

Jaybird

20/04/2006 at 14:20

And thanks Jj - I have made an appointment with myself for 6.30pm - that way all kids are in, fed, watered and hubby can fend for himself!
Shoes on, mp3 player on and clutching inhaler. Only prob will be the wobbly bits...not a pretty sight! Mebbe ought to wait 'til it's dark? Nope. Soddit. 6.30pm and to hell with it!

Cheers
Jaybird

Gumps.

20/04/2006 at 14:21

Google for Ed Whitlock. You will never be too old.

Nessie

20/04/2006 at 14:23

Oh, I abserlootly would agree Jj. A minute is a long time the first time you run.

[drifts off into daydream about that first run, when it took at least 2 minutes to breathe slow enough to take a sip of water after the first minute]

Remember that the minute (or whatever) doesn't have to be fast........

Jaybird

20/04/2006 at 14:23

Cheers FB! I need the input!
Can't wait to hear what poor Ratbag's going to say with everyone talking 'bout him...is he built like Arnie Schwarzzenegar?

Jay

Jaybird

20/04/2006 at 14:27

Thanks all - am inspired now. Keep it coming! I'll let you know how it goes.(Feeling slightly sick at this point)
Promise...I will.

Jay

fat buddha

20/04/2006 at 14:28

Ratbag built like Arnie Schwarzzenegar???

hahahahahahaha

fat buddha

20/04/2006 at 14:28

oops - name change for a different thread - forgot - soz!!!!

abbs

20/04/2006 at 14:32

My mum took up running at 60. She takes a while to warm up, and needs to wear lots of clothes, but can manage 5 or 6 miles comfortably. She says she's going to do the London Marathon next year (age 62).

Jaybird

20/04/2006 at 14:35

FB - showing my complete ignorance now - wotsa Ironman? Is it a multi-athletics thing? I guess you do need to be mad for that...and how did you get into that?

Jay

fat buddha

20/04/2006 at 14:39

yes - it's a big triathlon basically - swim 3.8km (2.4m), bike 180km (112m), run a marathon......

had been doing tris for a couple of years but got sweet talked into it by some mad orange monkey.......

Jaybird

20/04/2006 at 14:40

abbs - good inspiration! cheers.

And FB - 'HAB' eh? Trying to chat the girls up with that one I guess...

%P

Jay