Running after WLS and at 60 yrs old

[Tana Lynn 1]

I had my WLS in August 2020 and have lost 90 lbs. down to 166 lbs. Before my surgery I could not stand or walk for more then 10 minutes and had to use a walker for any distance. I had and still have some back issues but have been able to walk/hike up to about 3 miles for the last couple of months. I want to try to build up speed and want to be able to do a 5k race in September. I jogged a quarter mile today at 3:11 - makes me realize I am still way out of shape. Any ideas on how I can build up my stamina and be able to run a 5k in September?

[Creekimp13 5,838]

Just start where you are and keep increasing the goal a little at a time. Challenge yourself, but listen to your body. Good luck on reaching your 5K:) Might happen this year, might happen next year, but keep at it! At 60...pay attention to your aches and pains. Don't pop a knee and end up needing a surgery by being overly ambitious...nothing screws up your training like months of injury disability. Go slow, but keep gently pushing:)

[Tana Lynn 1]

Great - thank you!

[BigSue 1,320]

Congrats on your progress! There's a very popular program called Couch to 5k, which has a 12-week plan to work your way up to running a 5k. I haven't done this myself, but I know people who have. My mother did this program a couple of years ago and ran a 5k in her 60s.

https://www.thedistance.atlantatrackclub.org/beginner-5k-program?gclid=CjwKCAjwx6WDBhBQEiwA_dP8rVB44BO4JraQf1-rFFvLfTIdZa2tuv2Kx5X2paKgbWMcf9boGykPshoCYI0QAvD_BwE

However, I second @Creekimp13's advice to be careful and not hurt yourself. At my heaviest, I had a hard time walking even a short distance, but now I've been working out daily for months and my mobility is much better because I'm not carrying around an extra 180 pounds. I am even able to jog for short distances. Unfortunately, I think I have already done a lot of damage to my knees, and I'm not sure it would be good for me to put that kind of stress on them by running. I know young, healthy people with BMIs in the normal range who have hurt themselves by running. Getting injured can be a major setback for weight loss, so maybe talk to your doctor before you start this kind of program.

[Tana Lynn 1]

That is a great idea - thank you. I think I will keep trying to hike/walk most days for the next month then slowly start that program or something similar in May.

[ChubRub 1,696]

I also recommend Couch to 5K! There are several free podcasts you can download to make it easy to do (will tell you when to run and when to walk).

Good luck!!