Okay, so maybe you ran many years ago. Maybe you loved basketball or soccer or weight training. So running after many, many years away from the sport puts you at the beginners level at age 50, or older. So how does one go about it? Well first of all, do the right thing and get a clean bill of health from your doctor. After getting the ‘okay’, start very very slowly. Listen to your body. Try to just enjoy yourself at the start, it might be a good idea to start at a school track to measure your progress. For me when I was in my early fifties, I made the decision to really stick with it after years of off and on again running, mixed with walking and hiking. I knew if I stuck with it, that it would save my sanity, and for dramatic purposes it would save my life.
So to keep it simple, nothing is better than coming back after years of not running, or being truly new to the sport. Out in the open space huffing and puffing and feeling alive from the positive benefits of running.
This beginner section is full of cliches, and IT’S NEVER TOO LATE and IT IS A SPIRITUAL RE-AWAKENING are amongst a few reasons to give it a shot.
For the recent Senior Runner new comers, please relate your experiences and your trials and tribulations.
Hi,
I just turned 60 this April 2014 and am a new runner. I began my quest last December 2013. I was used to walking but even speed walking was no longer satisfying. So,since I live in Eastern Canada (very snowy and cold over the winter months) I started running at the gym on a treadmill. I bought some books, hired a trainer and off I went. It was not very long that I became injured doing too much too soon. Off to physio I went and realized I was doing most things wrong. My physiotherapist is a believer in minimalist shoes and running at 180 bpm. While there are different schools of thought on the matter, I followed her advice but kept the same shoes I was using (Nike Free 5 which is considered entry level minimalist). Within 2 weeks, my legs and knees felt 75% better. I still had pain in my left leg though. I then purchased New Balance minimus shoes. With my new shoes, the moment I got on the treadmill I noticed that my left foot was hitting the ground with my heel (strange that I did not realize this with my Nike shoes). My physio insists my feet hit the ground with the footpad and not the heel – not sure how to better explain the method. Within a couple of weeks, the pain was completely gone. So, now I am planning to run my first 5k in mid-June.
Amazing story, and many folks are taking that direction (me included). Thanks for story and results and advice as well.
76 years old what suggestions do you have for me-never was a runner work out on treadmill 3 days a week-is running better
Sue
The obvious first, make sure your doctor clears you. Treadmill use or running is intense for a 76 year old. I would suggest a treadmill first as much less stressful on your legs and lower back. After working out for a period of time say a month or more on the treadmill then see how you feel. If all is good from treadmill workouts then give outdoor running a try. My subjective opinion is there is nothing better then the great outdoors. Good Luck
I’m 66, struggled thru a half marathon at 64. Ready to try getting out there again after I see my doctor. I’ve done 2 marathons at 38& 40. I want to qualify for Boston in the next couple of years. Can’t run a mile right now. If everything checks out, where should I seek advice and regimens?