What a timely article! I’m about to turn 65(!) and I was so glad to read this article! I have been so down about it, but I think now I just need a perspective adjustment. Thank you!!
Hi Anne! I'm a newbie subscriber and just turned 65 in May. While I'll never get stopped for speeding on a running course, wanted to share that since I ran my first 5k at age 58 I've shaved 6 minutes off my 5k time. I'm now convinced that regular cross training and strength training...especially step aerobic training...helps keep modest steady progress possible. Hope this helps your positive outlook on the years and joyful miles ahead!!
Hi Bren! I am also a new subscriber. Thanks for the encouragement! I did 10 miles on the treadmill on Saturday as Texas heat is murderous. It was a little cooler today, so I ran 3 miles outside. I also do weight work in the (home) gym several times a week and I try to do an exercise class once a week. I do agree with you that the cross training helps! I think I was just lamenting the fact that I lost my longtime running buddy and the slower pace. I’m back at it now and when the weather cools and CORONA is finally over someday, things will look much more rosy. Happy running!! And thanks again!
It's so good to get some validation on this very tough pill to swallow, for those of us on the back side of life. Great tips to keep in mind as we age.
I started back running at 55; I'm 62 and see a slow down in speed. Yes, I'd love to be able to do a 10 minute mile, but my reality is that it's not going to happen. I'm okay with that. I have to remind myself that I'm STILL doing more than most people I know that are my age and a decade (or two) younger. I too am a recreational runner; I teach middle school and running is an awesome stress reliever! I generally run (run/walk) at least 2.5 miles on a sluggish day, and 5-6 miles on a good day, 2-3 days a week. I feel like I can conquer the world at the end of a run. My chiropractor has told me to continue doing what I'm doing, I have the spine of a 20 something year old. My last bone density test had actually shown improvement from previous years. I hope that I am still running some races 10-20 years from now.....just to say I CAN!
It is stressful, always changing. We were to return on a hybrid model and then with the governors recommendations we are delay actually seeing students until Sept. 28, but we will start with strictly on-line classes Aug. 24.
I need my runs now more than before to ward off the anxiety I'm feeling. In 20+ yrs of teaching, I've never felt like this before. Teachers are back everyday planning and preparing, but it is still very stressful. Our "normal"......who knows what it will look like? I miss my kids, but I cannot imagine trying to handle what's on my plate now, with students added to the mix. Prayers for ALL educators and admin.
I can also really relate to this. However, I do still wear my watch and run miles not just time. I'm not obsessed with my time, but I do feel proud when I upload my run to an app on my phone and see how much I've run in a month's time or in the past year.
I think that's why I am enjoying running a virtual challenge right now. Even though I'm taking a week off due to some hip issues and vacation, I'm still ahead of my goal for finishing the challenge. It doesn't matter what my time is or how long it takes me, but knowing that at age 54 I can still complete the challenge is good for me both physically and mentally.
Having just turned 50 in June, I totally relate to this article! In the past year or so, my mindset has shifted from “how fast is my mile” to “how many minutes am I running today,” and I love it! I feel free from the pressure of not being as fast as other women my age or younger. I’m me. I run at my pace. I race to experience a new course & have fun! I’m a runner and I want to be running until I die.
Good tips woven into this article! I have ehlers-danlos syndrome, and the physical effects of that look and feel a lot like being a decade older than my true age. I'm guessing a lot of people with illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome or similar problems—especially as we are now seeing many cases of COVID-19 manifesting in those ways—have to adjust their running, taking cues from the older runners among us.
Hi Alisa! I would bet you're exactly right, and I'd guess too we'll learn a lot more about that in the weeks, months (and years) to come. There's probably so much we don't know just yet.
Love this article! As a 65 year old jogger/walker, who was previously a runner, this article hits home. I power-walked 5.77 miles this morning and I will embrace every day that I can continue to put one foot in front of the other. Thank you always for a well-timed article.
Really enjoyed the article and gives me good insight for my running as I am over 60. I, thankfully, have a consistent strength training schedule to help combat the aging process!!
Thanks for giving the 60's good advice! I can use it! My running is slower, but my intentionality has grown and overall form is better, and actually safer. Still so thankful that my injuries are low and I can enjoy running! I now know what kind of running I'm good at, and I'm not intimidated anymore by not being good at Trail running, or not having a bunch of full marathons and triathlons in my list of accomplishments. I'm loving running again, and this forum has helped! Thanks!
I'm so glad you shared that, Emm. Social media, especially, can give us a REALLY distorted idea of runners and running is actually like for 95+% of us. Especially the obsession with speed. Don't get me wrong: I love to run fast! It's a blast, especially when you're feeling great and you get a burst of energy. And it's always great to stretch ourselves. But feeling pressure to live up to an imagined standard -- which most people can't meet, mind you -- is completely counterproductive.
What a timely article! I’m about to turn 65(!) and I was so glad to read this article! I have been so down about it, but I think now I just need a perspective adjustment. Thank you!!
Hi Anne! I'm a newbie subscriber and just turned 65 in May. While I'll never get stopped for speeding on a running course, wanted to share that since I ran my first 5k at age 58 I've shaved 6 minutes off my 5k time. I'm now convinced that regular cross training and strength training...especially step aerobic training...helps keep modest steady progress possible. Hope this helps your positive outlook on the years and joyful miles ahead!!
Hi Bren! I am also a new subscriber. Thanks for the encouragement! I did 10 miles on the treadmill on Saturday as Texas heat is murderous. It was a little cooler today, so I ran 3 miles outside. I also do weight work in the (home) gym several times a week and I try to do an exercise class once a week. I do agree with you that the cross training helps! I think I was just lamenting the fact that I lost my longtime running buddy and the slower pace. I’m back at it now and when the weather cools and CORONA is finally over someday, things will look much more rosy. Happy running!! And thanks again!
Love hearing that, Anne!
It's so good to get some validation on this very tough pill to swallow, for those of us on the back side of life. Great tips to keep in mind as we age.
I started back running at 55; I'm 62 and see a slow down in speed. Yes, I'd love to be able to do a 10 minute mile, but my reality is that it's not going to happen. I'm okay with that. I have to remind myself that I'm STILL doing more than most people I know that are my age and a decade (or two) younger. I too am a recreational runner; I teach middle school and running is an awesome stress reliever! I generally run (run/walk) at least 2.5 miles on a sluggish day, and 5-6 miles on a good day, 2-3 days a week. I feel like I can conquer the world at the end of a run. My chiropractor has told me to continue doing what I'm doing, I have the spine of a 20 something year old. My last bone density test had actually shown improvement from previous years. I hope that I am still running some races 10-20 years from now.....just to say I CAN!
I love this, and love your spirit and attitude! You *are* doing more than most people at any age!
Agreed, the after run feeling is the best!!! 😁👍👍💙
By the way, how are you handling going back to the classroom right now, with Covid and everything?
It is stressful, always changing. We were to return on a hybrid model and then with the governors recommendations we are delay actually seeing students until Sept. 28, but we will start with strictly on-line classes Aug. 24.
I need my runs now more than before to ward off the anxiety I'm feeling. In 20+ yrs of teaching, I've never felt like this before. Teachers are back everyday planning and preparing, but it is still very stressful. Our "normal"......who knows what it will look like? I miss my kids, but I cannot imagine trying to handle what's on my plate now, with students added to the mix. Prayers for ALL educators and admin.
Thanks for another great topic!
I can also really relate to this. However, I do still wear my watch and run miles not just time. I'm not obsessed with my time, but I do feel proud when I upload my run to an app on my phone and see how much I've run in a month's time or in the past year.
I think that's why I am enjoying running a virtual challenge right now. Even though I'm taking a week off due to some hip issues and vacation, I'm still ahead of my goal for finishing the challenge. It doesn't matter what my time is or how long it takes me, but knowing that at age 54 I can still complete the challenge is good for me both physically and mentally.
Completing a race has its' own reward!
Having just turned 50 in June, I totally relate to this article! In the past year or so, my mindset has shifted from “how fast is my mile” to “how many minutes am I running today,” and I love it! I feel free from the pressure of not being as fast as other women my age or younger. I’m me. I run at my pace. I race to experience a new course & have fun! I’m a runner and I want to be running until I die.
Happy belated birthday, Corrina! Love that this shift has occurred for you too. Are you still planning on running Snow Canyon later this fall?
Thank you. Yes! I have the Southern Utah Half at the end of this month & the Snow Canyon Half in November. I’m excited!
Good tips woven into this article! I have ehlers-danlos syndrome, and the physical effects of that look and feel a lot like being a decade older than my true age. I'm guessing a lot of people with illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome or similar problems—especially as we are now seeing many cases of COVID-19 manifesting in those ways—have to adjust their running, taking cues from the older runners among us.
Hi Alisa! I would bet you're exactly right, and I'd guess too we'll learn a lot more about that in the weeks, months (and years) to come. There's probably so much we don't know just yet.
Love this article! As a 65 year old jogger/walker, who was previously a runner, this article hits home. I power-walked 5.77 miles this morning and I will embrace every day that I can continue to put one foot in front of the other. Thank you always for a well-timed article.
Right back at you, Belle! Do you use the Galloway walk-run method, btw?
Sometimes I do, but like this morning, I just went out and started moving. My spirit felt light and I just went with the positive energy.
Really enjoyed the article and gives me good insight for my running as I am over 60. I, thankfully, have a consistent strength training schedule to help combat the aging process!!
Thanks for giving the 60's good advice! I can use it! My running is slower, but my intentionality has grown and overall form is better, and actually safer. Still so thankful that my injuries are low and I can enjoy running! I now know what kind of running I'm good at, and I'm not intimidated anymore by not being good at Trail running, or not having a bunch of full marathons and triathlons in my list of accomplishments. I'm loving running again, and this forum has helped! Thanks!
Gara
Good move taking time off for your ankle. It takes so much longer to heal if you try to run through it.
I'm so glad you shared that, Emm. Social media, especially, can give us a REALLY distorted idea of runners and running is actually like for 95+% of us. Especially the obsession with speed. Don't get me wrong: I love to run fast! It's a blast, especially when you're feeling great and you get a burst of energy. And it's always great to stretch ourselves. But feeling pressure to live up to an imagined standard -- which most people can't meet, mind you -- is completely counterproductive.
This is supposed to be fun, right? Here's a piece we wrote on it last year: https://halfmarathons.substack.com/p/this-is-supposed-to-be-fun
Every running post/picture on pinterest features a 20 year old.
I was flattered when I saw an article about older runners on the vitamin magazine last year!😃🏃♀️🏃♀️