I've had a hard time getting motivated to start running this spring, in preparation for the Irongirl triathlon in August. Today I went to my thyroid doctor and since I was there, I asked him about something he'd told me last year right after the triathlon. He had said that if I hadn't started running by my age (50) then I shouldn't start at all, because it would destroy my knees.

He's a former avid cyclist, doing centuries and such, who switched to running after his kids were born (takes less time for a workout). Now he's in his early 40's and his knees are shot, so he walks.

It seems that all my friends my age are having knee issues requiring surgery, physical therapy, etc., so I think there's some truth to what my doctor says.

Anyway, I guess that I'm going to take his advice and just work on walking fast, with the hope of preserving these knees into my old age. It's not like I was a gazelle when I ran, more like a snail, so I'm not sure my tri time will be affected all that much. It's just kind of hard to realize that it's time to start making some concessions to age in the interest of my long term health.

Sorry about the whine...