Would I be crazy to take up running at age 60?

[zoom-zoom]

Do it! You'll be fine if you are careful and don't rush the pace or distance. I highly recommend starting with the Couch-to-5k plan. You could probably even skip the first 2-3 weeks, since your fitness is already good (I did this, too).

Running and biking are really nice complements of one-another. I have sort of come to the realization that Winter and Spring should be my more running-intensive seasons (biking maybe 50-75 miles/week on the indoor trainer), then Summer and Fall will be mostly about biking, with just enough running thrown-in to maintain some degree of running-specific fitness (15-20 miles/week).

[TsPoet]

I took up running at 42 (but as a type I diabetic that means my body is ~ 50 due to the extra wear and tear). I never would have done it without vibrams.
Get good shoes! and take it easy and you might find it to be a wonderful thing. Just listen to your body and go for it!

[salsabike]

I did--two years ago at age 54. Try finding a certified chi running instructor in your area---chi running is very focused on injury prevention. I haven't had any injuries.

[Bike Chick]

No, you wouldn't be crazy and, yes, you can do it. I started running at 50 and ran a half-marathon at 51. I'm slow and I take it easy but I'm having a blast. The running and cycling definitely do compliment each other and it's a great way to stay in shape over the winter. The couch to 5k program works great. Just take it easy--we mature women don't recover as quickly as the younsters do.

So how good are you at swimming? You might be doing triathlons by next year

[malkin]

Don't your feet hurt?
I used to ice my feet after runs when I was in my 30s, and quit shortly after that.

I miss it sometimes.

[Trek420]

Go for it! Sister Madonna Buder ran her first Ironman at 55 and as far as I know has not stopped running since.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_Buder

[OakLeaf]

+1 on Chi Running and not too much shoe. If you don't get started with the built-up shoes then you don't have to wean yourself off them.

I think there are a lot of us here who started running in our late 40s or early 50s. I can't speak to 60 yet, but why not try? There's plenty available about injury prevention (a lot of it boils down to strengthening your feet and your hips), and I don't see why that should be any different at any age - younger people heal more quickly and can sometimes get away with more sloppiness, but it's really not an excuse for them to continually injure themselves.