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

[PamNY]

Especially in winter, I'm envious of runners who just get out there and get it done without the rigmarole a bike requires. Much as I love winter biking, it would be nice to have a choice.

I'm not worried about overall fitness -- mine is pretty good. I do wonder about knees and such though. I am good at moderation, and could do things like half-run/half-walk.

Has anyone taken up running at a mature age?

[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.

[socalgal59]

If you have never run, I would recommend a couple of sessions with a running coach to get you started. He/she will teach you proper form (stride length, foot strike, arm and hand position, hip position, etc); teach you how to do flexibility exercises; and teach you how to train smart to prevent injury to yourself.


A resource for running coaches is Road Runners Club of American (RRCA). RRCA is also a good resource for running in general.

http://www.rrca.org/find-a-coach/

[Crankin]

I'd say, do it.
I started running in January 09, for the reasons you mentioned. First, on the treadmill, then outside. I really liked it, even though I am slow, slow, slow. But, when I got up to 4-5 miles, my right hip/lumbar region started acting up. I would stop running for awhile, start again, and same thing. Finally, after many stops and starts, foam roller, stretching, I stopped in June, after running in a 5K race I promised my friend I would do (a charity race for the hospital she works for).
Well, last week, I realized that all of a sudden, my back isn't hurting! I mean, it hurt all of the time. Now, I am torn. I like running in the fall and winter; when I run and ride at the same time, at age 56 (almost 57), it seems to affect my cycling a lot. My legs are really heavy/sore. I do ride through early December, but by the end of october, it's less and less.
Yesterday, I did a 30 minute interval walk on the treadmill. I did lots of hill intervals at a 5% grade while walking, and i also snuck in 3 one minute running intervals at a very slow pace (5.6 mph). My back feels fine. But, I am still very uncertain if I should start up again. The fact that you can just go out the door and run, really appeals to me and it keeps the weight down, too.

[PamNY]

I really hope TE stays in business as long as I'm alive so I can get encouragement for whatever my crazy-old-lady interests turn out to be.

Even in this group, I thought I'd get some don't-do-it comments. Instead, I get how 'bout a triathlon? Well, I don't love swimming so that probably won't happen, but running makes sense the more I think about it.

Thanks for the advice. I'd never heard of chi running and I'd never thought of getting a coach. I will look into both.

[Dogmama]

+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.

++1 on Chi running. I took a workshop a couple of weeks ago and am absolutely AMAZED at how I am now running without the usual aches & pains. If you can find a workshop, go for it & consider it your running coach!

I used to have hamstring, hip, lower back, knee and even arm pain (being too tensed up probably because of the other pains! ) Last week I ran a 10K for the first time ever, outdoors on a trail. I figured I'd pay for it big time the next morning - and nothing. My leg muscles definitely knew they'd been used in a different manner from cycling, but after I moved around a bit I was fine.

Oh, and I just turned 56 & have arthritis in many joints - mainly knee and lower back. I can't say enough about Chi running.

[PamNY]

So this chi running is what we are talking about?

There is a Level 1 workshop coming up. Well worth the price if it truly helps avoid injury. Are they serious about not using your legs for propulsion?

I am quite tempted to do this.

Then if I need more help there is no shortage of running coaches.

[OakLeaf]

They're totally serious about that! Now, it's a matter of degree, and I don't know if anyone truly doesn't use their legs at all - certainly not me!

I learned at a workshop also and I highly recommend it. At the time I was running 3-5 miles one day a week and just that little bit beat me up like a jackhammer. I'm now training for my second marathon...

[Dogmama]

They also teach you how to land mid-foot rather than heel first. A mid-foot landing is much less jarring to backs, knees, etc.