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

[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.