Topic: Getting Back to Running at 45
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David
WV
Member Since:
08/13/2006 Total Posts: 85
4.0 Years Ago
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Twenty years ago I used to run 2 miles a day, 7 days a week. Although I still do cardio workouts at the gym (stairmaster and elliptical trainer) for about 40 minutes per day five days a week, I am not nearly as active as I was in my younger years. Last summer I played on an ultimate frisbee team and loved it, after my muscles adapted!
I'd like to pitch the gym's monthly fee and get back to running daily. I tried it a couple of years ago, but pulled an achilles tendon after 4 months or so of running. I like running first thing in the morning for at least a couple of miles, but I understand it is a prime time for injuries.
Does anyone have any suggestions or links that would provide tips for jogging in middle age?
Thanks! |
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Re: Getting Back to Running at 45
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Gary
AR
Member Since:
04/13/2006 Total Posts: 759
4.0 Years Ago
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Hi David,
I am 53 and ran alot back in the early 80's, but have been basically lazy for 20+ years. In April of this year I decided to run again. After investing in a good pair of running shoes I got a heartrate monitor. I had to begin a walking program, because I am a clydesdale. In April I weighed 244 (229 now)so walking was my only choice. But with the HR monitor I was able to watch my heart improve and walking led to jogging then a 5K run at a 10:30 pace. At my age I was not going to take a chance on my heart. You may be in better shape than I was, but I don't exercise withOUT the HRM. I also found I have to recovery between hard workouts more than I used to by taking more rest days or cross training. Hope this helps from one of your elders :) |
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Re: Getting Back to Running at 45
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David
WV
Member Since:
08/13/2006 Total Posts: 85
4.0 Years Ago
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yes, it helps. I've got about 20 excess pounds that have accumulated. I have a heart rate monitor, but rarely use it. My son just graduated from Air Force basic training, and after seeing the Airmen's Run I've been inspired to return to my jogging "roots." Most of men involved were in their late teens or early twenties, but a few were older than me.
There is a feeling that comes from jogging two to three miles regularly that can't be simulated by anything else -- I do remember! |
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Re: Getting Back to Running at 45
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Beverly
MO
Member Since:
05/31/2005 Total Posts: 1313
4.0 Years Ago
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David, I think I sound like a broken record sometimes but I highly recommend Jeff Galloway's stuff: Books...Book on Running, Marathon or Half Marathon You Can Do It, his website...jeffgalloway.com. He has been running his whole life and really breaks it down for the non-runner and longterm runner alike. Also, check out John 'The Penguin' Bingham's stuff (especially THE COURAGE TO START). He's another runner but re-entered the running world after total couch potato status. I also echo Gary's thoughts on the hrm. I, btw, am one who got back into it all in February (from CP status too!). I hope this helps. Beverly |
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Re: Getting Back to Running at 45
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Gary
AR
Member Since:
04/13/2006 Total Posts: 759
4.0 Years Ago
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David,
I only wish I was JUST 20 pounds over. I am working to get to 185, so I got a ways to go. 44 pounds to be exact....better than 59 that I started with though.:) |
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Re: Getting Back to Running at 45
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Stephanie
VA
Member Since:
04/09/2006 Total Posts: 60
4.0 Years Ago
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David, I have always called myself a non-runner. I have always wanted to but everytime I tried, I overdid it by letting my will get ahead of my ability and ended up getting hurt and sidelined only to say "see, I'm not a runner"...well, I decided to give it one last ditch effort after hearing so many on this site talk about starting to run. Someone suggested www.coolrunning.com They have a program "from coach potato to 5k" -
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I have done a few weeks and I feel great, not a lot of soreness and definitely no flare up of old injuries. I just have to keep telling myself to go slow and stick to the plan. I think I just might make it and be able to call myself a runner afterall.
For what it's worth, you may want to check it out. Good luck!
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Re: Re: Getting Back to Running at 45
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Anne C
CA
Member Since:
07/28/2006 Total Posts: 48
4.0 Years Ago
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Stephanie, I really liked coach potatoe to 5K on www.coolrunning.com. It looks like a great site. I also like the Smart Coach feature at www.runnersworld.com - it's located in the bottom right-hand corner of their home page. It's based on your pace, how miles per week you run, etc.
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Re: Getting Back to Running at 45
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platofish
CA
Member Since:
09/25/2005 Total Posts: 267
3.4 Years Ago
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I too am in the process of getting back into running (I'm the same age, and not run for a long, long time. I used to run 4 to 10 miles a day). My strategy.....it took a long time to get this outta shape, so I'm not expecting to get back to running long distances overnight. I'm taking the precautions everyone recommends - wearing decent shoes, warming up slowly, etc. I'm aiming to complete a half marathon 6 months from now (and do so within the time limit of 3 hours).
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