too old???????????

Skip navigation

Organizer Technology Solutions:

Post an Activity | Account Access

Search Cool Running Community

Up to Threads in Boomers and Beyond

5331 Views 38 Replies Latest reply: Jul 11, 2008 3:15 PM by arvold@uiuc.eud

1 2 3 Previous Next

neversaynever

8 posts since
Apr 1, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

Apr 4, 2007 3:12 PM

Hi,I'm a 49 yr. old female that has been weightlifting and spinning for quite a while. I started running on a TM about 2 months ago. I am up to 5K. I love it and feel great. I've just decided to enter a 5K race and am very excited about it. Just to spoil everything, I was told today that I am already too old to start running. Other activities such as swimming, elliptical, spinning are safer - but running could be dangerous. Is this true? I know someone out there will tell me what I want to hear. Also, should I continue weightlifting while training for the 5K, if I do decide to do it? Thanks.

Like (0)

ksrunr
1,292 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

1. Apr 4, 2007 3:35 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

neversaynever says it all. Unless you have some health issues which you have failed to mention (I doubt it based on what you're doing) go for it. Surely they were joking, not a runner, or just speaking out of ignorance. Start easy and work up to where you want to be. Buy good shoes from a specialty shoe store.

I don't lift weights but they are good for runners if they are building strength and not bulky muscles.

keep us posted
ksrunr
drinking the wind

p.s. I was told while running XC in highschool that my heart would get enlarged and turn to fat when I got older and quit running. Guess I better not stop running!

Report Abuse

Like (0)
Head Band Bill
789 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

2. Apr 4, 2007 3:41 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

Too old to start??? I started when I was 53 years old. Now nearly 55. Love it. Start running if you wish, take it easy, and listen to your body. It'll let you know if thing's are awry.

Bill

----

Bill's Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

Report Abuse

Like (0)
John2635
504 posts since
Oct 2, 2004

Currently Being Moderated

3. Apr 4, 2007 3:45 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

Started running 4 years ago at age 52 after a 30 year layoff. Have spent about 3 months of that time on the DL due to overuse injuries (like now), but that's only because I like to live on the edge and find out what my limits are. Go for it.
Start easy and follow others advice (not mine)
Good luck

John

Report Abuse

Like (0)
Tamalina
1,589 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

4. Apr 4, 2007 3:51 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

ditto the above. definitely not too late to start! You just can't start out like you are 20-something, but who'd want to be 20-something anyways?? !http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/wink.gif|src=http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/wink.gif|border=0!

as far as weight lifting: yes, continue to do that. weight lifting, training, conditioning - whatever you want to call it is excellent and especially good for your bones which as you know become more porous as we age.

Have fun!

----

Tamalina[/URL" target="_blank">

Report Abuse

Like (0)
JJJessee
774 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

5. Apr 4, 2007 4:14 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

I don't think you're gonna find much negative feed back here, thank god. As with anything just learn the ropes, pay your dues and all those other cliches and you may just like it, like alot even.

Report Abuse

Like (0)
pmcneb
582 posts since
Jan 10, 2006

Currently Being Moderated

6. Apr 4, 2007 4:19 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

You may be too old to beat the 20 somethings but that is why they have age divisions in races....

----

Patty

Report Abuse

Like (0)
spankee
414 posts since
Nov 4, 2005

Currently Being Moderated

7. Apr 4, 2007 4:19 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

Be careful. Work progressively. Read and use advice. Set a goal and go for it.

Good luck

----

When all is said and done, More is said than done

Report Abuse

Like (0)
SMP
1,297 posts since
Sep 29, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

8. Apr 4, 2007 5:53 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

Are ya dead???? If so, yes you are too old to run and read no further. We hear all kids of advise in this forum. It's made a very large positive impact on my running and I owe members here a great debt. If we ask advise, we will eventually hear what we want to hear. Be open to listening to the advise we need. There can be a huge difference. If three sane people offer me similar advise, it may pertain to me. If there are three sane runners, that may be a different forum. Put one foot in front of the other and have fun. Oh yeah....WELCOME!!!!!!

----

Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP

My User Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

Report Abuse

Like (0)
maryt091
781 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

9. Apr 4, 2007 6:01 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

You are definitely not too old. One of my friends started running at 50, and completed the Tufts 10K for Women last year for the 30th year in a row at the age of 85.

Report Abuse

Like (0)
vista129
800 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

10. Apr 4, 2007 6:27 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

You came to the right people with THIS question.

I started running after 50 and have been slowly adding miles and speed. Go for it and keep us informed. We would love to encourage and help you, as you inspire us by what you are doing.

Good luck.

----

vista129[/URL" target="_blank">

Report Abuse

Like (0)
dg9005
1,324 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

11. Apr 4, 2007 6:31 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

hmm, there seems to be at theme developing here.

No, you're not too old. I started at 51.

Have fun, & welcome

Report Abuse

Like (0)
tselbs
1,208 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

12. Apr 4, 2007 6:33 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

neversaynever, you're definitely not too old to start running. I started in my mid 50s, ran my first 5K at age 56 and last summer, at age 62 ran a marathon. I don't think I have any more aches and pains than my sedentary peers. I have an uncle who started running somewhere around age 60. In his early 80s, he was running 3 miles 3 days a week. He's now in his mid to late 80s and, to my knowledge, still running.

TomS

----

My Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

Report Abuse

Like (0)
tomwhite
2,011 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

13. Apr 4, 2007 6:51 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

........so, the Short Version//.........unless YOU think you're too old, you aren't......

Report Abuse

Like (0)
hally
1,194 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

14. Apr 4, 2007 7:08 PM (in response to neversaynever)
Re: too old???????????

Who told you that? Bet they were out of shape themselves.
Go for it and welcome to the forum!!

Barb

Report Abuse

Like (0)