Why is it that some people can run well into their 80’s while others tell me they can’t run any more because their knees, hips, back can’t do it any longer? 

I’m frequently asked if I’m still running. When I say yes I am, they often say “Wow, good for you!” and then proceed to tell me why they are not (bad back, knee, foot, etc.) or how they “wished” they were more like me and liked to run. Don’t misunderstand me, I love when friends ask about my running and love to give running advice but sometimes I feel a little awkward like I should apologize for something (them not being able to run or for me still being able to run). Does that make sense? I usually say something like…”Some people are runners and some people just aren’t. I’m a runner. It’s who I am and what I do.” 

It’s been 30 some odd years and I’m still going. I’m not a coach, personal trainer or expert in any way shape or form but here’s my take on why I have been able to run for so long.

Make it a lifestyle.

• Running needs to a lifestyle or habit, if you will. For me, my week is planned out according to when I can run. I rarely make appointments before 9 am (really 10) so I have time to have coffee, run, shower and eat without feeling rushed (or having to run before the sun gets up). My life allows this but I know if I had a different work schedule I would somehow adjust my run schedule to fit my life.
• My advice to you: Make running a habit. Schedule your runs like you would any other appointment until it becomes routine.

Know your limits.

• I rarely run more than I can handle. I say rarely because we all over do it every now and then but as a rule I know when to back off. So know your limits. Running 4 or 5 days a week might be too much for some, while others run every day…everyday is too much for me.
• My advice to you: You are still a runner if you “only” run 2 or 3 days a week (any less than that and you will never progress). Do what works for you. There’s no need to put in crazy miles at a crazy pace…a slow 2 mile run is better than no run at all. Just do it! (I’m not promoting Nike) 😉

 Add Variety

• I am generally a creature of habit and find comfort in repetition but running the same route, same pace, same distance can get old. I try to find different routes and will drive somewhere new for a change of scenery.
• My advice to you: Try out the local high school track and do some speed work or find a trail if you always run on the road. Bored runners (especially new runners) tend quit, so change it up from time to time. 

Rest & Refuel

• Rest days allow muscles to rebuild and recover, preventing overuse injuries. Food is fuel and runners need fuel. I recently heard an analogy… sometimes we don’t treat our bodies as well as we treat our cars. We wouldn’t run our cars into the ground by not adding oil, coolants, gas, or changing the tires and all the other maintenance required to keep your car running well. So why do we put junk in our body and then expect it to run well?
• My advice to you: Take care of your body. Feed it well, give it rest and hopefully it will last a good long time!

  

I hope this helps you to keep running for many years to come. I think everyone can run into old age if they keep moving and listen to their body along the way.

Do you think you’ll be running for many years to come? Do you run the same route or search out new places to run?

Thanks for reading!

Keep running!

      Denise