Can I be too OLD for Running?

Running without a doubt is a meditative, satisfying workout which helps us have some ME time or a chance to connect with like minded people, while creating a fitter version of you.

But if you are an adult onset runner – someone who is just beginning their fitness journey in their late 30’s or early 40’s, the thought itself can be pretty daunting

We associate aging with weakening and that is where we start getting old. While some maybe hanging their running shoes at 40, some maybe buying their first. Like they say age is just a number, it all depends how young you truly feel.

It is never too late for running. Not only it is a complete workout in its own, it is easily adaptable to everyone’s need and goals.

You may have never jogged more than 5 steps and there still is a very large possibility of you being able to run a marathon in your 40’s.?Yes, the preparation will be different, the dos and don'ts will be different since a 40 year old body isn’t the same as a 20 year old.

The muscles are older, stiffer; recovery is longer, the aches and pain come frequent. The caution is there but rush of defying the conventions of age is phenomenal.

Here are a few tips that will help you overcome the boggling weight of 40’s and help you become a master runner –

·??????Develop your FRAMEWORK – before starting new and bringing drastic change in your lifestyle, it is always a good idea to consult the doctor and chart out any health concerns including calcium level, blood pressure, and heart health. It will give you a strong framework around which you can design your fitness journey

·??????Strengths of AGE – the only drawback of aging is the mindset. While the weight of ticking numbers can sometimes be a lot, the same hard earned grey mind can also be your best friend. The body can still be trained under a trusted, guided vision, but your mental toughness and determination will decide how far you actually go

·??????BABY Steps – we know the road to fitness isn’t easy but sometimes it can be even worse than our imagination. This is a sign that you are going in too fast and you need to slow down. If you need to check and determine your right speed, use the talk test. If you are able to spurt out just one word in a breath while running, it is a sign you need to slow down

·??????The DAMAGE – with time, the body does change. The kidneys don’t absorb water as quickly, the bone density starts going down especially in woman after menopause. You need to embrace these facts and then push yourself ahead in the right way

·??????Exercise RIGHT– yes you are pumped to get to your goal, yes you want to be the marathoner, but you need to take it slow as going head on will be a honey trap for injuries. The right volume and pace of running and gradual increments will do the trick

·??????NUTRITION – with age the goal should be to consume nutri dense calories and weeding out the whites like pasta, sugar and switching to their brown version. Consuming natural supplements such as glucosamine drastically reduce chances of knee pain

·??????Go EASY on GEAR – first day of exercising and we are itching to buy the latest running shoes, GPS watch, wireless headphones and compression sleeves. We all have been there, craving for the look before running even a mile. While the right gear is essential to help you stay comfortable and motivated, spending a large amount?on gear before actually figuring out if you really love running or not isn’t that smart a move???????????

·??????Stop COMPARING – while posts on social media can be motivating and help you push your limits, it can also send you in comparison frenzy and in turn discourage you. You need to constantly remind yourself, it is your own journey and the goal is to keep moving forward however slow may the pace be

·??????Respect RECOVERY – the only major difference between working out in 20s and 40s is recovery. While a sprain can easily be overlooked in 20s, in 40s, an ignored ache can flare up into something big. Ideal running schedule for a 40 year old should be running 3 days a week with a day of strength training and swimming and yoga on other 3 days. Foam rolling and cool down are ESSENTIAL and shouldn’t be missed at any cost.