How Old is Too Old?

When you look in depth at the results reports of just about any race, "fun" runs, 5Ks, 10Ks, marathons, triathlons, etc., by far the largest age groups are the 20-24 and 25-29. Interesting as an aside is that the fastest runners are often to be found in the 30-34 or even older age group. One might glean from these numbers that running is a younger persons' activity; but don't tell that to the many accomplished runners I have been privileged to meet who are so-called masters (over 40), or older yet.

I came to running in a not very serious way while in my 30s, then fell off the fitness wagon in a big way until starting back up in my mid-50s. In terms of endurance, my now 61 year old self can beat the pants off what I was capable of at 35. As I have focused upon running the marathon distance, my times have improved as I have grown older. I'm sure there will eventually be a peak, after which my times will decline, but for now my goal for the upcoming Rock'n'Roll San Antonio Marathon is to beat my slightly sub-5 hour finish a year ago, a time which stands currently as my personal record (PR). I know these are not exactly times which allow me to brag, and I don't. However, I take great satisfaction from what I have accomplished. Anyone who sets out to and executes running a marathon rises above the many who don't. With this attitude, perhaps, I might be perceived as a braggart, though really I intend it more as a challenge to those who have never set their sights high in terms of fitness.

You don't have to be a runner. I consider myself lucky to be running at my age. My joints are holding up and my body has yet to protest loudly enough to make me quit. If that day comes I'll probably have to inflate the tires on my bicycle and have a go at that. But for now, I enjoy the simplicity of feet on pavement and I want to encourage you to give it a try. If that's not for you, find something that works, that you can grow to enjoy, and then get going on an aerobic fitness program.

How old is too old? You might get some idea by checking with your doctor before getting terribly ambitious at age 50 and beyond, though I didn't. Obviously, if you are overweight as so many Americans are, start not only with a run/walk program, but also examine your diet and adjust it in reasonable ways. Remember, you're starting a new life, not just a 2 week, 2 month or one race program. It saddens me when I watch someone turn the corner into a healthy regimen only to reverse it after that first 10K, half marathon or marathon. Come on, no sliding back!

A truth told me by an older, long time runner, was that I was going to do better since I had waited until my 50s to begin going at it in a serious way (if a 5 hour marathon is in fact serious). The reasoning is that you've sustained much less wear and tear on your skeleton, your feet, your joints, if you haven't been pounding your body through your 20s, 30s and 40s. I've been told I will probably be able to run well into my 70s, and that's my intention. I still remember the first half marathon I ever ran, seeing an 85 year old runner on the course. That's who I want to be a quarter century from now. Here's to the masters and the super masters (50 years plus) and all of us beyond. May we continue to run long and run strong. Come join us.