lovetorun has a question:

[lovetorun]

As a former competitive distance runner I've done a lot of running (since 1959) and found, over time that what I really loved about running was the simple joy of movement and being able to keep fit and active long after my competitive days (1959 to 1972 for me) are over. One of my serious frustrations is that now, at age 67, my body won't let me do the amount of running and exercise that I want to do. Just curious if any of the board participants are experiencing anything similar...

[lonewolf]

Been there. I did have withdrawal pains during brief forced periods of inactivity in 60+ years of running but was able to run at a self-satisfying level until knee replacement at age 76...I can now jog a little but, admittedly, it is frustrating not to be able to run with ease to a comfortable tiredness...

[gh]

omigod! does this mean we need to start a gerontology forum?!

[Marlow]

omigod! does this mean we need to start a gerontology forum?!

Too late - the median age here is 71!

At 61, I can't slog mileage, but I have no problem sprinting, hurdling, jumping and lifting weights . . . so I do!

[kevinsdad]

Try biking. Since switching over about 20 years ago, due to persistent achilles and foot problems, I've never had any injury more serious than occasional minor knee soreness, while still getting my exercise fix and maintaining a high level of fitness into my mid-60's.

[Pego]

my body won't let me do the amount of running and exercise that I want to do

Do as much as your body lets you. "Want" is not a word anchored in reality.

[Marlow]

Try biking. Since switching over about 20 years ago, due to persistent achilles and foot problems, I've never had any injury more serious than occasional minor knee soreness, while still getting my exercise fix and maintaining a high level of fitness into my mid-60's.

I second the biking, but you have to do it at a fairly high turn-over to get the cardiac equivalences. The good news is that it gives you that 'need for speed' that many of us geezer jocks crave.

[kuha]

my body won't let me do the amount of running and exercise that I want to do

Do as much as your body lets you. "Want" is not a word anchored in reality.

How true!

What you are experiencing proves that you are a mortal human...nothing better or worse than that. Distance running is tough on the body, and for me at least it was painful to discover that legs, back, etc., can only take so much pounding--basically from 1967 to 1997-ish... Now my exercise comes from walking, moderate biking, and yelling at the TV.

[MJR]

There is always race walking, in fact you might still be able to make the US team at certain events based entirely on showing up. (only partially kidding)

[Conor Dary]

This is practically a weekly topic when I see former high school star Tom Sullivan, who at 69, is still running pretty well, at our local park district indoor track.

In some ways it is easier. These days I get the same satisfaction out of a 3 mile run that I use to get out of a 15 or 20 miler.

[tandfman]

One of my serious frustrations is that now, at age 67, my body won't let me do the amount of running and exercise that I want to do.

If that is your only physical problem, consider yourself fortunate.

[Marlow]

In some ways it is easier. These days I get the same satisfaction out of a 3 mile run that I use to get out of a 15 or 20 miler.

And what is oddly funny is that when I sprint, it still feels the same - it's only the stopwatch that has a contrarian opinion!

[lonewolf]

In some ways it is easier. These days I get the same satisfaction out of a 3 mile run that I use to get out of a 15 or 20 miler.

And what is oddly funny is that when I sprint, it still feels the same - it's only the stopwatch that has a contrarian opinion!

You too? I thought that was only me.... same problem in LJ.. about 10 feet disappeared between age 20 and 70.

[SQUACKEE]

The aging process is quite interesting, is it not. I agree that even though you are running slower it doesnt seem so!

99% of the runners I know are no longer running, I am one of the really lucky ones! Genetics, all three of my brothers are running/jogging -ages 56-62, not without problems but still doing it.

I call every run a little miracle at my age and dont want to even consider the possiblity of not being albe to do something that I have done and loved since 1965. I can still run allout....but then need a week to recover!

[lovetorun]

I've enjoyed the comments/feedback...and identify with much of it. Yes, I am grateful that I can still get out 3-4 times per week for a "walk/run" and I do 1 or 2 bike or walk jaunts as well.Also it's true, when I am running at 10 minute mile pace now it feels as satisfying as when I was doing 6-7 minute miles. I attribute my excellent health to eating healthy and my regular exercise habit.

However...I am often limited on what I can do and almost never get in races anymore due to various aches and pains.

[jhc68]

lovetorun: Having known you in high school I'm pretty sure that there was NEVER a time in your life when your body was capable of running all the miles you'd have wanted!!!

[Dutra5]

I still go out and run an hour to 75 mins per day. I don't care how far it is I go. I just enjoy the movement although I don't necessarily enjoy the first few minutes warming up all that much. It does get a little frustrating when I see someone running, think to myself "he or she isn't going all that fast" and then realize they are moving faster than me

[Dutra5]

I still go out and run an hour to 75 mins per day. I don't care how far it is I go. I just enjoy the movement although I don't necessarily enjoy the first few minutes warming up all that much. It does get a little frustrating when I see someone running, think to myself "he or she isn't going all that fast" and then realize they are moving faster than me

[SQUACKEE]

I still go out and run an hour to 75 mins per day. I don't care how far it is I go. I just enjoy the movement although I don't necessarily enjoy the first few minutes warming up all that much. It does get a little frustrating when I see someone running, think to myself "he or she isn't going all that fast" and then realize they are moving faster than me

Yep! 20 years old, open- door start running 6 min pace. 59 years old- takes 2 miles of 10 min. pace to start to feel loose.

[bambam]

Try biking. Since switching over about 20 years ago, due to persistent achilles and foot problems, I've never had any injury more serious than occasional minor knee soreness, while still getting my exercise fix and maintaining a high level of fitness into my mid-60's.

I second the biking, but you have to do it at a fairly high turn-over to get the cardiac equivalences. The good news is that it gives you that 'need for speed' that many of us geezer jocks crave.

Well, maybe down in Florida you do, Marlow, but riding hills in New Hampshire or even in the mountains of North Carolina gives a pretty good cardio workout at whatever cadence you can maintain.

[lovetorun]

lovetorun: Having known you in high school I'm pretty sure that there was NEVER a time in your life when your body was capable of running all the miles you'd have wanted!!!

Joe...you know me so well!