Running/jogging in your 40's - what I did...

I am 49 next month, and never thought I was up to running again, till others on here convinced me. First though, anyone who is unfit/overweight etc, don't try just putting on a pair of running shoes and actually RUNNING! Look at the C25K site for example, and take medical advice of course.

I worked on the philosophy that you can't run before you can walk, so I worked out a few circuits from home on the roads and lanes (I live on the coast in North Wales) 2-miles, 3.5 miles, 5-miles. I walked a lot at first though, and my first 5-mile circuit in January took 100 minutes! I have reduced that now to a personal best of 58 mins. Over 3 months I built up the distance to a regular 8-mile route, but do less if time's an issue.

I bought a Polar FT4 heart-rate monitor as I was concerned about overdoing things, then progressed to a 'fartlek' (Google this if you never heard it - it's not rude!!) walk/jog, then walk/jog/walk/run. I was in the gym about a month ago, after a 6-mile walk earlier, and still felt quite energised (I'd lost about 18lbs by now) so I punched in 5-k on the treadmill and went for it! (I was only half-way through the C25K then, and the C25K programme advises against this btw, not for everyone) Well, I sweated buckets but did it!! That was a milestone in my training programme. I bought a pair of INOV8 Goretex trail boots, and started running the routes I have been walking, a lot of them are now cross-country and hilly. I still walk up the steep tracks, and watch my footing on rocky trails, but I love it! The boots are waterproof, and so light compared to walking boots (no more blisters) I also invested in some breathable running tee shirts so the sweat doesn't soak into my clothes!

So, I won't win any marathons, but have proved to myself that people the wrong side of 45 (and a bit overweight) can still train their bodies to run/jog.

Best regards, and good luck all!

David