62 yrs old - is it reasonable to start running?
birgitkwood
Posts: 486 Member
Hi Everyone! I'm a 62yr old female who's been grossly overweight her entire life. I'm 6ft tall, with a large skeletal frame. Over the past year I've lost over 110 lbs, from 305 to current 193 (still losing). With all that weight gone, I'm constantly feeling restless, like I have ants in my pants. I want to MOVE, all the time! I walk 4 miles every day before work. Although it doesn't feel like enough (feels like there's more energy to burn), I don't have the time to walk more. So I'm wondering if it's reasonable for me to maybe start running? I've heard how it can be harmful to joints, etc. and I surely don't want to risk injury. Does it make sense to start running for a large boned woman in her 60s who's never been a runner before? Thinking of maybe starting C25K. What do y'all think?
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My mom is 67 years old and still runs! I say go for it! Start with couch to 5k! Good luck!1
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Do it. I felt the same when I lost about the same. I am just over 55. I now have a nice stack of participant ribbons.
To calm my daughters fears I took a learn to run class from our local Running Room, ten weeks. I also learned how to avoid injury. Fellow runners are super supportive.1 -
Whatever you 'heard' is a myth. Runners tend to have better joints (especially knees) than non runners. We get into trouble when we try to do to much too soon. Otherwise, running is a great exercise and sport.
I say go for it. Find a good plan like Couch to 5K or find a local running store that offers classes.
Good luck.4 -
Absolutely! Start slow, maybe a run/walk program like C25K.1
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Do it! I'm 52 and I started with C25K in December after spending 18 months on an elliptical. I now run 4-5 times per week and can run 6 miles relatively comfortably. Just take it as slow as necessary. C25K is intended for alternate days and you can repeat days as many times as you need to. You got this!0
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.Run...fast like the wind. Or a gentle summer breeze. I started at about 50, about halfway through my 65# weight loss. I don't love it, but it started me toward what I do love...power lifting. Have fun! BTW...you will probably have even more energy. It is amazing and wonderful. Five years later I still have it, and can't imagine going back.1
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Woo Hoo, yes, by all means run. But as a favor to me, please go get fitted for proper running shoes and get a few pairs of high quality dry fit socks first. It makes ALL the difference in the world and I'm not exaggerating and I don't work for a shoe store. I like Asics and Hoka.
Oh and one more thing, put together a fun, high energy playlist with songs that have a similar BPM. Helps you keep pace. Have fun and enjoy the great outdoors!
PS - I'm 52 tomorrow and recently did my first half marathon last year!4 -
Since you've never done any running before, please check with your physician before beginning. That advice would apply to anyone so it's not an age thing. We're not familiar with your medical history or lifestyle, but your doctor is and will most likely clear you to begin- just do yourself that favor and make sure. Have fun running!4
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Congratulations on your weight loss! That's so cool!!
I know a woman who was a few years older than you who'd lost a lot of weight, & she started running. She sought out the advice of a personal trainer at her local gym who knew about running, & now, a few years later, she runs almost every day, making sure to take at least one day off for rest every week.
Have fun with it!!0 -
Of course you can run! The C25k is a very good starting program, but still consult a physician and listent to your body if you start feeling too tired.
Completing your running goals with a good playlist feels amazing, and will get rid of that extra energy.0 -
Do it.
I'm 63 and don't run, it just doesn't speak to me, but I will (or have) have a go at almost anything else.
Take it slow, get a check up, and have fun.
Cheers, h.0 -
Ansolutely, but like mentioned, consult physician ... and ... go to a good running shop for getting the right shoes. They will do a gait-assessment. Nothing worse than running on the wrong shoes, that will spoil the whole experience0
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You guys are amazing! Thank you all for your good wishes, advice and encouragement. Running store? Who knew there was such a thing? Lol. Yes, I will look one up in my area. And yes, I will of course consult my physician. So, tomorrow I'll run. In a few months? Who knows - maybe I'll fly!
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Used to be a retired female physician lived down the street. She was one of the female pioneers of surgery, got her MD in the 1920s. She passed away at 98 (she's been gone probably 20 years now) and was jogging 3-5 miles about 5 days a week until the time she died - in her sleep of a stroke. Way to go out IMHO.4
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You sound like me. I was taking the weight off and out for a walk when I felt like running a bit. So I looked up a training program similar to C25K, and turned myself into a runner at the tender age of 55. Now I'm 61, I travel to USATF events with my running club to compete in the M 60+ category, and on April 17 I'll run my second Boston Marathon. You never know where that first step will take you.
And as for being female, I have an older sister who took off 100+ pounds. She's the one who pushed me into running half marathons, but her true love is triathlons. She may get to her first half iron tri at age 64; she has done several Olympic distance tris in her 60s.4 -
Ansolutely, but like mentioned, consult physician ... and ... go to a good running shop for getting the right shoes. They will do a gait-assessment. Nothing worse than running on the wrong shoes, that will spoil the whole experience
Agree with this. Can't stress enough how important it is to be fitted for the correct shoes - both to enjoy the experience and to avoid injury.
I'm 59 now, run on average 3X per week (although not high mileage), and hope to keep on doing so for many years to come.2 -
My aunt ran a marathon in each state of the US, and did the last several in her later 50s. She's 66 now and still runs.0
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first off- congrats on your weight loss so far!! Secondly, from the info you've given I see no problem, though I think you may want to start with jogging, but check with your doctor and see if s/he has any recommendations.
Age-wise: my father has a 70ish year old friend who goes SKY DIVING with his grandchildren!! SKY DIVING!!! He also knows how to fly a plane (couldn't get his license renewed this year because of his age, but he still knows how!)0 -
I restarted running, after a "brief' layoff of some 25 years, when I was 60. Ran a Half marathon, among several 5Ks when I was 62. GO FOR IT! Start slow, listen to your body and gradually increase your distance. Most of all ENJOY THE RUN.0
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Go for it but a couple things first. And I know I'm repeating what others have said already, but it's just good advice.
Pay real money for some good shoes from a running store that does a gait analysis.
Double check with your doctor to be sure there are no concerns.
C25K sounds right as you are already walking.
Find and sign up for a 5K in about 10 weeks. Give yourself a goal to work towards.0 -
Run. But like others out there have said start slow. Set small goals first, like first just up the block. Then increase after a week or so. The right shoes also make a huge difference. Also if there are some available in your area, and if it is in your budget get a running coach. They can offer a huge amount of knowledge. Good luck and great work on the weight loss, you are rocking it.0
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Thanks again, Everyone. Your all make very good sense and I will put your advice to good use.
@crazed1more - I live way out in the sticks and my "block" is 4.5 miles long - lol. But of course I get your meaning. Just thought it was funny 1 -
As others have mentioned get a check up and ease into it. Don't know her past history but a friend's sister started getting physically active at age 60. She's 72 now and has completed 3 Ironman distance triathlons since age 70
Best of luck.2 -
Go for it. There are people more than 40 years your senior who are running.2
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There's a seniors running club that goes to a lot of the 5ks that I go to. I believe they are all in their 60s and 70s. A lot of the races the teens in track come in first but right behind them are the seniors. Last race I was at with them one of the seniors came in first. I have been to races with people in their 80s - they might be walkers but damn inspiring either way. They are all totally my inspiration. I don't think I'll ever be as fast as most of them but if I am still active at their age then I'll be happy.1
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I started running at 55 and just completed my 3rd marathon. I was a walker, but never thought I could be a runner. I found that running was less stress on my knees than hiking. I also find it a great way of dealing with my energy. It's fun for me to explore my area on foot. I enjoy racing as well and am always happy to see people in their 70's and up at the races. Take it slowly and see how it goes.3
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Run birgitkwood run.3
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Get fitted for good shoes at a place that looks at your stride.
Start slow. Slower than you want to go....No, slower than that.
Absolutely do it
ETA: and congratulations! :flower:0
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