re: Older Runners (50+) - when did you pack it in

I'm 38 and running is my favorite exercise, unfortunately I always battle shin splints once I get to a few months into training for a marathon. I haven't ran in over 4 months, and I plan to come back in August or September and only run on grass, stretch a ton, warm up, and do strengthening exercises and if that doesn't work, I'm just gonna run til' something breaks.

Running is bad for you

Lift and fat burning zone cardio

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have you thought about transitioning to cycling?

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I have and probably what I’ll end up doing. Running’s just been part of my life for so long it’s hard to admit I can’t do it comfortably anymore. My mind says I’m 35, but the body says nope

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I just turned 50 this year. Love running, have done over a dozen marathons and 3 full Ironmans throughout the years (given it was back in my late 30’s/early 40’s).

For those older guys out there that used to run, at what point did you finally pack it in? My body just does t seem like it can take running anymore, especially anything over 3 miles.

That being said, I’m having a damn tough time letting it go and admitting that Father Time has won.

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I'm 61 and in a running club that has many 50+ members. Nobody in our age group is running every day. To ward off injuries, you spend as much time in the gym with weights, classes, etc as running. I'm only done one marathon and don't anticipate more, but I know tons of 50+ that are doing them still.

Slow down a little on your pace. Then you'll probably be fine at more than 3 miles. You should still easily be able to go 3 miles or even an hour long run.

There are obviously outliers in the whole 50+ world!!!

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To ward off injuries, you spend as much time in the gym with weights, classes, etc as running.

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My most important days of the week are my three gym days. I've found a couple of routines that have been great for preventing issues like plantar, hip pains, shin splints, etc, etc, etc.

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Slow down a little on your pace. Then you'll probably be fine at more than 3 miles. You should still easily be able to go 3 miles or even an hour long run.

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Slowing down has helped me tremendously. It's made me faster, increased my endurance, and helped keep me from getting injured. 80% of my mileage is at a pace most folks wouldn't run at. SLOW.

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Get a bike.

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This ^^^ right here! Did this years ago and I still have my original knees and hip joints!

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I'm 50 and have just started running. 5-13 miles depending on the day.

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My grandfather was diagnosed with high blood pressure in his early 50s. He didn’t want to take pills, “greatest generation” mindset.

So he took up jogging for the first time. He stuck with it.
At 65 he ran the Boston Marathon.

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I started running on grass. I don’t run on concrete anymore.

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There’s a guy who runs on the grass inside the track at the park in our neighborhood.

A buddy in my group nicknamed him the Blade Runner.