Reasons to start running as you get older can definitely increase the challenge and difficulty level.  But don’t let this discourage you, if anything it will give you even more pride in accomplishing your running goals.  Additionally, there is a shift in trends. More Americans are starting to run in their 30s or later.  In 1986 the average marathon runner was 35 and in 2018 the average age was 39. 

You may ask yourself ‘why on earth would I want to try running at my age?’ You might also think that running is hard on your body and joints.   Truth is that running can help your body enhance bone density, strengthen your muscles and improve your joint flexibility.  All the good stuff that our bodies need as we age.  Some bonus benefits are that it can potentially help increase your lifespan. It can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It can also help you sleep better. Additionally, it improves mental and physical wellbeing. Those little endorphins can do so much for you and who doesn’t need help getting better sleep.

That said, you will definitely want to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise program.  If you get the green light, then make sure you start slow to prevent any injuries.  I wish I had listened to this advice when I first started.  I was overly excited. I ran faster and further than I should have in the beginning.  I did not listen to my body. This caused some pretty severe shin splints. My hip flexors were so tight that I could barely walk.  This set back my progress. I had to stop running for about a month. I needed that time to let my body heal.  Please read my article about ‘What running apps, plans and watches do you need‘ so that you could find one that works for you and where you are starting out. 

Setting your goals will be a personal preference.  Some folks don’t like the longer distances and prefer to just stick to the 5K (3.1 miles) runs which are a lot fun and most areas have several 5K events throughout the year that you can participate in. Others will like the challenge of doing a 10K (6.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles) or maybe even a full marathon (26.2 miles). Usually, many spectators come out to cheer you on. Sometimes there is good food, beer, or wine at the end.  You may also get a racing metal or shirt as part of your signup fee.  Please see my Amazon storefront for some great options to display your metals. This is always a great chance to meet other people who share an interest in the same sport. Most of the time, these events are set up to help raise money for a charity or good cause, regardless of the distance.  It is a great way to help give back while also enjoying your sport.  

On the flip side, there are also some people that don’t want to participate in any of these events. They keep running as a personal activity that they do just for themselves. That is absolutely ok too.  This will all depend on your personal preference. You can always experiment and see what makes you most comfortable. 

There is also a lot of fun gear available. You can get these to help you along in your running journey.  From shoes, watches, headphones, running vest, running belts, running fuel, to much more.  Please read my article on my top 10 running must haves to see everything that I use on my runs.  There is a wide variety of options out there so that everyone can find something that works for them. For example, some people prefer a running vest to carry their water, phone, fuel, etc. Some prefer a running belt. A few prefer to carry nothing at all while they run. 

Where you run may determine the type of gear that you want to use.  Will you be road running, trail running, running on a track, running on a treadmill or a combination of locations.  Most of my running is done on the road where I alternate between using a vest and belt.  For longer runs I like the vest so that I can carry more water. On shorter runs, I like the running belt. It allows me to carry my phone. I can also bring a small amount of water.  If I am doing any speed work, I tend to do that at the gym. I may also do speed work on the treadmill or at a local track.  For these runs I may have water bottle but no vest or belt weighing me down.  It may be nice to have a few different options to choose from. That way, you have exactly what you need for each day of your training. 

In conclusion, running can be a great way to get in physical activity. You can meet some likeminded people. There are so many health benefits to running as you get older.  Don’t feel like you’re too old to be a runner. Running is getting more and more popular among the older demographic. It is not all just the young whipper snappers…LOL.  Give it a try. See what fun can truly be had in this sport and the community of runners. Reap the rewards of all the health benefits while you are at it.   

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