Six keys to lifetime running

[Decker]

A good article by the very experienced runner Amby Burfoot. I’ve practiced some but not all of these at any given time in the last five years.

The goal of running as long as possible has been on my mind a lot lately too.

marathonhandbook.com/the-si...

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Thanks for that Decker! There is an awful lot in there. I cheated; I got to 72 and kept on running through the simple expedient of not starting until I was 66!

The need for between run exercises and the benefits of weight control stand out. It’s funny how set backs can turn into benefits. I was defined as “pre diabetic” in February and was told what not to eat! 5 months later and about 18lbs lighter, average heart rate on like for like runs is down substantially and VO2 max has shot up. Going up hills is easier too.

Really good article.👍

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

You beat me BC. I started at 50 and just turned 57 🙂.

Yes cross training has been my downfall. I need to focus more on that now. It’s funny how the setbacks become benefits sometimes. I started this whole journey to offset heart and stroke issues in my family, and it changed my life. It sounds like it made a world of difference in yours too.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

It did; I started running following a period of being immobile as the result of a spinal fracture. A very heavily disguised blessing 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Beachcomber66]

I started at 65...

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Yesterday I met a man who started running in his seventies, and now runs marathons (Berlin next) aged 85 !

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Just amazing

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing 👍I agree about the weight gain in later life….very hard to beat the hormone changes and lose the tum! (Predictive text changed tum to run 🤣) I am currently on a low fat, low calorie diet and gradually improving my fitness but it is hard work!

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Yes, the metabolism shifts really make the food decisions more important don’t they? I still eat a lot of foods I should not, but I also secretly believe I can just run it off😂 . As the years add up it gets harder to do.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

A great article Decker, with some interesting points.

I want to be able to keep running for as long as possible so I do aim to cross train too as the strength stuff is so important as we get older.

My sports massage therapist the other day told me about a lady at his running club who is 73 and has a marathon time of 3:30! And she took up running in her 50’s!!! Amazing and so inspirational.

Thanks for posting this. I’m about to head out now and these points will be in my head 🏃‍♀️❤️

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Wow, if I could run sub 4 at 70 I would ve thrilled. That’s amazing and inspirational!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I know! Go her 💪

[RunByTheSea64]

Thanks for this Decker , very useful. I particularly like the idea of having a mantra (there's a whole new thread to be started there!) I only recently realised that the Madonna song popping up on my running playlist has "Those who run seem to have all the fun" ...... 🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon]

I agree, the mantra is a post unto itself. I also really like the idea that every mile is a gift. Every year that passes it resonates even more.

[Jools2020 Half Marathon]

Need to work out my mantra! I didn’t start running until the lockdown in 2020 and I am now 70. I’ve been fortunate with my health so far and I am slim, in fact I’m sure my long runs help with that. I do need to focus on some cross training, I started weight training and I’ve let that slide. I want to keep running for as long as I can. I’ve joined a running club and I need to run with them more often - I’m just conscious of my slow pace, but I’ve just found someone who runs at my pace and she is training for a marathon, we’re going to organise some runs together so - who knows? 😊

Great article.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Jools2020]

Sounds like you are in great shape and doing all the right things Jools. Weight training is not my favourite either. A good training partner makes such a big difference. Good luck with the mara training!

[Tessie66 Half Marathon]

Thank you for this it's a fantastic read,I've also read the carb loading part ,I'm learning about Marathon training all the time so this is brilliant for me

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Tessie66]

Yes there is so much to learn. I initially started running because it was so simple. Little did I know we’d be doing things like measuring hydration, carb and sodium intakes with such careful consideration 😂😜 Not to mention all the shoes…

[Sax64]

Great article, thanks. Like a few others here, I only started running in my 60s and am now a convert. I do quite a bit of cycling too and until recently strength work was very regular too. But with the arrival of summer I just want to be outside not stuck inside with weights, squats etc etc. But it will come back I'm sure. I guess we're all very positive on this forum and will continue 🏃‍♀️🏃year after year

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sax64]

Yes I am the same way in the summer. I just want to run! I have a bike and am planning on cross training on it more this year. There is a lot of support on the forum, I agree

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

A great read, thanks for this. I identify with so much of that; if only I could get me some cross training (and especially strength training) motivation ...

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Haha you and me both Linda!

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Great article and so pleasing to be able to say honestly, that I identify with much of it.. especially the mantra and listening to your body like it is the only voice in the world!

Beginning to run regularly, at 65 maybe makes one more aware of things?

The cross training , I work at. because for me and many, it has to be simple, easily maintained and enjoyable Although no marathons are on my wish list, I do want to keep this 74 year old body, happy and moving for as long as possible !

Thanks for this

[Decker Ultramarathon]

It’s great to hear the article resonated with you as well Floss. Regarding listening to your body, I found that the older I get, the more the body lets me know in no uncertain terms what it likes and does not like. 😄 Sometimes I am under the influence of thinking I am still 20