Distance running pays benefits later in life
Q: I am 55 and enjoy long-distance and cross-country running on a regular basis. My husband believes that I am doing more harm to my body than good because of my age. What do you think? A: The benefits of an endurance activity like distance running over a lifetime are well documented. It adds both to the longevity and the quality of life – physically, emotionally and mentally. It can benefit a person in every facet of life.
The detriments of long-term distance running are few and the benefits great, says Steve Johnson, head coach of both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams and the distance coach on the track-and-field teams at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.
“Certainly as you age your joints and body tissues are not as durable as they used to be. But distance running is not associated with a higher incidence of serious conditions like knee replacements, arthritis and things of that nature. They’re (medical researchers) not finding any significant long-term health problems or injuries from distance running,” he says.
By the time most people reach their 50s, 60s and 70s, Johnson says, normal aging health problems may keep them from continuing vigorous activities like distance running. “But these health problems are not linked to endurance activity, simply the process of aging,” he says.
Here are Johnson’s tips for staying active as a distance runner later in life.
– Always get a medical checkup and talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
– Set reasonable goals that gradually increase the amount of activity you do.
– Start with what you are doing and increase your running a little longer and a little faster every couple of weeks as you get into shape. “This may mean you start with walking and progress to small amounts of running over several weeks,” he says.
– Get a good pair of running shoes. “Most running-shoe stores have clerks that are knowledgeable and can help you,” says Johnson.
– Find runners of similar ability and interest to exercise with. Realize that everyone is different and that you may have some limitations to the amount of running you can do and stay injury-free.
(Send your questions to Steve Infanti, A Fit Life Column, 801e BAB, University Park, Pa. 16802 or via e-mail to SCInfanti@compuserve.com.)