60 Before 60 Project: #5 - Start Running.... Again
I’ve always been inspired by older people who are running marathons, doing triathlons or training for Ironman races. But let’s be real – the likelihood of me doing this anytime soon is pretty slim to none.
But a long time ago I did run.
It was during what I call my BC stage of life (before children). I’ve since dabbled with running over the years but never actually fully committed to integrating it as part of my ongoing exercise routine.
I am an avid walker and always thought that now that I’m older, running was something to be thought of as part of my past. I was of the frame of mind that running was harder on the body than walking and it was best for me to avoid it.
But lately I’ve noticed a lot more articles and research on the benefits of running at an older age.
In one article, they shared that running at an older age offers;
“…reduced risk of cancer, increased insulin sensitivity, higher levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind), improved bone density, reduced inflammation, and reduced risk of cardiovascular and all-cause death. Mental benefits include improved mood and reduced risk of depression and anxiety as well.”
And you don’t have to even run very much;
“Just five to 10 minutes a day of running, even at slow speeds, “is associated with markedly reduced risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease”.
I think the problem with how I approached running in the past was that I would start off too hard and fast and either get injured or be disappointed with my progress and just give up.
With that history in mind, I decided I would try a different approach this time.
I started a beginners walk / run 5K program developed by the Mayo Clinic which sort of eases you into running. Over the course of 7 weeks, you start off mainly walking with some very limited running and then over time increasing the amount of time that you run. I’m currently entering my 3rd week of training. My hope is that by this spring I’ll be in a position to run a 5K race.
So maybe by starting this activity, not only will it help me improve my overall health it may also turn into a 60 before 60 twofer and I’ll be able to actually cross off two activities!
My 60 Before 60 Lesson: Slow and steady (hopefully) wins the race
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