RUNNING AT A LATER AGE

Age is no barrier when it comes to running. This is what I have seen for myself on the running tracks, parks and paths on any given day, usually weekend mornings. I see many men and women above 40 years old in their running gear sweating it out. Sometimes I see more of this age group than the younger ones. For many, running, with its sweating and panting, can be as relaxing and therapeutic and exhilarating as baking or any other activity that brings joy and relaxation to the individual. Running, for many people, is a solitary pleasure where thoughts are focused solely on one's most basic aspects-pace, breathing,if feet are landing correctly, if gait should be changed and even if the individual likes the song on the mp3. This is particularly true to me, as I do not consider myself to be someone with a lot of determination, listening to my ipod nano definitely gets me going in a big way. It definitely helps me enjoy running more and literally gets my body and legs moving. Running is a good way of having some 'me' time when I am stressed out by work and people. It helps me vent my frustrations in a healthy way as opposed to getting drunk or stuffing my face with food. Doctors will tell you the benefits of running ie lower blood pressure,lower chances of weight gain and depression, osteoroposis risk and much more. A lighter weight, reduces the rosk of gallstones, fatty liver, obstructive sleep apnea, certain cancers(colon,breast and womb) etc. Women who are well into their 30s or 40s are different from those in their 20s. The occasional knee creaking and joint weakness wil be unavoidable. As we age, our knees are more prone to injuries, certain tendon-bone junctions will be more prone to tearing. But while risks are higher, it is not assumed that every older person will have the conditions. There are countless examples of women who exercise very regularly for many years at levels that most would consider extreme but are free from such conditions. At the same time, those who do no exercise at all can also develop such conditions. No woman should be considered to old to start running as this would be the same as saying that those about the age of 65 cannot function mentally. One's ability to work is not dependent on one's age but more so on the individual's functional status. Ninety year olds have completed marathons in timing that would have enbarrassed many 30 year olds. Little Steps From the medical point of view, or rather a common sense point of view( if you do not wish to kill yourself before your fitness level is built up), it is always good to start slow and easy. This is because running is a high impact activity, with the ground reaction forces averaging 3 times our body weight. Our bodies can tolerate such forces, but only if we increasethe load progressively. For starters, try brisk walking or cycling, rowing, or other low impact activities. As you get fitter, make a transition towards running. This can be done by walking and jogging every 10 minutes. Making Milestones Now that you are out of the door for the first time, walk or jog. The first 2 km are the hardest to cover and you may not get there on your first outing. But you will very soon. At least you are out there and thats big step to take from being at the couchj the whole day. The next milestone will be the 5km mark. You will know that you have gotten into the groove when you start to feel uneasy after missing a few days of running. Once you have built up the stamina to go that far, reaching 10km is just a push for the extra kilometre. Just dont forget to work in some strength training- you cant run well if you are not strong. Think of how great you will look with toned abs and that will get you motivated. The beauty of running at an older age is that there is no way you can lose.Its very satisfying when you run past a younger jogger. But if you are left behind her, take comfort in the fact that being twice her age, you cannot be balmed for being slow. Then again, in the spirit of good sportmanship, there is much truth in the slogan "Run your own race".