How to Run Well Into Your Forties

Run right past that milestone.

For many people, there are a lot of reasons not to run. They might think that their knees can’t handle their excess weight. They might think that they’ve gotten too old for something like running. But sometimes these excuses are just that – excuses. So how do you tell between a legitimate health concern and what amounts to simply another excuse? You learn how to run well into your forties. Here’s how.

The first question to answer is whether or not you’ve already been running and aren’t sure if you should continue or not. Turning forty is a big milestone in anyone’s life, and it’s bound to raise some questions about how you feel as you’re getting older. If you’ve been an avid runner for a while now, there’s no reason that turning 40 should prevent you from lacing them up the morning after your birthday. After all, for you, 40 is just a number.

But the “40-year” milestone is one that should make you feel cautious about how you treat your body. If you want to take up an exercise program because you need to lose weight and get in shape, be sure to consult a doctor and learn about how much pounding your body can take at your age. Remember, it’s important not to use age as a reason to slow down when you don’t need to.

It’s important to remember that while your 40th birthday might have just passed, you might have the body of a 30-year-old – or a 50-year-old. That’s why it will be important to see a doctor about your current health status; you don’t want to “guesstimate” this for yourself and end up pushing too hard.

Realistically, many people won’t have trouble running well into their forties, especially if they train reasonably, eat well, and work their way up in increments. You may find yourself needing to drink more water as the kidneys don’t conserve as much during dehydration, so be sure to respond to your body’s natural impulses instead of adhering strictly to “no pain, no gain.”

Ultimately, how long you can run is up to you and your body. If you have a positive attitude, eat right, and a healthy workout plan, your body will respond well, giving you the ability to log some extra mileage and start setting those goals for when you turn 50.

Photo Credits: mikebaird

Originally posted 2009-09-08 03:36:40.

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