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You are never too old to run, and here's why

When is it too late to start running? And when are you too old to run?

feature image, pair of trainers being held against a field backdrop with writing on saying "are you too old to run? Plus an interview with Sue at Sizzling Towards 60"

From what I have seen, the answer is never. I am constantly overtaken at races and events by the mature runners more often than the “young and spritely” looking ones. This definitely inspires me to improve as I get older to gain experience and leave all the younger ones eating MY dust!

Being “too old to run” is just an excuse and preventing you from trying and achieving great things. Even if you are afraid to start, age shouldn’t be the reason!

Never Too Old To Run - At A Running event

When my dad started running at the age of 56 he told me he was too old to run properly. He was faced with quite a few “aren’t you too old to start now” and while age can definitely make you more prone to injury it is a great way to stay in shape and feel young. For him it has helped him maintain a healthy weight, feel competitive again and has given him a hobby he really enjoys, as well as being one of the fittest grandads I know!

Now he absolutely loves it! (He acts like he doesn’t but anyone who is willing to get up at 7am to go to Parkrun on a Saturday morning clearly enjoys it). We’ve also done events together (which is great for bonding) and I’m trying to convince him to do a half marathon this year (he’s not buying it yet) but this is all at 57 now and he has only just started!

There is a stigma to starting exercise programes when you are older and I have no idea why? Obviously check with your doctor first to make sure you are in tip top shape but other than that exercise keeps you young, healthy and definitely keeps me from going insane! I don’t want to slow down or stop as I get older just because a number tells me I “should” and it definitely shouldn’t stop you from starting altogether!

 

Never Too Old to run - Family Parkrun
Making Parkrun a family affair – Brother, Me & Dad

 

Someone who I take inspiration from is Sue from Sizzling Towards 60. As an avid runner, she is taking life and owning it in my opinion and I wanted to get her take on age-related running since she also started later in life!

A Bit About Sue:

I’m Sue from Brisbane Australia, wife, mother and grandmother and I’m Sizzling Towards 60.  I’m riding the wave of midlife with positivity, fun and laughter.  I love keeping fit and active and part of that is running.  I run with a group of friends and we call ourselves the Saturday Sisters.  We meet each week for a run and a chat.  It is a great way to keep motivated, enjoy our friendship and keep healthy at the same time. We usually enter a few fun runs each year so we have a goal to work towards.  Otherwise we might skip our run and just head for a coffee LOL 🙂

 

Never Too Old To Run - Sue's Running
Image Courtsey of Sue

What age did you start running?

I started running about 8 years ago just before I turned 50.  I was working with some younger girls and they encouraged me to enter a fun run with them.  When I started I couldn’t even run from one light pole to the next but I kept at it and eventually could run 10km. I had caught the running bug and then ran my first half marathon a month before I turned 50.

What has been your greatest running achievement?

My greatest achievement was running a full marathon 42,2kms two weeks before I turned 55.  I trained hard and had a very supportive husband because something like this takes commitment.  I followed a training program and my husband made sure I ate well to keep up my stamina.

I was ecstatic to cross the finish line and achieve my goal of running the whole way and in exactly the time I wanted to, right down to the minute! I can’t describe the feeling of elation at achieving this goal. You can read more about my marathon journey here How Running a Marathon Taught Me Anything is Possible 

Never Too Old To Run - Sue Running the marathon
Image Courtesy of Sue

Has age ever restricted your running? If so, how?

No, I don’t believe my age has restricted me.  Obviously, I will never be as fast as someone half my age but I just keep competing against myself, no one else and I try to keep improving.

As you get older do you feel like you should/want to stop running?

Not at all.  When I ran the marathon I was running part of the way with a gentleman in his 70s who was encouraging me!  Age is just a number and if you are healthy and fit there is no reason why you should stop running – IF YOU ENJOY IT!

Like anything else if you don’t enjoy something then move on to something you do enjoy otherwise you won’t stick at it.

What would you say to older people who say they are “too old to run”?

Well I don’t think you are ever too old.  As I said if you are fit and healthy with no injuries you can work your way up to running.  My husband is 67 and he is now sprinting as fast as me in his P.T. sessions and he has only started doing that about 6 months ago.

Never Too Old To Run - Sue Running
Image Courtesy of Sue

You are never too old to try!

Anything Else You Would Like To Add?

I never thought of myself as athletic and would not have even contemplated running especially in my midlife.  However, running the marathon made me realise I can do anything, if I want it badly enough and I am committed.  That goes for anyone with a dream or goal – just go for it! What do you have to lose?

P.S.  I love getting the medal at the end of a run LOL 🙂

How Sue can help you too!

Sue has started a new hashtag #couchpotatotofabfit where she’s encouraging everyone to get healthy together and would love you to join so I’ll leave the link HERE so she can motivate and inspire you the way she does me! 🙂

Where can you find more of Sue?

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

So as you can see, you really are “never too old to run!” and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise!

Are you a runner? did you start late? Do you feel too old to run? let me know in the comments section!

 

Tackling the stigma of age relating to running and asking the question Can you be too old to run? Plus an interview with Sue from Sizzling Towards 60.

42 comments on “Are You “Too Old To Run”?”

  1. It’s great that Sue and your dad have found something they enjoy later in life.
    My dad took up cycling in his 50s and it’s the same idea I guess.

    Running isn’t for me but I’d like to think as I get older I won’t let age stop me enjoying activity. (Joints permitting as I have a condition that will likely worsen and lead to further problems down the line.)

    V ❤️

  2. Wow so inspirational. I really don’t think there is an age limit on running. There are even people you can go and see who will help you with your running posture so you don’t cause yourself injury. I started running a few months ago. I used to hate the idea of my legs and bum wobbling when I ran and people seeing. But after that first run and the amazing feeling that came after it, I quickly got addicted and really stopped caring what other people think. x

  3. Lovely post! Running is good fun and Sue’s attitude is fantastic! I started running in later life and really enjoy the benefits.

  4. This is so inspiring! Go you! I can’t run due to health issues, I have three chronic illnesses that mean I am in constant pain and unfortunately for that reason running is out. I envy anyone who runs!

  5. Wow how inspirational! I’m loving the sizzling towards 60 attitude here an amazing motivational example to us all!

  6. It’s lovely that you enjoy running. It’s something I’d love to do but sadly due to health issues its never going to happen

  7. What an inspiring post! I love to run, although I’m never going to be a marathon contender, I know it does wonders not just for my body but for my state of mind – I’m always happier and more motivated when I’m running regularly.

  8. Oh 8 years is a long time to be doing running but well done! I hope to be able to do regular walking in the future it’s not the same as running but is my goal once I’m no longer using a wheelchair!

  9. Great post. I don’t think age has as much to do with it than medical complications. I’m in my 30’s and won’t be able to run at all but there are people in their 80’s still running.

  10. I think it’s brilliant for people to get into running, whatever their age! I’ve had to stop in this pregnancy due to spd but I’m fully intending to start again once my GP signs me off post baby. I think it’s inspiring to see people getting into stuff like running without age being a barrier xx

  11. I remember a 90-year-old elderly man featured in our local news, about how he has I think (if memory serves me right), he picked up running at age 80 and now he’s still at it. I used to run before (but not marathons), just jogging for fitness before getting married. And I haven’t worn my running shoes for that in ages (wear them now for walking the dog), would love to do it again, but it’s all hilly where we live, so not really sure about doing it here 🙂 x

    • wow that’s so great! I frequently end up running with older people and I struggle to keep up and sometimes there’s a 50 year age difference it is amazing!

  12. Such an inspirational post. I think you’re absolutely right. We are never too old to start something new and running is a great way to exercise and build up to a pace that suits you. Sue and your Dad are brilliant role models for embracing the challenge head on and I love that you and your Dad have this shared passion.

    #FamilyFun

  13. Sue is way fitter than me! My dad started running in his early 50s, and did the Great South & the London Marathon. Which is more than I ever did, though I did run a lot before the kids! He doesn’t run now as has a knee problem, but still does very long walks with his dogs. #familyfun

  14. I really like the idea of this Community. I am determined to get back to a better level of fitness after my recent hysterectomy. Severe knee problems prevent me from running but I used to love it so I understand your passion. Thank you so much for linking up with #FamilyFun I really hope to see you again next week x

  15. Brilliant. I think you’re right, you’re never too old. My dad used to run when he was in this thirties, he’s had to give it up though because he has real trouble with his legs. Something to do with his veins. He misses it so much though and I know he would love to run if he could! Thanks so much for sharing such an inspirational story. x #FamilyFun

  16. This is so great! Fair play to your dad for starting running at 56. That’s really fab. Sue sounds super motivated & inspirational. I badly need to get back into running but just haven’t found a way to add it to my routine. I used to run every day. It’s great exercise & a great way to clear your mind too! #FamilyFun

  17. What an inspiration you all are! It’s definitely never too late to get into exercising, my boss is 60 and regularly does 8 mile runs. In fact, I need to take some tips from you all and get started myself. Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays! Kaye xo

  18. That is very cool you had Sue on your blog. This is great motivation for me. I hope we get a treadmill soon and I can get back to running again. It’s too cold and icy outside to do much of it now. Thanks for the inspiration!

  19. Ha! You inspire me Charlotte, but you and Sue together? As a team you are unstoppable! I love this post, fitness and health have no age limits or boundaries! You are both big time winners in my book!

  20. I started running at age 52, and I have been running for three years. It is my favorite way to exercise. I like to run because I feel like there are always goals to work for. When I reach a small goal, I am motivated to set another one.

  21. Sue really is sizzling! I’d love to love running. It’s so cool that you can do it anywhere and don’t need equioment. Maybe one day #marvmondays

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