1.Age Groups Rock.

I mean you should not be comparing your pace to someone younger than you.

I used to play competitive tennis and I hated that it seemed to only matter if you won or not and what your score was.

You may not win any awards because the numbers of those running in their later years have been increasing (and quite frankly many are faster than I ever was.)

But still, it’s good that you can see how you compare to someone your own age. (And often, there are 3 or less in your age group!)

2. If you keep running, you will most likely get slower.

I say “most likely” because I’m sure that there are runners who still improve as they age.

like Jeannie Rice

But as a rule, after 10 years of running, your finish times will be slower.

So if this bothers you, stop racing. LOL

I admit, it’s not easy to accept that my 5k, 10k and half marathon times have reverted to slower than they were when I first ran those distances many years ago.

slow but happy

finishing=winning!

3. Body Parts Will Hurt.

It’s part of the aging process. But it’s different for each runner.

For me, it’s my lower back and my feet. For others, it may be your hips or your knees.

Again, I say, if this bothers you, stop running.

and miss all the fun?

4. Misery Loves Company.

In other words, don’t go at it alone.  Run with others.  Find your tribe!

everyone in this group is over 50

5. Cross Training is even MORE Important.

In addition to running, find another activity for those rest days – yoga, walking, weight lifting, spinning, Zumba, pickleball, etc.

I do a lot of walking and hiking but in those winter months, my stationary bike could be my new best friend.

6, (one more): Age is “Just a Number”.  You can do hard things.

Yes, you can run an ultra.

I ran my FIRST marathon at age 66, and another at 70 & 71.

Happy Running! How has ‘age” affected your fitness? Any facts to add? Please share.

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It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

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