May 23, 2002 (The Cincinnati Post)- Q: I am 55 and enjoy
long-distance and cross-country running on a regular basis. My
husband believes that I am doing more harm to my body than good
because of my age. What do you think?
A: The benefits of an endurance activity like distance running
over a lifetime are well documented. It adds both to the longevity
and the quality of life - physically, emotionally and mentally. It
can benefit a person in every facet of life.
The detriments of long-term distance running are few and the
benefits great, says Steve Johnson, head coach of both the men's and
women's cross-country teams and the distance coach on the track-and-
field teams at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.
"Certainly as you age your joints and body tissues are not as
durable as they used to be. But distance running is not associated
with a higher incidence of serious conditions like knee
replacements, arthritis and things of that nature. They're (medical
researchers) not finding any significant long-term health problems
or injuries from distance running," he says.
By the time most people reach their 50s, 60s and 70s, Johnson
says, normal aging health problems may keep them from continuing
vigorous activities like distance running.
"But these health problems are not linked to endurance activity,
simply the process of aging," he says.
Here are Johnson's tips for staying active as a distance runner
later in life.
Always get a medical checkup and talk with your doctor before
starting any new exercise program.
Set reasonable goals that gradually increase the amount of
activity you do.
Start with what you are doing and increase your running a little
longer and a little faster every couple of weeks as you get into
shape.
"This may mean you start with walking and progress to small
amounts of running over several weeks," he says.
Get a good pair of running shoes. "Most running-shoe stores have
clerks that are knowledgeable and can help you," says Johnson.
