If you’re new around these parts, in which case a huge welcome, let me explain that as someone who grew up with severe Asthma, I’m not a natural runner and came to running late in life.
In the beginning i did not love running. In fact, a lot of the time, I did not even like running (it exacerbated my Asthma and left me out of breath!) which is why I recommend walking for anyone who’s never really exercised before.
But over time i did go from learning how to run, to loving running.
I’ve gone from running (or slow jogging) 7km in one hour, to running 5km in 27 minutes.
That’s a significant improvement so, after just over two years of running, I’ve got some handy tips to share about running for beginners over 40.
Running at any age, and especially running for beginners over 40, takes perseverance so first let’s get motivated by considering the benefits of running.
Benefits of Running Over 40
1. Running is THE best form of calorie burning cardio-vascular exercise.
Running, along with cross-country skiing, is the most intense sport for cardio fitness, burning 800-1000 calories per hour. So if you want to get fit, burn calories or work off fat running is the most efficient exercise form. It’s a great way to combat middle-aged spread or obesity which can lead to a smorgasbord of chronic medical problems.
2. Running lowers high blood pressure and reduces your resting heart-rate.
3. Running improves your bone density which is important for women and anyone prone to osteoporosis because it’s a weight-bearing exercise.
4. Running lowers your mortality rate which means that if you run you’re less likely to die. As benefits go they don’t get much better than that.
Running for Beginners: Myths Busting!
Running gets a bad rap, probably because people are always looking for excuses not to run – I know I am. But the research shows that:
- Running is not bad for your joints – research proves that;
- Running will not cause injuries unless you go too hard too fast.
10 Running Tips for Beginners Over 40
1. Go slow
It takes time to get up to speed with running. Think years, not weeks or months.
So if you set yourself a big running goal like a marathon or half-marathon make it six or 12 months away to allow yourself time to comfortably reach that goal. You don’t want to injure yourself or put yourself off running for life.
2. Alternate running and walking
Pick a distance like a 5km loop from your home then alternate running and walking. You could time five minutes walking followed by five minutes of running or just set physical targets to reach. For example, if you’re on the pavement run to the first lamp post (or past 10 of them) them walk to the next one (or past the next ten). If you’re running on the beach run to the first exit then walk to the next and repeat.
Having a target to run to makes me keep running longer than I normally would and the walking intervals allow me to recover and enjoy my workout.
3. Extend your running time slowly and incrementally
Start with running for five or ten minutes, then walking so you at least 45 minutes of exercise. Do that three times the first week then extend your running by five minutes each week until you slowly build up to running continuously for 30 minutes.
4. Run slowly
Don’t try to run fast or keep up with anyone. Just run at your own pace and keep running. Don’t stop until five minutes have gone by or you reach your target. Don’t stop running even when you want to. Just note the thought (I’m knackered/I hate this/This is killing me/I just want to walk) and keep on going.
5. Run regularly and commit for a month
Commit to running three times a week at the same time each day for one month and don’t skip a day. Hopefully you’ll have formed a habit and got over the hardest part after that time and will continue.
Running once is no good. Last year I just ran once a week but it was a regular event and I never skipped it. This year I’m running four times a week. Aim to run three or four times a week but no more as you need time to recover.
6. Relax
Remember you’re running for yourself. It’s not work so enjoy the scenery and try to relax. If you’re feeling tense take a big breath and exhale as you shake our your arms.
Running will help you destress in the long-term but make sure you don’t let it stress you out when you’re beginning and it’s hard. Be sure to consciously relax when you’re running. Look around you and enjoy the scenery.
7. Learn to breathe
While some people struggle to get out of bed to start running or complain about aching legs I find breathing the hardest part. If that’s the case for you try to forget about breathing – it should come naturally. If you’re running out of breath be sure to exhale fully so you intake a good deep breath of fresh air to keep you running.
8. Take short strides
It’s counter-intuitive but if you want to run faster you need to take shorter strides more often, not longer strides. Taking shorter strides will also help you avoid injury.
9. Get good shoes
You can run in anything lose, lightweight and comfy but you should invest in good, professionally fitted running shoes as they will help you prevent injury. They may cost $100-200 but that’s a small investment when you consider the benefits of running.
10. Go on a ParkRun or Join a Running Club
Running with other people helps you run longer and faster and makes it sociable but finding a friend to join you can be hard since we’re all so busy.
The free timed 5km Parkrun events are a great way to start running regularly. They’re a fabulous way to meet other runners, get motivated and keep trying to improve your fitness.
If you’re in one of these countries you may be able to join a free ParkRun timed 5km running event near you. To find out more Google ‘Park Run’ and your home town – or you can even start your own ParkRun if you can’t find one near where you live.
There are lots of running clubs around which also make running more fun and will help you push yourself harder. I love the support and encouragement of my running buddies and coaches.
I have met some amazing runners and coaches and they have pushed and motivated me to run further and faster than ever before.
So are you ready to go running? As with anything that’s worth doing you shouldn’t expect to see any health benefits of running in the short-term but if you stick with it there are huge benefits.
I’ve impressed myself with my commitment and progress and proved that anyone can run. Even beginners over 40 like me and you.
Since I started running I’ve met new people, got out of my comfort zone and enjoyed the great feeling of satisfaction that comes at the end of each run. I may not love running but I love the feeling you get after a run!
Are you over 40 and into running or interested in it? Have you got any tips to share or problems we can help you with?