8 Unexpected Consequences of Getting Older as a Runner

[@grahamg9811]

It’s really surprising what can be achieved as an older runner. Did my first Parkrun aged 51 in 27:38, now at 55 I’m down to 19:27. I think motivation is key to improving as a runner. Where I might lack talent, I’m very self motivated. KZbin running channels like yours have also been key for me. The quality of information is very useful. 👍👍

[@SeansDullo]

This is motivating. I’m taking a screen shot of your comment!

[@michaelmueller7962]

👍To me it looks like if you would have started running 25 years earlier, you might have had a chance of getting to elite level because 19:27 min at 55 is very unusual! 👏👏 Same with 27:38 for a beginner - even with some kind of physical activity before this.

[@ian9552]

As an older runner I can honestly say I'm enjoying my running more than at any time in the last 40 years. I'm no where near as fast as I used to be, but still compete within my age category and I'm actually looking forward to moving up an age group next year. For me its all about setting realistic goals and taking the time to appreciate the process.

[@johnannaang7013]

I feel the same way. My bones creak more when I run now, but im running happier than I ever have. Good on ya 😊

[@fireflyrobert]

As a runner in his early 70s everything you said chimed with me. I didn't start running until I was nearly 40 years and it has changed my life for the better. As you said the pace slows down a bit but that's made up for endurance. I'm doing a local half marathon at the end of September. The biggest benefit of exercise is mental. I find when I'm out running it's almost like being in a meditative state.

[@oldmandice2731]

Just finished a sprint triathlon today here in Florida. It was miserable HOT and HUMID. I finished 1st in my age group (60-64) and 8th overall. Some of my friends and family that are near my age and look and act years if not decades older than me. I don't exercise to live longer I exercise to live better, long life is just a side benefit.

[@runningraven]

Seriously. When I see an older woman with white hair out in the forest running, no matter how slowly, I think "That's who I want to be". 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

[@emillsommer-kt4mb]

Bald is beautiful

[@jps5871]

At 54 I started running, 1 year later my grandson started running track, 8 months after my son started running. A highlight for me is running with my grandson. My son said he has 3 goals: lose weight, get in shape, & beat my in a race. Our first race together is next year. 😊

[@Martin-kc1xj]

Very true about being an inspiration. Nobody in my family exercises on a consistent basis, it's classic yoyoing and impulsive short periods of effort. That's what I did as well. Years ago, my closest friend's family in law invited me to their chalet, and his grandfather in law, well into his 70s, did the same thing every single morning: laps in the lake between the dock and a floating platform. I had never seen that, at any age. Then I learned his son was doing triathlons, grandson was a hockey player, and it just clicked in my mind: It's another way of living. A completely different reality. A "sports" family. It was one weekend, but it stuck with me. Years later I saw my father's health plummet, started having health issues of my own, which led me to the hospital during the pandemic, with recurring prescriptions of heavy painkillers (kidney stones). I still had the image in my head of the grandfather doing laps in the lake. Since then, I've been consistent for 3 years straight. I feel like another person.... and it's becoming evident that I am.

[@halmclarry6259]

That's inspiring!

[@patoflaherty5582]

Im 63 ....5km x 3 a weekend with 2 gym sessions keeps me very happy . I also have a physically demanding job .....my exercise keeps me on it - in my mind too ! Dont know what life would look like without exercise ...dread to think

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

I'm also investing into a more functional older age self, but I'm also fully aware that life can't be taken for granted and no matter our best effort we can just die of other causes. I run because the alternative is a slippery slope of bad habits I don't want to fall pray to anymore. Simple as that.

[@justinnevins107]

I got my marathon PR AND my first Boston Marathon qualifying time at age 56! I'm much more dedicated, fitness focused, nutrition focused, sleep conscious, and, lol, financially able to keep up with all my training, equipment, shoes, travel, etc. needs than when I was younger.

[@davidwilliams912]

My Daddy taught me that one should not only concentrate on the good things that you do well but to work more on your weaknesses.

[@stargazerbird]

Started at 63 and now at 71 still running the same pace and distance. I think you have to concentrate on sprints and faster intervals to keep the cardiovascular health benefits alongside the longer slow runs and don’t be afraid to just walk or cycle instead of run sometimes for cardio. Jumping is great to keep the literal spring in your step.

[@PhiruzGo]

Exactly! That's why I take my baby daughter out with me in the stroller, some day's for a walk, some day's for a run and other days we do both...I want her to get used to moving about, using her body so it becomes her 'normality' when she is old enough to use her own two feet and for the rest of her life.

[@birdania7]

You get “tired-er” he said, as you get older. Haha, that new word cracked me up! I love being a 57yr old runner. Yes I get more tired-er but I’m able to run races with the grandkids!

[@bobhogarth2014]

Started running when I was 50. I am turning 70 in a few months and just did my first marathon last month (having done quite a few 10 kms plus half marathons over the years). Love what running does for me, the challenge of it, the sense of accomplishment. Planning on running well into my 80s .

[@ohcrikey-bd6dr]

I like the respect bit. I was in a staff crewroom a little while back. I was looking at two guys sitting at a table. One was well toned, eating a banana and sitting in an upright posolition. The other was slouched in his chair, with a pot belly and eating pizza. I really did feel more respect for the healthy guy.

[@cori2356]

My grandpa was golfing 5 days a week and walking 2 miles a day into his 90s. He is a testament to your quote “you don’t stop moving because you get old, you get old when you stop moving.”

[@Starchaser63]

I'm still running more or less same distances, speed etc in my 50's as i did in my 40's or 30's .. just get , sufficient, sleep , nutrition, rest and recovery 😊

[@trimad6128]

I did the same thing as I played football and tried training for marathons at the same time.In the end something had to give which was football at the age of 28.From then on my life has been endurance and I love it!

[@Colley_co]

My mom started running just over 10 years ago at around 40. It took 10 years but I started joining her this year at 29 and I’m loving it! Running my first half-marathon in a couple weeks! 🎉

[@johnbonham1980]

Good luck! I had a similar running story to your mom, and 5 years later I see it as possibly the best quality of life decision I have ever made. When I finished my first half marathon I burst into tears. It felt so … damn … good. Hope your experience is glorious!

[@Colley_co]

@@johnbonham1980 Thank you! My mom started off as a beginner, but she is a run coach now and my trainer for my half! I am beyond proud of her. I feel like deciding to run has been one of the hardest and most rewarding decisions I have made, and I fully expect to cry when I finish my half too 😄

[@DavidTremblay]

I run 4 to 6 time a week depending on season block, strength train 2 to 3 time a week depending on season blocks, I train Muay Thai 3 times a week and do yoga as often as I can Being an older (54) fit dad, is a great example for younger people. To do all of that I had to change my lifestyle. Even if I wish everyone around pick up training harder, I see this example not being wasted. Along with being an example, the me time is a very important why. What resonate also with me is knowledge of the body. That's gold. Also I don't feel intimidated at all being shirtless on a beach or be able to do stuff young untrained people would dream but can't. I know I transpire health.

[@joseguillermodelhoyohuidob2032]

Thank´s a lot you make my weekend. 55 years old and I'm enjoying my running, and I have the same thought about investing in a healthy way of leaving .

[@DWNY358]

An additional benefit that I have found is that, at least for me at age 63, that it's easier to time qualify for just about any race, including for me, the Chicago and NYC marathons this year and Boston Marathon next year. There is so much more competition for BQ's at the younger age cohorts.

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

Agree with you there. Currently waiting to see if the time that I ran in Copenhagen as a 49 year old earlier this year will get me a place for the Boston Marathon 50 to 54 age Category in 2024 🇺🇲🦄🤞

[@tesserwithpaul]

Just turned 45 and now that BQ is finally looking *somewhat* in the realistic goal space! :)

[@richblankley]

Every single point resonated with me enormously, great video❤. I just turned 46 and having only been running for 12 months I am still improving month by month. It is frustrating that the kids aren’t inspired to get out running yet, but I’m committed to setting them a good example. Just like you say, maybe running isn’t their thing, but the inspiration to keep pushing yourself outside your comfort zone to improve at something is like an invisible gift they can’t see yet. One day I hope they will!

[@DavidTremblay]

I feel you, Iwould like them to try to be better than me (they are 33, 30 and 11). So instead I try to be the example I would have liked to have and nothing more, I try not to expect them to behave like I do. Roll modeling isn't a predictable science. But if they pick something along the way. I'd be very happy

[@ians3983]

Heh Ben your the man, great video. I'm 66 and just got in from running the Paisley 10k here in Scotland, 59.31, was hoping for sub 57 but was not to be today......many will find this hard to believe....it was cooking, yes here in Scotland humidity was awful.....that's my excuse 😊 love the channel with you and Mary keep up the great work Ben.👍

[@halmclarry6259]

I love "physical pension". I'm 64 and making deposits in my physical pension. So many benefits from running. Love your content. Thanks!

[@finch600]

Took up running 4 months ago at the age of 31. Couldnt even run half block but this morning ran 5ks and zoned out through a good portion Was worried cause I was starting at this age but this is really reassuring that ive made the best decision for me

[@moggy992]

Ive been running most of my life but orly the last year competitively. Ive gone from 25 min 5k to 20 min one hoping soon sub 20. 10 k 48 to 42 mins. Half m 1. 48 to 1.37 and at 55 im getting faster all the time. I love watching Mary run shes my inspiration to reach those time's. Im running about 40 miles per week. Hill repeats, intervals, long run, shorter ones too with 100m shoots at the end. Progressive runs.

[@lionheart4552]

Also It helps to occasionally run with a group, watch what you eat, manage weight , strength train & get adequate rest.

[@moggy992]

@lionheart4552 yup I run with club. Weights very lean, diet healthy and sleep well too

[@st4331]

My son has entered me into a 50K Ultra for my 60th birthday. Most of my training is in Z2 as I increase my mileage, but out of interest I wanted to see what I could do in a 5K, so ran this 2 weeks ago and broke my new age PB (I exclude my times when I was a youngster) by over 2 minutes in 21.16. Now wondering if I can break 20mins again, which I thought would be impossible. The reason is simply that with the extra endurance, I didn't get tired running faster!

[@genedollaway6466]

At 57 I started running about 4 years ago with strength training and it has been the best. Great info as usual. Happy birthday Mary!!!!

[@timothyheck4324]

At 62½ and have begun running consistently for the last 3.5 yrs, (and following ya'll for about the same period) it has dramatically changed my health & well-being. I strength train 3x per week and am recording about 30-40 mi per week running. My 3 adult daughters are now joining me virtually from across the U.S. thru the Conquerer app, running/walking thru virtual worlds, i.e. Lord of the Rings, etc. It's awesome that they decided to join me on this incredible adventure. You're spot on Ben & Mary. Keep on keeping on 💪

[@mikew6840]

I had a bad case of “eat what I like ‘coz I run!”. No doctor ever checked my cholesterol because I was slim & active. Turns out my cholesterol was sky high and I had started developing heart disease. But the advice was to eat properly, take a few drugs and KEEP RUNNING! I’m 59.

[@graham1735]

Thanks for this… I’m 55 and have been running since I was 13. What amazed me was that I managed to keep up similar performances in my late 40s that I’d managed earlier in life. Sadly hitting 50 I got my first serious injury and it’s been a bit of an effort to get back… until I realised that just the fact that I was still running was the main thing. I’m running an ultramarathon, only measured in years rather than miles … 42 and counting! I think this helps me overcome the short term niggles and focussed on the long term gains.

[@Mowsemowse]

I wouldn't eat that toast with any impunity... You sure you turned the toaster on? 😂 Good video (I'm only 38) but it was still really useful! The algorithm suggested your videos to me a while ago, and I've really enjoyed all the content, it's really helpful on days I can't be bothered to get out the door!

[@reneec4953]

Thank you! I'm just shy of 49 and have gotten more serious about running in the last several months. I'm working toward my first half marathon in February. I'm older, overweight and have spent sooo many years neglecting "ME" for the sake of raising children but it's my time now and I'm absolutely ok if my choice in investing in myself is perceived as selfish. I have have some physical pension deficits to make up for. LOL I want to just get out there and go for it. I'm not going to break any records and I don't care too. I just want to move myself forward down the road. Great video as always!

[@LeePrice82]

Loved this video Ben thank you. It resonated a lot. I'm new to running and in my 40's and feeling like the clock is almost going backwards for me now 🙂💪

[@richblankley]

Exactly the same for me!

[@iberiksoderblom]

What do you mean by "older"? I'm almost 61 and the difference from when I was 25'ish, is not all that much. I'm no longer an elite soldier and I'm more in to healthy food and less acholhol than back then, but I still outperform most people no matter what age they have, from 5K to 100M. The biggest differences are that I am not good at lacking sleep anymore and my recovery takes longer. Don't get lazy, train consistently five days a week, eat healthy and varied (less fat and sugar, more green and fibers), don't get fat, drastically reduce alcohol, prioritize having a good sleep every night, have fun, stay in love. There you have it! I feel no older than at any previous time in my life, but I do feel blessed, that my girlfriend is 23 years younger than I am. By her choise and her hard work to make it happen in the beginning !!!

[@toddboucher3302]

It’s been said over and over but so much more joy. I’m 61 and still have goals but not tied to them. I have 3 running goad run a sub 22 5k again, Boston bq, and a mountain 100 mile. When achieved, they all feel so much sweeter than I would’ve when I was younger. 22 minutes 5k equals to a 17-18 minute for a 20’s. Monday speed Tue & thurs gym/little easy treadmill mixed Wed moderate pace Saturday long That simple. Here in the states, action movie actor, Chuck Norris is either 82 or 83 and he still active. He lives on a ranch and still does kickboxing and karate workouts and he says the same thing he’s got a watch. What is more he’s gotta be careful how he works out, but he has so much joy in his life .

[@lionheart4552]

What are you doing differently to achieve your goals ?

[@mikestevenson1334]

I'm 35 and I have been running most of this year on and off. I started playing 5-a-side once a week, and I've found both have complemented each other. The running has allowed me to keep moving around the pitch so much more, and I love that! Great points about getting older - keep moving :D!

[@markparsons7425]

Hi Guys. I'm 53 and know exactly what your talking about, in respects to going for longer. Also my wife and I have our time running, but sometimes I still need, me time just to clean the head. Great points made, really enjoying your stuff. 👏👏

[@EelcoZomer]

What a true video... everything is so true. As a parent, especially trailrunning is real quality time for myself and it can't endure too long. It's a shame I'm the only one in the family with this passion.

[@AaronArandaWorld]

Been following your channel for quite some time now, always loved your tips and strategies but this one really hit home. I've ran for a good chunk of my life but it was always an off and on relationship with my running. Your channel really helped me convince myself that I'll run for the rest of my life, but not only for me but for the people I love. Please keep doing what you do, I admit that I struggle with the discipline of keeping my miles and not training when I should be, but I'm getting there. You and Mary have been an inspiration for me to keep on going and trying. Please continue to upload more videos that aid people like me to keep on running and also to try this amazing sport. Much love from the Philippines. 🇵🇭 (hope to run w you soon!)

[@johnbonham1980]

I never had an exercise regimen. Convinced myself I wasn’t capable of athletic things at a very early age and didn’t have the necessary people around me to show me that this was a lie. A close friend of mine died at 32 from a heart attack. I am 5 years his senior, and we lived very much the same kind of lifestyle. Within weeks I had committed to changing how I live and to never go back to my old self. Lost 60 lbs (250-190) in a year, starting lifting weights for the first time ever, and progressed endurance training from 30 minute walks… to hiking … to backpacking and running (doing my 1st 30K race in September. The thing is… regardless of the endless health benefits I’ve seen in myself, both obvious and not… My life feels so much more enjoyable. Everything is easier and more fun. So for those who say “we all die some day, and you don’t know how long you have …” as an excuse to not focus on things that are hard because you’re older … I ask “wouldn’t you rather have every minute from now til the end of your days be as good as it can be?”

[@heypauly2002]

I have a cabinet shelf, that is nothing but supplements. CoQ10, DHA, fish oil, K2 MK7, multivitamin, vitamin c, folic acid B12, you get the idea. I'm 66 years old and it does seem to help each one of them.

[@gtimmiller]

Excellent video! I’m 63 so much of what you said resonated. My new goal- place as a runner in the 90-95 age group!

[@lets_go_run]

Hoping for more pbs in my late 40s lol just got 5k,10k,half, marathon and 50k pbs this year.... onwards and upwards

[@nicklippa6969]

One of , if not the best videos on aging and running I've seen, great work !

[@irawhitlock1084]

So true on the limitless thing. You can fit in a short run just about anywhere any time. One time on vacation I completed my LR in about 6-8 short runs as opportunities presented themselves. The limits we think we have are often just based on our paradigm. I’m preaching to myself tho. Had a recent family crises and missed a lot of runs. Looking back, I could have kept going; and even needed those runs more than ever during that time.

[@toeknee4932]

Yes, when I see you and Mary doing the same run as me, I feel motivated somehow.

[@robertplant3907]

You have the best running channel on KZbin. I love it!

[@sadieravening]

Respect is a big one! For yourself firstly and family and then friends. Running has kept me sane and empowered. Like you two both myself and my husband now run together now our kids our older. Great video that keeps it real for us less talented as well as talented runners on here. Thank you x

[@roland3569]

Thank You.

[@tobyk8125]

Watched you since your subscriber count was a mere four digits I think and I have to make a comment that I haven't seen before: your work rate is astonishing. How on earth do you knock out two videos like this a week alongside a full-time job?

[@LisaGuiry]

Thank you for this. I love you guys 🥰🤣😁

[@garygoggin]

Always great advice in your videos, cheers 🏃

[@scotchbarrel4429]

Solid chinups mate, im impressed, those squats could use some work though. Got to 9km in 1hr 17 mins, zone 2, hopefully this week i can get to 10km. Not looking forward to my SIIT this Wednesday, but i need to do it.

[@irawhitlock1084]

Dang. That scan of the muscles tho! 😳

[@stipey2]

Watched your video with interest as a 46 year old who has started to find things a bit harder. Re: metabolism. I have always been a steady 68kg ish up until a year or so ago. Still running similar distances but carrying more weight. My metabolism is definitely not working as well.

[@katiuskasotomayor1285]

Loved the episode!

[@JamesMartin-gl8gg]

Great video, Ben and Mary, with some wonderful nuggets of information.

[@potblack7951]

Excellent video..as usual 👊👍

[@kimdecker8901]

Loved this video. (I think our brains work quite similarly, Ben. :) The growth that comes from running is universal: It redounds to every facet of our lives. Hope to do it forever! Thank you for the hip-hip-hooray!

[@deshall1885]

Great video guys 👍🏻

[@oldmanwombat]

I'm 62 yo and do most things wrong ,diet wise ,But I exercise most days and my fitness app said my age is 49. Ill take that.. If you want to move like a kid ..Play like a kid..

[@ali_HA24]

Very motivational!!! You guys always putout good motivational well researched vlogs. Keep it up guys!!

[@stevedarunner5736]

Great video! Well done,

[@knightrhonda7963]

Brilliant, as always 😊

[@runningforviews]

Getting old is scary

[@zakkkkkkkkkkkkkk]

Oi that's my quote, you don't stop playing cause you get old,you get old cause you stop playing

[@lifeisShort66]

My coworker asked me " how come you don't have old-man fat?"

[@10stephenrose]

At 32 this feels relevant 😅

[@whycantiremainanonymous8091]

Sorry for being such a nitpick, but my risk of dying remains at 100% whether or not I exercise. Nothing can be done about it, I'm afraid.

[@frankenstein77777]

Yes, but without exercise that 100% moment arrives much sooner.

[@lionheart4552]

Many thanks for that piece of Information. I'm sure a lot of people don't know that some time In the future they won't be alive.

[@ep2653]

What is considered and 'older runner'?

[@AislingDonohoe]

Your metabolism doesn’t actually slow significantly…

[@Jess-Rabbit]

Thank you! I get so worried when people say this because I'm 32 and already have the metabolism of a corpse for reasons unknown and I don't like thinking that ill basically have to eat 2 grapes a day as an old person and still exercise nonstop. I feel like the metabolism thing is largely a fallacy because most people don't even try to maintain their muscle as they age which is a big determining factor in your metabolism

[@AislingDonohoe]

Tireder 😄

[@joshwebb9729]

Can I hit the like button any harder????

[@dilipkumarnagaraj]

First 🎉

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Oh yes! 🤘🏼💥😊

[@aravaluska954]

🫶🫶🫶

[@funwithmadness]

I think this is the first video of yours that I mostly disagree with.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

Even though all 8 points are positive consequences?! 😂

[@funwithmadness]

@@ThisMessyHappy Yep. I say this because I don't believe that these things actually happen for the majority of older runners. They're all possible, but with only a couple of exceptions, these items seem more like consolation prizes than objectives. I especially don't like the fact that even though I workout smarter/better than I did 30 years ago, I'm still dreadfully slow in comparison. I'll never get faster again.

[@ThisMessyHappy]

I suppose then it’s entirely about how you view these things. You see them as consolation prizes I see them as a wonderful bonus in this ageing process. Much rather them than not being able to run! 😉😊