Two weeks ago, I turned 60 years old. For years I've spoken of running a marathon, and even tried a bit of running every now and then, but the effort never lasted. Now it's time. If I'm every going to run a marathon, it's time to get serious.
The conventional wisdom seems to be that I should start training for a 5k, then progress from there to longer distances. But being 30-40 pounds overweight, I can't run very long without my knees telling me to quit. It will take me forever to build up to a continuous 5k run. In addition, having stupidly smoked for 37 years (before quitting 5 years ago), my lung capacity seems impaired.
I've read about Galloway's run/walk technique, and I've read a couple of the Penguin's books.
They give me hope. I don't need to run continuously -- at least not yet. The only reason I am a "reluctant" Penguin is that deep inside this broken-down 60 year old body lies a 20 year old's spirit that thinks he should be running hard and running to "win" something. The adult Penguin knows better, although even he has to guard against unrealistic goals.
On Ground Hog Day I ran 10 whole seconds for each 3 minute interval, for a total of 30 minutes on a track. Not much, but it is a beginning. I only run 3 days a week and ride a bike or walk on 3 other days.
By March 5th, I was able to run (veeerrry slowly) 30 seconds of each 3 minute interval for a total of one hour. On paper at least, I think that by mid-October I can run 2 minutes out of 3 for a total of 3 hours, and enter a half-marathon. I also think there is a strong possibility I am crazy.:) But we'll see.
4 comments:
Yeah for 60 and "crazy"- you can DO this!!!! I am proud of you for starting this program. You will reap huge benefits from moving your body and won't think of it as "broken down" anymore, but "strong and fast"- really !
Go for it!
(From a fellow once-Ohioan, but always will be at heart..Kent area)
oh and I forgot to wish you are very happy birthday and many more!
Hey-- You can do it!! Hang in there you are starting the right way. It takes the courage and heart to get to the start and the rest will fall into place. Keep it up and stay in touch.
For years I've watched the Twin Cities Marathon run past my block. Many times, people I knew would be running in it. My neighbor mentioned that he had run the TCM, and I told him that I've thought about running it. "If you're thinking about running a marathon, you ought to do it at least once" he told me. It's the most challenging task I've ever undergone, but it's all worth it when I cross the finish line. You can do it!
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