Questions for DU runners &/or old farts.

[Ernesto]

I'm 58 & a recently retired construction worker, an ex Marine & in pretty good(?) shape. I do push-ups, sit-ups & deep-knee bends. Recently, I began jogging & my back pops out..... The chiropracter snaps it back in place & away I go to enjoy a week's worth of muscle pain from the spinal adjustment. What I want to know is: Should I give up on running? Is it really time to hit the rocking chair? Iv'e never been this old before, so what IS up?

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. My brother-in-law is 63

and finished the Chicago Marathon last fall. Dunno about the back. What does your primary care physician say?

[Systematic Chaos]

2. I would seriously consider changing to a lower-impact exercise

Have you considered bicycling or purchasing a stationary cycle for your home? I have one and at my size it is far, FAR easier for me to use that for exercise than taking a walk, especially after spending about 6 hours a day on my feet in a casino.

[pocoloco]

3. Oh No, not the rocking chair! I bought a mountain bike and

hit the boonies. In 5 years I've only been to the emergency room once, for a few stitches! Havn't broken anything yet,
knocking on wood!

[rasputin1952]

4. I might want to think about lower impact exercises,

perhaps one of those indoor trackers, that way, if something happens, you are home, and can get help. For many of us, bones start to deteriorate with age. I have osteoarthritis in my c-spine, and it can be a real dog at times. Vioxx helps, but be sure to check with physician. The last thing you want is a bad reaction.

O8)

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

5. GET BACK ON THAT TRACK, MARINE!

No, seriously, if it bothers you, don't DON'T do it. Ride a bike, or walk. If walking does not do it, carry a heavy backpack while you walk, that is what I do.
Running is not good for you, in spite of what they told you at basic.

Now.


GET DOWN AND GIVE ME TWWEEENTY!

Doc

[xcentrik]

6. Age don't enter into it.

I completely blew out my left knee from running when I was 34. Some folks just aren't built for running; may I suggest bicycling?

[nini]

7. bicycle or swimming

don't torture your joints anymore. These two types of exercise will give you a good aerobic workout if you do them right.


good luck from this old fart :-)

[trof]

8. aye, aye on lower impact.

Your knees will be next.
Walking is great. I do 3-4 miles a day.

[underpants]

9. As my best friend a trainer would say "No pain no gain" is BS

I run (or at least one could describe it as such) and have never had any real injuries from it but if you are hurting your back I would following the advice here and bike or swim.

Stationary bikes tend to be just that....or coat racks. I never could get into that because it is so boring, to me. I like getting outside and what you see on the journey each day.

[jpgray]

11. In MN, you learn to "stop worrying and love the indoor bike"

Reading and movies make the pain a little less. Biking outside is infinitely better, I agree.

[jpgray]

10. Take supps for cartilage and go lower impact

Some good advice is here. My dad had to quit running a few years ago (he's 57), and he's stayed in great shape by X-country skiing, biking, walking/hiking and swimming.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

12. Swim, and you'll be able to fart in Isaac Newton's general direction (nt)

[ArkDem]

13. Do lower back stretches before and after running. I'm 57 and I run 3

miles every day. I also lift free weights 3 times a week (two hour workouts). I feel GREAT!