Soo.... how'd it go?
1
With a very strong family history of Coronary Artery Disease,I took up running at age 60 and a medal at the Chicago Marathon was an unbelievable thrill. Ran my eleventh marathon at age 74. However, I have come to the conclusion that running marathons is more for the ego than cardiovascular fitness, but I hope to continue.
5
What an inspiration. I hope you had a great race and are getting much needed rest and relaxation. What are you going to do with all of your extra time now?
My husband and I are in our middle 50s and ran our first marathon (Marine Corps) last fall. We used the Hal Higdon training program and were thrilled to get our medals after five long months of training. New York and Chicago are our next goals. Onward.
Congratulations!
2
Good luck
1
After 40 years and many marathons my pacemaker talks to me and says no more marathons BUT yesterday I was able to finish the 5k run the day before the New York marathon. Danny is correct, no agging gracefully again BUT. I have two cardiologists. One wants to keep me alive and forget my "hobby" while the other wants to help me run again. You know who this runner listens too. I run in the 80 to infinity age group and have recently looked up what it takes in NY to be in the top 3 of my age group. One more comeback? Jere, no aging gracefully for "real runners"
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Laugh-out-loud funny! And entirely too true. Hope the race goes well!
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Keep running. Any man with such a great sense of humor should do what he wants. Just make sure to use the veggies for icing only; never eat them
1
Boomers especially should avoid sports that jar the skeleton. That would include running, particularly on hard surfaces, and basketball in the school yard. Unless you don’t mind joint replacement and destroying your meniscus.
I think of Jim Fixx, Thaddeus Kostrubala, George Sheehan, and now, you Jere, as
inspirational writers who can change the lives of former
competitive runners with their stories.....
After reading your article (and the many wonderful readers comments) am thinking Half Marathon in 2020 and then ?
1
This was so funny. You are a very entertaining writer.
1
Not sure how inspired I am. The reality is, joints wear out. This kind of punishing performance is likely to result in later years of pain and disability. Listen to your body, and slow down when it’s time. This runner sounds fool-hardy to me.
At the Grand Canyon: “Sorry, sir, you’re too fat to ride the donkeys.”
The equines in the Grand Canyon are mules, not donkeys.
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We prefer licensed massage therapist....masseuse holds a dirty connotation. Thanks
I'm not a runner, which will be obvious when I ask my question. Does a person reach a point as they age when running becomes counter-productive, i.e., harmful to the body and unhealthy? (My favorite exercise is swimming, because I don't have to get all sweaty.)
@Linda — I think that depends on the genetic and physiological makeup of the individual.
Speaking as a certified sports manual therapist, pre and post event therapy is a must for the mature runners. Runners beat their personal bests with large leaps forward after their first session every time. Fully oxygenating the tissues prior to marathons protects the heart, and increases endurance. When the post run modalities are performed within hours of the race end, recovery is short and easy. Look into this!
At the very least get a heavy friction massage when the event is over.
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You go, Mr, Longman. It takes a special blend of grit and courage to tackle a marathon. As a fellow runner, I am in awe of marathoners, whether it is their 50th race or their first.
Push on. Keep moving.
I’ll be cheering you on, every step of the way.
You’ve got this!
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Jeré will be running at close to peak effort for about 5 hours; the winners won't need the endurance, focus, and determination to do even half of that.
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Nice story but as we age, different exercises would be wiser. Its just my theory but I believe you can run for 30 to 40 years before its time to change your routine. Almost all stories of older runners start with taking the sport up in retirement. Although Jere goals are noble, running with arthritis isn't a good idea. Let's says you live into your 70's, 80's or 90's. Who's taking care of you when walking become too difficult? I gave up running after 40 years realizing the burden I don't want to be on my family. Yoga, swimming, stretching, walking biking has less impact and will keep me healthy enough. My running, boxing, pole vaulting days are over. Wish I could but I realize what best for me at 62 years old.
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Inspiring piece. After a multi decade running decline I am a 68-year off born-again newbie, super excited about my running future and targeting a marathon in 2020. A noticeable difference between 31 and 68 running is how much the races take out of me nowadays. I lay around the house following a race. I expect my 2020 marathon to send me to a multi-day recovery. Definitely worth it! Thanks for the uplift!
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I will be running my 22nd NYC Marathon today. Will turning 69 in a few weeks. It is a wonderful experience and so grateful to the New York Road Runner's Club and the City of NY for staging this great event. And grateful to God for keeping me healthy enough to still participate at this stage of my life.
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Jere' , thanks for the laughs and a wonderful article. As a recovering athlete new to Philadelphia, could I trouble you for the name of the deep tissue artist who restored you to running form?
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Good luck and enjoy your race!
I can relate to your desire to run despite the injury. In 2016 I was injured about 6 weeks before I was set to run the Detroit International half marathon for my second time. I had IT band syndrome that presented as hip bursitis. The physical therapist I worked with strongly encouraged me to add strength training to my running because my glutes were so weak. I ran that year (against her advice), spent 4-6 more weeks in PT, and have added strength training to my weekly routine. 3 more HMs under my running belt and I've improved my personal best by almost 20 minutes, with no more injuries.
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Great article...I think the author was writing about me. And the closing line: ageing gracefully for an athlete..."there's no such thing." Truer words were never written.
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There are ways to run while taking stress off the knees. Every Saturday morning I run up a half mile long hill four times and WALK down. Go easy the next 2 days for recovery. Every Wednesday same 4 reps but only about a 400 meter hill and same recovery. At 67 I can’t complain.
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Good idea to stay off the streets and sidewalks.
Keep on running! And always keep your freezer filled with edamame and mixed veggies. Thanks for starting my day with a good laugh
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Jere, I hope you have a terrific race. And that you pause to take photos and talk with others in the middle of the pack. At age 70, I just ran Maine's MDI half marathon, and the good news is that I won in my age group with a very slow time that verged on walking. Take care of yourself and when you get to that magic number of 70, you'll be winning medals, and if you're lucky, a few pairs of socks. Sometimes they even have prizes for the"oldest runner", regardless of your time!
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@Riva I ran my first half marathon at 62 and came in second in my age group. It was the first athletic award I had received in my entire life and I was hooked. I am now 70 and am thankful every day that I am still able to run. I hope that Jere takes care of himself so that he can run a dozen more marathons. Old runners rock!
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Hey Jeré, Great that you're physically fit, terrific that you're running. But why this focus -- not just you, but so many casual runners -- on the marathon?? Why not participate in one of the many 5k or 10k races available? That'd be so much easier on your body.
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@kip For me, it’s because (1) I find it hard to get excited about a race that’s over in 25 minutes, (2) 5k is now trivial in terms of distance so to make it interesting I’d have to work on getting faster and I don’t like speedwork, and (3) I like doing long slow runs where I catch up on podcasts or cruise along scenic trails. Marathons - or longer - are perfect for that, and my body seems to be coping fine so far.
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@kip — Short answer: Many see it as a challenge, not only physically but mentally. Running long distances is as much of a head game as anything else — telling yourself you can do this when every fiber of your being wants to stop.
The longest distance I’ve run is a half-marathon (have one next weekend, as a matter of fact), and the feeling I get crossing the finish is a rush of accomplishment, satisfaction, and emotion that I did it that it’s hard to describe. That probably goes double for marathoners.
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@Mrs. Mopp — I agree about 5ks. But my issue is — and I know this will not be a popular opinion, and I am in no way an elite-class runner — most have become jokes, and most participants treat them that way. Joke themes, gag gimmicks... That can make it frustrating and sometimes dangerous for those runners who, well, actually run. Fun runs are one thing, but a lot of 5ks where I live don’t advertise them that way.
It’s great that these types of races draw people in who would probably never participate otherwise. Activity is good. But I’d rather spend money on halfs, where more serious runners participate, especially since the races are getting more expensive every year.
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Good luck! Your running may be less graceful than it used to be, but your writing is still fantastic. This piece had me not just smiling, but laughing out loud once or twice.
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This is such a great essay! Hilarious, true and gritty. More of this please.
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In my 50’s and living w/ Parkinson’s disease, I’ve run three marathons. NYC was by far my favorite; the city and the people are electric. When I crossed the finish line at close to 6 hours I was overcome with joy. For many of us it’s being able to finish that counts, not the time. As my symptoms worsen I’ve currently switched to less intensive forms of exercise like biking and old-fashioned walking. I tell my husband I’m done running marathons (like your wife, he was never a fan) but deep down he knows what I’m really thinking - maybe, just maybe, there’s one more left in me.
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@John L.
My wife has Parkinsons and exercise and yoga have made an immense positive impact.
That said, it is the spirit more than the physical effort that is most important.
Good luck, keep going!
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@John L. As a neurologist in Belgium, I have organized Chi Running an walking sessions for people with Parkinson’s disease and we have climbed and cycled the Mont Ventoux several times together. I firmly believe regular exercise will help people to soften the impact of the disease to their lives. Whenever you feel like coming over, you are most welcome to cycle with us, with the ‘Move for Parkinson’ team in Belgium.
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Love this, wonderful writing! If running does not work out anymore for you, at least you know that you can write and write!
Btw, try swimming. Best exercise ever!
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I love your spirit. Have fun in the race!
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I enjoyed this piece. It wittily reminded me of my lifelong folly. I raced at every distance from 100 metres (sheesh, we still ran on cinder tracks in those days!) to the marathon from high school until I was 68. I broke records in my youth and still aimed high in old age. Throughout, my knees hurt. I’d have to stop training because of recurring peroneal tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, iliotibial band and sciatic nerve pain. So I’d lay off. Recover to race fitness. Then go through the whole miserable cycle of charley-horses, hamstring pulls, quad strains and all the tendon wear and tear again.
And yeah, I’ve heard it all — don’t over-train, run-through-pain, runner’s denial, long-slow-distance, high-intensity-intervals, run hills, don’t run hills, all the cult-like, sanctimonious advice-bombing.
Now I’m a hiker. It took me half a century to figure it out but some people — me obviously — are slow on the uptake. And for me, slow turns out to be way better than fast.
I’ve learned the reflective merits of a 20k day hike through the autumnal woods compared to three obsessive hours with a thousand other suffering over-achievers jammed elbow-to-elbow onto a narrow ribbon of sterile pavement. And I don’t have to ice anything except the single can of beer I pack for the lunch I share with the birds!
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In about 1978 or so, I decided to take up running and started out one day for the first time. I ran as far as I could, about a half mile, and all but collapsed. I hated it. I kept at it until one day I ran a whole mile, which had been a goal from the first. I then stopped and never ran again, except now and then for the bus. I've never enjoyed athletics, and the most I can manage is a trip to the gym 2 or 3 mornings a week to do the elliptical, which I enjoy, and lift a few weights, which I don't. So, much admiration to all you aging and otherwise runners out there, doing what I cannot! Good luck to all on today's race, which is probably over as I write this. Hope your knees made it, Jere!
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You go, Jere!
You are an inspiration for runners of all ages - and a terrific writer, to boot.
Good luck.
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Delightful! Been there, done that.
Great writing, and your wife sounds fantastic.
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All things in moderation. It's still a good rule.
You have now inspired me to run through the Winter!!!
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Loved your humor and laughed out loud!
In PT now, I understand completely your suddenly speaking Portuguese!:))
I'll be thinking of you Sunday!
Take it easy and enjoy the cool air, passing scenery and people cheering you on!
Best of luck - I'll be cheering for you from Houston!
Absolutely terrific piece.
You had me at "who trains for a marathon out of a frozen food case."
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Have a good race, and have fun! Some unsolicited advice: switch to cycling, so much easier on the knees, and save time and money by bailing on the chiro and sticking with your PT and masseuse.
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I once ran 22 marathons in one year and once cared about pace. Now at 62, my motto is ANY run is a good run. Any distance, any pace, and the important element is staying physically active. Enjoy the marathon. It may be your last but who cares. Go find a 10 miler or 25K. You'll enjoy the change. So will your knees.
Running_man out.
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Godspeed Jere! From an envious mid lifer dealing with a torn meniscus and yearning for long runs.
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Other than the sardonic comments, is your wife being supportive? Not?
What kind of cardiovascular shape is she in? Muscle tone? BMI?
Good luck with your run! Great article! Just a little idea about the peas.....try unpopped popcorn. It stays cold for a long time and you can refreeze it over and over. Be sure to let us know how you did!!!
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Good Luck Jere!!!
I walked and completed the Los Angeles Marathon in 2007 and then again in 2010.....My times were 7:34 and 9:02.
I trained with the LA Leggers for 7 months and it was glorious to be out there (no matter how long it took) and cross that finish line and collect that Medal.
All the best to you Jere, with your wonky knees, but a word of caution...if it really starts to hurt you, STOP.
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I do miss running; heart disease puts a crimp on the changes the heart goes through in my late 60's. But I waxed nostalgic at your observations on the magnificent obsession that is running stupid long distances. And there's the Camino de Santiago when you finally do have to chill!
Getting older (60s) is not easy and it is very painful.
I've been involved in martial arts for about 30+ years. My head sez YES! However my body parts are screaming IDIOT.
Denial is all too real. But to stop all together is an invitation for serious health problems.
Hilarious! Thank you!
Jere, you and I are at an age where talent and god-given physique matter very little. It's blind perseverance (your wife might just have another word for it) that counts. Go for it in the name of all us old guys.
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I understand your obsession with running this marathon, but I think you’ll regret it. Running 26 miles on an injured knee can only have bad consequences. It’s not too late. Listen to your wife.
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I don’t know how long your knees will hold out but I sure hope you never stop writing. Good luck!
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Speaking as your elder, I can report that it doesn't get easier. The knees, the hips, the hams, the ankles, the Achilles; this, that, the other... So be it.
On the other hand, I'm in my seventieth, but as it is with you, my left ventricle is in its thirties. I weigh what I weighed fifty years ago. That's the dividend on the investment.
Have a good race.
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good luck tomorrow, kid
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You go guy! My goal in 2015 was “Medicare and Marathon” ....and to raise funds for the Michael Fox Parkinson’s Foundation. Favorite words of encouragement when I first ran at age 63, two miles before finishing: “Don’t quit now...everybody else who has quit, already has.”
Godspeed, brother!
Go dog go!
You are me, just a little younger - I’m 70 and this is my 10th having started at 59. Cant stop. Same calf tweak you describe likely with similar cause (in my case opposite knee meniscus tear) but my partial salvation has been acupuncture. So I’m in tomorrow expecting the same walls and with the same determination to finish, time be damned!
50491
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Loved the humor in this article. Reminds me of my NYC Marathon in 2003 at age 58 when I was racing the clock to break 5 hours in the 78 degree temps. Made it at 4:59.23! Keep on sloggin’.
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@Boston Jonny I was there too! You and me and P. Diddy. It was hot indeed.
Transforming pain into humor, that's a skill much needed in the medical profession.
I think Jere should try half marathons, as a lot of the damage is done in the second 13.2 miles.
I have run more than a dozen halfs, about twice a year, after limited flexibility finally got the best of me in rowing. But no matter how much I ran, I continued to gain weight.
Forced to take a break from distance running by an injury, but continuing other non-endurance sports, I was able to change my diet and my weight dropped, by about a heavy bowling ball, also blood pressure went down and heart rate stayed below 50.
I have heard endurance exercise can create carb cravings. I guess I'll find out soon, as I am curious to see if I get any faster in a half without the bowling ball.
At 64 just a few months behind you and running my ninth NYC
marathon tomorrow. Great article and definitely can relate to some of it's content. I give you much credit as I would not have had the determination to run it with the physical issues you dealt with. Also used Hal's senior train plan as a guide.
Good luck and see you at the start line.
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Cheers to all runners who despite the aches and mind dulling pain keep training.
After ten years of very limited running I just finished training for and completing the Berlin marathon. What a gift to my soul.
As my sister in law points out, who are the true athletes but those of us who come in last. !!
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Once upon a time, I ran a half marathon. I was enthused. I beat my 2-hour goal by one second. The lesson that I learned...no more half marathons CERTAINLY not a whole 26.2. Funny, 20 years after I stopped running(I switched to rowing on an erg) my knees don't hurt and I'm 76. LOL Good luck.
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One more point which may (or may not) inspire: my MC marathon Sunday a week ago was my 7th since 2012, my first in 5 years. Next to Boston which I've run twice, the MCM (the "People's Marathon) is my favorite.
Good luck tomorrow, Jere. I hope this helps: A week ago Sunday I ran and completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 5 hours, 28 minutes. I'll turn 71 in Feb 2020.
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@Walter Miller I was out there too (but am only 44). Congrats on surviving the monsoon and heat!!
Best of luck tomorrow. Your wonderful outlook on life and sense of humor will sustain you on the run. I turn 70 this month and thankfully have run 21 marathons over the past 8 years without injury. Indeed, the regular (daily) workouts make me stronger. At the start line at Boston, I greet fellow runners in my corral, mostly senior men and women who can run hard for four hours and smile the whole time. It is the fountain of youth.
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I never ran a marathon but always was jealous of those that do. I ran my first and only half marathon at 65. Except for the birth of my children and grandchildren it was the highlight of my life. Sadly, at 71 I have been getting slower and slower and finally threw in the towel last week, when despite the perfect weather, seeing marathoners in Central Park and the grandstand being assembled, I was not motivated enough to run and continued walking along side the runners. I think you may have inspired me to dig that towel out of the hamper and try running again. Best of luck tomorrow!
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@Alice Greenwald
do it, Alice...walking is great,and so much less stress ...
thanks- very inspiring and encouraging!
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Best of luck tomorrow. Loved your article. I just turned 70. My last marathon was 3 years ago and I’m still thinking I want to run ‘just one more’. I’ve run 35 marathons, surely that is enough for a lifetime?!
Keep at it. You will finish in your time.
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I’m 76 and have been a grandpa for almost two years. I don’t call Leo my grandson. He’s my personal trainer, ever reminding me, like it or not, that I can still run.
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As a fellow 60-something runner, I loved this article and the photo of you enjoying frozen veggies therapy. I actually use the term “jogger” to describe my current senior shuffle but I still get out there regularly. Admire your grit and wish you all the best tomorrow!
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The last point is the best. There is no such thing as graceful aging. It isn't pretty at the end.
A herniated disc ended my running 3 years ago. Anytime I read an article like this I hear the running voices calling my name. But then i go for a walk or a swim and the voices disappear. I miss my heart rate of 48 but 6o is good enough.
Bon chance Jere.
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As a mere babe of 43, with a comparatively paltry 3 marathons under my belt, thank you for this inspiring and amusing narrative. I hope I can follow in your footsteps when I'm your age, Jeré, figuratively and literally. Leave 'em in your wake, tomorrow!
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I'll be looking for you at the start! At 67 this will be my 7th NYC marathon (the first was to have been 2012 but of course was cancelled - but I trained!) and I will be slower than 5 - my best was last year at 5:25. Still worth it!
You are a wonderful writer - enjoyed your piece immensely!
SG
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Thanks for the laugh this morning. I’m 67, I’ve run 11 marathons, the latest one being Chicago, where I managed a 10 minute PR. I’m slow, but still gradually getting faster, and have managed to stay mostly injury-free through 37 years of running. I attribute this to the fact that I use the Galloway method, alternating running and walking at regular intervals. I love running and want to continue as long as possible. Someone wondered why the focus on marathons? I do run other distances, but my yearly marathon is always my goal race. And that’s because the marathon is so much more than 26.2 miles. It is a mental challenge as well as a physical one, and every time I run one (not to mention all the training) I learn so much about who I am and what I am capable of. But anyone that runs a marathon understands.
New York is probably my favorite marathon. Have a great time tomorrow!
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Loved this as I rub my right knee that always turns a bit stiff after a workout. Ran the LA Marathon in 1991 as my now wife and I stared dating. Never did it again.
Her claim of false advertising may have some validity.
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As an aging runner (with new hip!), this made my day. It’s great to see this determination, dedication and spirit doesn’t extinguish with age. I’ll be rooting for you, Jere!🏃♀️
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While applaud the endeavor... the fact is.. you are applying unneeded wear and tear on what life remains in your body.
After age 50.. everyone should be on a physical fitness program, but it should be a mix of low impact cardio and resistance traning.
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@Chuck I have walked three half marathons since turning 60. Most of my regime is a mix of cardio (low impact or step aerobics) and strength training with a long walk or two on the weekends. As long as people train sensibly there may be reasons to slow down but that doesn’t necessarily mean stop. I don’t plan to.
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@lilmissy
Walking a marathon is fine, as long as really good footgear is in use.
Running or jogging is where I see an issue for older folks.. which includes myself. :)
2
You don't stop exercising because you get old...You get old because you stop exercising.
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Good luck, Jere! Don't concentrate so much on time. Nothing wrong with walking now and then. Don't forget to enjoy the support at the sidelines and the views.
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Thank you for starting my day with many chuckles! After reading your essay, I felt a little intimidated. No, I don't run marathons, but at 80 years old and never having been much of an athlete, I manage a brisk walk around the track (1.3 miles) 4 or 5 times a week, and I'm so proud that I wen I get home, I reward myself with a gold star on my calendar.
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Tomorrow at age 57 i will toe the line for my 25th NYC marathon.When I did my first in 1993 I held a clenched teeth grimace, hidden behind jock fashionable Oakleys, for 18 of the 26 miles. I swore Id never do it again. But here I am. Training with regularity (pretty much every day) but maybe counterintuitively running very little has worked for me. Elliptical trainers, walking EVERYWHERE if time allows, and long runs on weekends has kept me 99% injury free and looking forward to at least a few more annual laps of the 5 boroughs. May the wind always be at your back Jere.
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@Gregory Hagin good luck!
2
Running is the only exercise I can do (well, swimming when injured). It soothes my soul, heals whatever hurt I feel and is far cheaper than therapy. Best of luck tomorrow, enjoy the trip from Staten Island to Central Park, it’s magical.
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Jere,
Great read first thing Saturday morning! Have a happy birthday and NYC marathon. Like many of the others commenting, running has been my "church" and therapy since I started in 1978 after having my first child (needed an escape from responsibility and parenting). Think it's time for Hoka shoes for myself! Good luck.
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Jere,
Here is what the future may hold for you as you approach the next decade. Take it from one who has been there: done that.
During my mid thirties, inspired by Jim Fix, I embarked on a long distance regimen of daily 10k runs 7 days a week; 52 weeks a year; rain or shine that led to 20 marathons from 1978 to 1988.
Very few injuries gave me a feeling of invincibility that lasted into my early septuagenarian decade. Then it happened. One morning not only was I unable to run, I could hardly walk. The medical diagnosis: severe spinal stenosis.
I just turned 77. There is exercise after the body raises a mandatory halt. Running becomes walking. No more sweat soaked T-shirts. But there is still the sheer joy of a 4 mile walk in the park at 18 minute miles, rain or shine, every day, with the memories of a younger man and my dog at my side.
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Jere, great story, enjoyed the read. I gave up running when I turned 40 years old as too many members of the New York Road Runners Club were getting knee and hip replacements. While I admire your passion you may be trading off future mobility and comfort in your 70's which affects you and those around you. Good luck in the race and do not push it.
12
The force be with you on Sunday, Jere! I ran NYC in the seventies with my 11-year-old son and just managed to finish at four hours and some minutes, a wonderful experience. I think you convey very well all the vicissitudes of old timers trying to hold on to some semblance of their younger years. Thanks
16
Oh, and frozen peas are my go-to ice pack.
The 2 lb. bag.
Covers all 10 toes.
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Made me laugh this morning but best of luck nonetheless!
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Thank you! I deeply needed this chuckle (and it made me look much better as a supportive wife to my husband).
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I just bought my first pair of Hoka running shoes, and ran on them for the first time yesterday. They ARE like running on marshmallows!
Good luck tomorrow and enjoy the S'mores. :)
16
Run safe and have a terrific race. As a non-runner who trained for two summers to run the Chicago Marathon at age 53 ten years ago, you have nothing but my admiration and best wishes.
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I read this sitting in the parking lot of my gym, after lifting weights for an hour and commiserating with my crew of boomer fitness buffs, many of whom I’d led in a cycling class the day before.
What a hilarious but true take on what it is we do.
That’s not to say we are buff, but that we keep at it, sometimes obsessively so, and often at a pace that is low and slow.
I spent twenty minutes after class talking to a young woman who wanted advice on getting her parents, who are close to my age, to exercise.
I lift more than her- not that I’m competing- haha- and found it hard to comprehend that I was the age of her parents.
I feel good, if sometimes sore, but working out is a critical fuel for my soul.
So, keep icing the knees and tomorrow run like the wind!
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As someone who would run up to three times a day just to ease my anxiety, I sympathize with your, “purpose," of doing the marathon. I really thought that running was healthy, much more so than drinking or taking pills, and of course I was right. Now, I have a torn maniscus and can barely walk without limping. I still excersise at least an hour a day. It may not be the fountain of youth, but as long as I think it is, it will have to suffice. Best of luck Sunday, I’ll be rooting for you.
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@Prant You can get a torn meniscus fixed, if you can afford the medical bill.
1
@KarenAnne
Thanks Karen. The consensess is that after the age of 45, PT should be tried first, (because the results are the same, or better.) Half of people over fifty have a torn meniscus, and don’t even know it!
It’s been an education.
Just walking, pain free, is very underappreciated. Running a marathon, amazing!
Great inspiration! My last marathon was NYC 1989, and trying to eak my way back. NIce to have a training roadmap.
21
Loved this. Describes me and dozens of other aging runners perfectly, except I use bags of frozen corn and still run with knee braces at age 64. Go for it!
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@Annie’ Mother Totally agree. The small frozen veggie bags are the best, since they conform to the knee. Even though I don't run anymore, I still use frozen peas when my knees act up. Keep going for it!
5