So you never ran before age 42. Then I think you're starting with a fresh set of legs. I ran track and CC in high school, CC for the first 2 years in college before being forced to quit with nagging leg injuries. I switched to cycling and began racing a few years later. That went a long way in rehab of the knees and shins.

I agree that good shoes are critical. I posted here a while back about buying a killer pair of shoes that transformed my running experience. No such luck these days. It doesn't help that now being 200 lbs I make short work in destroying a pair of $80+ shoes.

Me too...








unfortunately I just turned 40. :D

I found a significant decline between 43 and 46 (where I am now). Like a switch got flipped. I had to modify my activities accordingly, or else I'd really be suffering. Still surfing and biking, but tai chi instead of kung fu, no basketball, and certainly no running.

Only when I played football and then running was a form of punishment. Actually, now that I think about it, it still is. :)

I'm 6' 3" and about 220. I can flat wear out a pair of running shoes.

Thanks for the warning! :eek: :D
One thing I definately cant do is run. After about 1/2 mile, my knee starts to give out. I mountain bike and surf also. I still scuba dive, kayak, ice climb and mountaineering.

+1

Almost 2 years ago, I thought I could "whip myself into shape" in a few months like I did in my 20s and 30s. NOOOOOOOOOO! The experience has transformed my perspective on diet, exercise, fitness, etc.

It will always be day-to-day, but I don't envision "letting myself go" anymore as long as I'm able to do some type of activity, even if only walking.

You old-timers (over 40) having aches and pains and trying to find some athletic ability should talk to a Dr. about HGH.

Closest thing to the fountain of youth.

I'm 53 and get up every morning at 5:30 and run 3 miles. I think it is great for keeping your joints loosened up. If you are having problems running switch over to riding a bike, tai chi, yoga. I agree with those that say to quit doing so much weight lifting. Switch over to doing sit ups and push ups.

Right - despite aging effects you definitely want to see an MD.

Take careful written notes - e.g. how long a lag time was there from wt. lifting to stopping & then picking it back up? sme w/ kayaking. what did you do in the meantime

A good Tai Chi and/or Yoga class can work wonders. I'm not talking about the Celebrex ad where the 'oddly attractive for her age woman in blue silk' easily does pretty movments. I'm talking about the kind of tai chi where you are holding posture and sweating and the pain seems unbearable; then you keep holding it longer and longer... wher eyou are stiff the next day and actually feel all muscles and deep tissues in your body being pulled apart and rearranged.

Don't worry - they will be re-assembled again later on.

You do that for a few years and you will be in a lot better shape.

They are not substitutes for aerobic exercise - you will need that also. A bicycle will avoid knee injury from running - or find a good well-engineered trail.

BTW - HGH - human growth hormone can be very very dangerous.

Your body is designed to make it at certain levels at certain ages. By increasing the level you are going into side effects that are completely unstudied and actually unnatural.

Joint Juice is glucosamine hydroclhoride. I've read that studies show glucosamine sulfate is more effective. Do commit to at least three months before reaching a verdict.

I turned 41 today, I just played 2 hours of full-court basketball and I feel like a million bucks.

Zimbabwe bucks, that is...

Thanks Lee. I'll investigate further before making a purchase.

Wow, Thom. That's pretty good. The exchange rate is roughly 11 to 1 so you feel like $90,000. Oh, the good old days. Happy birthday.

Just wait till U have to start wearing a truss for your balls....the first sign is when your balls start draggin water when your sittin on the pot.

Oh! to be 67 again!!

Tom

Oh, man, that caught me off guard...laughing my a$$ of over here! This widebody guy is STILL one of the funniest posters this board has ever seen...

Funny!

JA

I have to do modified push ups now with my hands at a 45 degree angle facing each other kinda. That position seems to feel better for my shoulders. I used to lift but now I'm looking at a Bowflex for safer lifting and full range of motion.

I ride my bike on a trainer on the weekdays. I use Spinervals with Team Clydesdale (over 200lb). Forty minute video of indoor riding while watching guys and gals my size and age sweating while some skinny coach tells us to keep going.

Agreed, I'm only 21 but have broken my left wrist twice and my right wrist once. Curling for me is out of the question unless I do it on a biceps machine.

Have you looked into those perfect push-up things? They have made push-ups a lot easier on me.

Read the book "Younger Next Year", it has the best advice regarding this issue, I think. I ran my first marathon as I turned 50, and just completed my first 50k (31 mile) run at 51. Interestingly, most ultrarunners are not young. During my 40's, I gained 30 lbs of fat. That is now gone.

We are "designed" for movement, but programmed to eat, rest and store body fat. As you age, you really need to counter that with exercise and nutrition. It actually is fun, really, no kidding.