I was inspired in watching the Half marathon in Reading this weekend, particulalry by those taking part extending such a wide age group and all appeared to enjoy it. On checking up I was amazed to find out there is a guy in Toronto who is now 75, who takes part in marathons every year and "runs in a faster time than 99% of those half his age".- hard to believe but true! But provided one trains properly for many months prior to the event, how beneficial could this be to enhancing older people's health. Because I am so fit and healthy for my age, and still in full time work, I am seriously thinking of having a go next year at age of 71! But will it really benefit my health if I do?
2007-03-27 23:03:14 · 6 answers · asked by Wamibo 5 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Hi, I'm a fitness instructor, & I must admit It's a bit of a hard one to fully answer as I don't know you as a client, and I don't know of your exercise or health history.
But I hope I can help in some way.
Yes, marathon running will improve your health in a number of ways, including;
- Lower resting heart rate.
- Increased Mitochondria in your blood.
- Increased metabolic efficiency (Your body utilises food more efficiently).
- Lower blood pressure.
But you need to consider things like;
- Previous exercise experience.
- Previous health problems, and
- History of health problems in your family (As sometimes you can inherrit weaknesses).
- and of course your age has to be considered.
In a nutshell, yes marathon running benefits health but you need to weigh up the risks with the benefits, so I'd say if you are a member of a gym, ask an experienced instructor who'll be able to have a lengthy discussion with you.
And if you do decide on it, you'll need to get clearance from your G.P first, then i'd consider training for a half marathon before you attempt the whole 26 miles.
That way, by the time you get up to doing 13 miles you'll know your own body & your own limits.
2007-03-28 00:02:59 · answer #1 · answered by fitnessfreak 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I started running marathons after the age of 40. Definitely a health benefit. This guy I know wins his age division over 60 every year, and he is as healthy as can be. As with anything, you need a check up to make sure you are working right, and you need good genetics in the way of knees and hips, so you don't do yourself in. Some people are not made to pound the pavement. But I love it, and I know it has benefitted me and those I know who are mature runners.
2007-03-28 22:48:29 · answer #2 · answered by Sweet n Sour 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes provided you are indeed fit, have been used to running over most of your life and are indeed genuinely healthy. But you are very right to stress "training" which means gradually building yourself up to peak fitness and you are right to start thinking about getting yourself up to the required fitness level as much as a year ahead. The reason so many younger people can not handle long distance running as well as some older people is because of their lifestyle. Things like drinking alcohol, smoking and general laziness in habits and inadequate exercise seem more apparent in the young than in the old these days?
2007-03-28 07:05:36 · answer #3 · answered by cimex 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, It's not good to start such strenuous exercise at this age, particularly if you haven't been that active in your life. Sudden changes at this age are not recommended. You'll be doing more harm than good.
2007-03-28 07:44:10 · answer #4 · answered by famouslighteater 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would need a thorough check up first.
All that training would put an extra strain on your heart.
Hope you can do it though, it would be an amazing experience!
2007-03-28 06:07:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes anyone at any age will beniffit from running as long as they dont have any seriouse medical conditions if i was fit enough i would but i would fall down withing seconds i am not that fit
2007-03-28 06:11:00 · answer #6 · answered by STEPHEN W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋