Worried about my dad?

Question

My dad is 51 he isn't fat or anything but he isn't extremely fit either. He decided to join the oxfam marathon which is a 2 day, 100km hike through 2 mountain ranges.

The problem is the team he has joined up with is 3 fit 30 year olds who plan on jogging some of the way.
He seems to think it won't be hard but I'm worried that him being 51 and trying to keep up with 30 year olds will be very hard for him, the most exercise he does is walk around a lake once a week on a smooth pavement. This is mountain forest over a 100km long. Seeing as it's 2 days there won't be much sleep either.

I think he is going to try and push himself too hard to keep up with the others and end up hurting himself. What do you think I should do? Should I try and make him quit? Should I just let him do it?

Answer 1

Try and talk him out of it. He's in no shape to be taking on a 2 day 100km course. It's just not his age but his conditioning. What is he thinking. He needs to work up slowly to get in shape. It must be gradual. Go out with him around the neighborhood and help him get in shape. Maybe when he sees how out of shape he is for a marathon run, he'll back out of the race.

Answer 2

You should talk about it with him, tell him your concern. This sounds like a big leap from walking once a week, so it might cause some stress. I don't think he should do it, because he isn't quite young anymore and I would be worried too if those 30 year olds go tough on him. If there's no history of heart or lung disease in your family, and if he doesn't have asthma, and since he is not morbidly obese, it would be okay for him to do it. But again, my opinion is that I don't think he should do it. It's just too much. Maybe he could train for this the next time the marathon will occur. Good luck talking to him. If he decides to do it, just support him and hope for the best. If he doesn't, be relieved but don't show how happy you are that he decided to quit.

Answer 3

I would be worried as well. Two days jogging over 60 miles through rough country is a test for a fit 20 year old man never mind a 30 year old. A 50 year old will not be able to keep up or if he does he will be ill after it. A couple of years ago in my 60's I did an 80 mile walk over a week on my own and at my own pace. It took about a fortnight to get my feet back in order.

I would suggest that he drops the macho act and faces reality

Answer 4

If he's going to do it-he will so its not a question of letting him. Possibly the four of them have already set up paramiters about how far they will go per day. But what you can do is talk to him about seeing a physician and getting an okay as to his physical health being okay, arrange for a cell phone and also a check in time a couple of times aday, get the numbers of the other hikers, and also there are tracking systems the kids wear when thier parents take them into the wilds camping. Asking him to wear one so that you are more at ease isn't too much to ask of him???????????

Answer 5

I would just sit him down and have a conversation about it. Tell him that you're really concerned. It might hurt his ego a little bit, but it's important that you let him know how you feel. Realize that although your dad may just do it anyways, he does know his body, and he probably knows his limits. Is there any way you can talk to the other people on his team? That would be a great idea too. If you can, let them know you're concerned and ask them to keep a close eye on him. Make sure that he sees his doctor before he does this.

Answer 6

is he doing any training for this hike ? ideally he should be or no way is he oin to be able to do it or he could really injure himself. are the 3 30 year olds doing any training? i would assume they are. there is no way you can do a marathon and not train, look at jade goody she thought she could do it on a diet of kebabs. its a mentally and physically straining thing. do you have an older sibling that could talk to him or perhaps your mother or a close friend ? at the end of the day he's a grown man and will do what he wants, maybe evenn the guys he's doing it with could talk him out of it ? best of luck and hope he gets on ok .

Answer 7

Yes you should let him do it....He will feel terrific for trying and even be more prepared for the next event.

Remember when Oprah did a marathon...Someone talked her into trying this and she did well.. She hated it she hates exercise and at least your dad is beginning with a positive additude..... If it does kill him he was meant to die anyways. But I have my doubts.. If he is not feelling well he can always drop out. no biggie.... What is lacking in your dads life? who know but support him for attempting to do something wonderful........

Answer 8

he's a big boy, i understand your concern, but hopefully he knows his own limits, and i doubt he'll push his body farther than it can actually go. Just tell him to be careful and to have fun, and joke around and say, just remember dad your not as young as you used to be! lol. as long as he doesn't have any major medical problems i don't see a reason to really be worried. 50 really isn't that old. sure hes gonna have a harder recovery from all the muscle aches he is going to get, but he asked for it! lol

Answer 9

Make sure he's within cell phone range of 911 and that someone can perform CPR if he gets into trouble. Hopefully, he's wise enough to know his limitations and pace himself. Stop worrying; he's a big boy now and not your responsibility.

Answer 10

My dad does the same sort of stuff. I guess the best thing to do would be to tell him of your concern. I wouldn't expect him to dropout, but maybe you can get him to start an exercise program so it won't be so hard on him.