Ask The Penguin: Senior Moments

Dear Penguin

I just finished running for mortals, a very nice book. My question is what about those of us over 60. seems that we don’t even exist.

I am a healthy 61 yr old woman really having trouble increasing my aerobic capacity. Even tho I have a healthier life style than most people younger than me. Are there any books, publications, magazines for people like me–besides the AARP magazine???

Would appreciate help–and I think you would make a bundle by targeting my age group–there are a lot of us!

Well, as an active 61 year-old man I have to agree with you. I think that the sports industry has largely ignore us. It seems like they think we’re content to sit and watch the television all day.

I’m doing all I can. At the very least I’m trying, by example, to convince the industry and other 60-plussers, that staying active isn’t just possible, but essential.

There are two big obstacles, in my view. First, the sports industry still wants to focus on achievement, not effort. It’s not that I’m opposed to healthy competition, it’s just that at MY age I’m often content to just get out there and be a part of the action.

The other, and perhaps bigger problem, is that there isn’t a role model for us. That said, maybe it’s what the next stage of my life and career will be. After all, no one thought a 43 year-old former smoker, over-eater could lead a running revolution.

As to your specific question, increasing your aerobic capacity, it depends on what you mean by that. By doing high-intensity, short intervals [track workouts] you can become more efficient. That will allow you to run faster at the same effort. By running moderately-high intensity workouts, [tempo runs] you can learn to tolerate effort closer to your aerobic threshold.

The benefits of those workouts are the same no matter what age you are.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Waddle on, John

John “the Penguin” Bingham, Competitor Magazine columnist Author, The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed, Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals.

Have a question for John? E-mail it to thepenguin@johnbingham.com.