Still Running, Longer and Stronger at 56

Saturday, I'll turn 56, and I sure feel like I have lots to celebrate. For one thing, I'm running better than ever before, and I'm probably in better physical condition. That is saying a lot because I've been running since shortly after Wendy was born, and she's 32. In  fact, now, she's my running buddy.

It's commonly thought, at least among non-runners, that running takes a serious toll on your body and ruins your knees.

Dr. James Frye conducted a study of over 500 older adults over a period of 20 years. His hypothesis was that runners might not live any longer, but that disability associated with old age would be delayed.

Well, he was right that disability related to age was postponed in the runners, but he was surprised to discover that, in fact, the runners in the study had half the mortality rate over that 20 year period, AND they had a lower rate of early death from heart disease, neurological disease and infection. 

Additionally, running did not increase the rate of osteoarthritis or total knee replacements. AND it turned out that the benefits of running continued well into the eighth decade of life.

I have  a good friend, Emery Jewell, 83 years old, who is walking - and running - proof of that. He didn't even start running until he retired, and he has over 400 medals and awards to show for his efforts. He still races and usually takes home a medal.

And I have several running friends in their 70's who look, feel, and act decades younger. I fully expect to be a member of that group one day. Next month, I'll run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., with my good friend, 71 yr. old Velma Radloff. Velma surrounds herself with happy, healthy, people, who share her gusto for life. I'm sure that is part of her secret. Running is just part of the prescription for living a long, meaningful life.

If 70 is the new 60, and 60 is the new 50, and 50 is the new 40, then, for runners, 70 is the new 50, 60 is the new 40, and 50 is the new 30. If you don't think so, just ask one.

I, for one, feel, physically, virtually the same as I did 30 years ago, except that I do need glasses to read. So I am a happy girl, because, mentally, I know the last 30 years have provided much wisdom. I can't wait to see what the next 30 bring. . . What am I saying? I mean the next 50!

Read the full article about the study of the effects of running on aging here.