Bill Rahn: “You have to put in your time...it keeps you focused on your goal.”
running and climbing, we need yoga to stretch everything out again.” McDaniel says runners over 50 should be concerned with injury prevention and maintaining flexibility. He says running can be hard on the body, and that people over 50 often take up to five times longer to recover from injury than younger runners. “Flexibility decreases as we age, and it is the central thing that keeps us from injury,” he says.
Why they do it
weekdays and join the Singletons’ group on Saturdays. Three days a week they do weight training. Certified Personal Trainer Jeff McDaniel privately trains runners for the marathon. He says cross training is just as important as running the distance. Runners should focus just
as much on building core and overall strength, as well as cardio endurance, he says. The Gimblets run five miles, four times a week and longer runs on weekends. They also rock climb at a gym or outside three times a week and do yoga twice a week. Elaine says, “As much as we tighten our muscles with
Running and walking bring a great deal of camaraderie, says Ron. People often train with partners or in groups, which also creates accountability. Elaine says it helps “if you know someone is waiting for you and will give you all kinds of grief it you don’t show up.” Elaine says she loves having someone to talk to when she runs and walks. A running buddy is a close relationship. She and Ron were running partners for five years before they started dating. They have been married for 23 years. “My rule is I don’t run so fast that I can’t talk at the same time,” Elaine says. Training can be very peaceful, says Williams, who gets up at 4:30 AM to run and walk three days a week. “You see so many beautiful sunrises,” she says. “It feels good to get out. I like the quiet time, seeing the flowers and birds. It keeps my head on straight and starts my day.” Elaine says she’s “toying with becoming just a walker,” adding that even if running becomes too difficult as people age, they should keep walking. “Keep doing something that’s fun, if running becomes not so fun,” she advises. “When I was younger, I said I would run until they peel me off the asphalt,” Ron adds. Running is less time consuming than other sports, Ron says: “You just put on a pair of shoes and shorts and you’re out the door.” Peyton says, you can do it anywhere at any time. And, “you don’t have to be fast,” Williams says. “Anyone can be a runner.”
“I like the quiet time, seeing the flowers and birds. It keeps my head on straight and starts 10 febrUARY 23, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS