Strength Training For Older Runners: Run Fast After 50

Running fast well into your fifties is definitely possible. Our Strength & Conditioning expert Shona Hendricks talks about what strength training you can do that will help you run faster after 50....

[lorraewright]

An excellent training video. As a 71 year old runner strength training is very important to enable me compete in my age-group, and to enjoy my running at a variety of distances. Geoff.

[eksgrill]

I have found now at 58, i can still crank out a 19:30 5k, i must take time off, and with covid and gym closures, i have noticed a huge loss in strength! joints feel loose if i was to describe, how they feel. So knees not a stable. Need to get back to gym

[robhughes]

Great point, although I'm not convinced that over 50 is a big deal anymore. 😅It depends on how active you are and what else you do, more than your age. I've come across many 20 somethings that are pretty 'weak'. AT 52 I've decided to run a marathon 'with a smile on my face' and started training in Dec, have my first 10k on Friday and a half in September. Strength training is so important, it changed my speed and endurance by at least 25% within 3 weeks, probably because I've never really run before, my base is so low but nonetheless it really helps.

[smanover]

Am 49, finding strength training helpful at even 2nd wk. Can realize benefits. Thanks.

[carlosbonilla]

Wish I had learned information like this in my 30s, but now that I'm in my 50s, I find that the strengthening exercises have kept me injury free.

[stevemurray]

66 years old I'm lucky to do 6 miles in 68 minutes. A 5 mile run seems to require 3 days of rest therefore I never have the energy for strength training. Certainly no videos for 65 year old on YouTube. Garmin 5 can often say unproductive, rest more. VO2 Max 39 with 44 for cycling.

[sumanthramoodley]

Thank you for the video, very informative. My obstacle now after 2020 of no running, gyming, I have losses my speed and strength.
My pace was 5min p/km.
Now I am at 5.30 - 6min/ km. I'm trusting the process to getting back to 5min /km with the strength training sessions.

[williamsichel]

Thanks for the video. Isn’t uphill running the most specific form of strength training for runners?

[oloffvanzyl]

"running is actually catabolic" yes, she said it! Doing strength and mobility training as an older runner is merely damage control. Why survive when we can thrive? Build strength and mobility training into the programme of every young, competitive athlete. Prevention is the best cure.
Great video BTW.

[julieianello]

Do you recommend Yoga in addition to strength training?

[Darcibueno]

Good advice, but where is, tge exercises

[Cookefan]

I am a subscriber. Video liked just because you decided to address the issue. I get the impression that this coach is almost annoyed at the prospect of discussing it. I see this with a lot of younger coaches who go on anecdotal and clinical experience. The true knowledge will come as you age past 55 or so. I think the term “matured” or at worst “senior” would convey and connote a much more positive concept than “old” or even “older”. It makes me laugh when you say it but it also gives me a peek into what’s going on with your attitude towards the mature or senior athlete. We are not the standard issue human beings. So stop it!😂
One other point, if you’re going to present yourself to the public to be taken seriously, get rid of the word “stuff”. It’s unprofessional and beneath you. Why not use a term such as “those issues” or “for that matter” but please, don’t say “stuff”. That’s the kind of language that teenagers use. Otherwise, an interesting topic.
You might want to consider doing a program on the millions of mature athletes that use hormone replacement therapies to enhance their “twilight ” years. 😂 twilight. Otherwise you’re way behind the times when dealing with this class of athletes.

[darider]

Calisthenics best strengthening exercises

[tb]

Useless video, no exercises shown, only talking about the need to do them??