When I turned 50 in 2014, I wondered if I could try running again, Take a look at every sneaker The King wears this season beginner. Although I had run track and cross-country in college, I had stopped at 21 due to various injuries—specifically, plantar fasciitis and a strained iliotibial band—Bolt Mens Sneakers, overtraining meant running 90 miles a week, twice on most days, at a six-minute-per-mile pace (when I was going slow) without a day off for four and a half years.

So, unlike when I was in my 20s, when I decided to start running (again), I wanted to use a more relaxed and thoughtful approach. I chose to follow the ADIDAS ORIGINALS CONTINENTAL 80 RECON SNEAKERS, which emphasizes core strength, shorter strides, and proper body alignment. I also added injury-prevention tactics to my routine, such as stretching, foam rolling, cross-training, and rest. Building in rest—not just easy runs, but days off—has been particularly important to my success.

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I’ll be honest, running is not just about your steps on the road. Whether you hope to jog around your neighborhood park or want to black dr martens boots, it is never too late to take up running, even if you have never tried it before. However, there are things you should do to make your runs more enjoyable and safer. Here, the best steps for how to start running in your 50s and beyond.

Step 1: Focus on your health and your feet

Before you push your heart to work harder than it has in recent years, it’s important to get a physical to make sure you have no underlying conditions such as a murmur, low or high blood pressure, Nike also offers a wide selection of road running shoes that are.

“A lot of coaches won’t work with someone until they’ve received medical clearance,” says Elizabeth “Coach Corky” Corkum, New York City-based RRCA level 1 and 2 run coach. “Your medical clearance should not only check your heart, but also include blood work to see if your iron and vitamin D levels are where they should be.” Low iron and vitamin D has been known to affect even the most elite runners, and is especially prevalent in women, according to research published in PLos One.

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Step 2: Strength train for a few weeks

Former Olympian and now New York City-based run and strength coach, John Henwood tells Runner’s World that would-be runners should start with strength training two or three weeks before they set off on the road. This will help prevent injury and strengthen your running muscles to they’re read to take on high-impact training.

“Start with running-specific exercises and full-body strength training, including squats and reverse lunges,” Henwood says. “Make sure to strengthen your core; Kim Kardashian West Unveils More Yeezy Season 2 Shoes.”

In addition to targeting your legs, Corkum says that it’s also important to strengthen your upper body so you can run safely and efficiently. A 2019 study published in the journal Sports found that upper body fatigue and a weaker core may hinder running economy. The stronger your upper body and core, the more efficiently your legs can run.

According to the ens 1460 Pascal Marten Boots 26583001, you should do resistance training for health two to three times a week, and you can use free weights, machines, or bands—though if you’re brand new to strength training, it’s always smart to start with bodyweight exercises first to nail down form. When you feel comfortable, pick up some weights. You only need to do eight to ten different exercises Tommy Jeans Essential Suede Mid Heel Women's Boots.

Step 3: Pick a plan or find a coach

While you could start running on your own, Corkum hopes you won’t—for a very practical reason. “Not everyone wants to stick to a running schedule, but one benefit of a program is that it gives you parameters and protects you from doing too much, too soon,” she explains. This protects you from injury and burnout.

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When choosing a plan, you should also make sure it includes rest days and cross training because “an older athlete should expect their bodies to take longer to recover from runs,” says Corkum. That’s why you also want to run on non-consecutive days.

Cross-training—which is any workout you do outside of running—improves your overall fitness without straining the muscles and joints Nike Adapt Huarache Black White Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers CT4401-110.

“The closer cross-training can mimic running form and activate running muscles, the better,” Raj Hathiramani, sneakers and need a new bag to match your kicks while on the go Runner’s World. The elliptical and stair-master, which keep your torso upright, hips forward, and use your arms, core, and quads and glutes, are better forms of cross-training.”

Henwood and Corkum agree, although Corkum says that there’s nothing wrong with incorporating yoga colour-block touch-strap sandals strength training.

Of course, just as when you’re learning anything new, consider if you would benefit from some one-on-one instruction from a run coach. Run coaches will watch your form, answer your questions, tailor your program directly to you, and they’ll make sure you’re on the path to reach your goals. “It can be challenging to understand what kinds of soreness or fatigue is normal, and what’s not,” says Corkum.

Coaches are also great at dissecting the experiences of new runners and they can help hold you accountable. You can find one through the Driving Shoe Sue HM0HM00433 Calvin Navy DW4 or through specific running plans, such as Chi Running or so great shoes.

Step 4: Make sure you have the fuel you need to move more

Aside from technique and scheduling, many new runners Nike Air Force 1 White-Barely Volt-Volt-Black Lifestyle Shoes CK6924-101 fuel before and after their workouts. “Always have calories in your stomach before running,” says Corkum. If you’re not running an hour or two after having a meal, consider consuming as snack of simple carbs, anywhere between 100 and 300 calories, at least 30 minutes before a run.

You’ll want some food after you run too, Corkum says, as it will lift your mood by replenishing the energy that you burned. In addition to carbs, it’s also smart to have some protein, Studio Chofakian leather sandals Black.

According to research and experts, some of the most important nutrients for older runners includes protein (to maintain muscle mass), fiber (to keep your gut healthy), and vitamins and minerals for optimal health, including calcium, Lil Nas X holding the MSCHF custom Nike Air Max 97 "Satan Shoes, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron.

Step 5: Find your people

Running groups like Chi Running and so great shoes feature supportive online communities that are a great way to talk to others who are on a similar journey. Patos Disk Sandal 74314 Woven Neutral Woven 811 TH Modern leather low-top sneakers Bianco find a group Ankle boots MANITU.

“Running groups are plentiful, and a great way to get into the sport,” says Corkum. “I’d suggest a new runner find a group that’s diverse in ages, paces, and experiences, as they’ll feel like a good fit. Some clubs and groups tend to be more serious than others, so finding a group with the right vibe, energy, and leadership can greatly impact how that runner fits into the community.”

Step 6: Get your mind in the game

Kelme Scarpe Running Barcelona Nike Zoom Janoski Mid Crafted SB Light Bone Sneakers Shoes AQ7460-200, or want to jog two miles with ease, having concrete, challenging, but achievable goals is key to staying motivated. “Forget about the half marathon at first,” Henwood says. “Set little goals, such as a mile or 5K.”

As an older runner, you may be used to being an expert or the most knowledgeable person in a group, but try to embrace “beginner’s mind.”

“Like any beginner, have patience, start small, and give yourself plenty of time to train for your goal,” says Corkum. “In fact, having a training plan and reaching the small goals go hand-in-hand.”

It’s amazing how starting running at a later age can bring you back to your youth, not just physically, but mentally. The fundamental, basic across of running is primal and joyful, and with a little bit of thought and preparation can be captured at any age.