[graciegirl]

Our friend, who we have known for decades, runs five miles every day, (even in the awful heat of summer here) plays two nine hole rounds of golf every day and had his 75th birthday last month. You might see him running south of Seabreeze, he stops and picks up trash and pop cans and is annoyed to find them, but he says, it isn't villagers, it is construction workers.

I have to get more exercise. John hasn't had a cold or flu since I've known him and no arthritis either.

Go John Go!! We G's are proud of your example.

[l2ridehd]

Chief, great story. I have made a decision to get back into running. I used to run a lot. Have won a few 5k and 10k runs (for my age group). Have completed a marathon (run 17 miles and walked, jogged, crawled the rest) I live near the Manassas Battlefield park in Virginia and used to run the trails. There are about 100 miles of trails in the park. I found running on the grass, trails, wood chips, dirt, much easier on the joints. It is very up and down hill so that was good as well.

One day while running the trails I was about 2 miles from my car when I stepped on a root and turned an ankle. I hurt it so bad I could not put weight on it. I had to hop crawl, hobble two miles to get back to the car. That ended my running and so far have not got back into it. When I was running 20-25 miles a week I lost a lot of weight. Was scary skinny. Could eat and drink anything and never gain an ounce. Of course I stopped running but didn't stop eating. It was twenty pounds later before I discovered the problem. But work, time, other things got in the way of getting back to running. I will retire at the end of December and I will start running January 1. It will take a while, but my bucket list has "run another marathon" on it.

[jfmajer]

I looked it up and the half looks great. As soon as we move down in October, I will hook up with them. Thanks and let me know if you want to do a ride or run.

[fwpc3]

I think The Villages is great for running with the paths and quiet neighborhoods. Runner's World magazine has a comprehensive website and there is a beginner section under Training.( runnersworld.com) It's good to start with a combination of walking and running, building up slowly. It's easy to go out and try to run 2-3 miles and get tired and sore and say I guess this isn't for me. With the start low and go slow approach you be surprised how far you can go in a month or two. The other important thing is to have proper running shoes. If your wet feet from the pool leave a wide footprint on the concrete you are tending to have pronated or flat feet and would need stability type shoes. if you have a narrow foot print then cushioned trainers are fine. There is more about shoe selection at the Runner's world website. You would want to get shoes at a store where they understand the different foot types, I live in Vermont so I don't know the local outlets. Good luck!

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by l2ridehd

Chief, great story. I have made a decision to get back into running. I used to run a lot. Have won a few 5k and 10k runs (for my age group). Have completed a marathon (run 17 miles and walked, jogged, crawled the rest) I live near the Manassas Battlefield park in Virginia and used to run the trails. There are about 100 miles of trails in the park. I found running on the grass, trails, wood chips, dirt, much easier on the joints. It is very up and down hill so that was good as well.

One day while running the trails I was about 2 miles from my car when I stepped on a root and turned an ankle. I hurt it so bad I could not put weight on it. I had to hop crawl, hobble two miles to get back to the car. That ended my running and so far have not got back into it. When I was running 20-25 miles a week I lost a lot of weight. Was scary skinny. Could eat and drink anything and never gain an ounce. Of course I stopped running but didn't stop eating. It was twenty pounds later before I discovered the problem. But work, time, other things got in the way of getting back to running. I will retire at the end of December and I will start running January 1. It will take a while, but my bucket list has "run another marathon" on it.

l2ridehd, I'm sorry about your injury. I like you had not been working out like I did. I worked long hours and traveled a lot with my job. The good news is that I've been retired for three weeks and am getting back my strength! I'm surprised that at my age it's coming back as nicely as it is. When you retire I'm sure it won't be long for you to get your running mo jo back! I love the story of John who Gracie talked about who is still running and playing golf... an inspiration to all of us. Good luck!

[batman911]

I have been running in New Balance shoes for more than 25 years and have never (knock on wood) had any joint or foot problems. I recommend the 990 series for training. A good heavy duty shoe that provides lots of stability and cushioning. I believe New Balance is the only running shoe made in the USA by American workers.

[l2ridehd]

I have used New Balance, Asics and Saucony and they all work well. I also like the New Balance best as they come in widths and seem to fit my wide feet a little better. However any good quality running shoe of any make should work well.