readers who run discussion

I have trained twice for a marathon, and got injured one way or the other both times. In my early forties now I realize my bucket list entry of finishing a marathon is running out of time. Can anyone recommend a book to truly inspire me to give it one more shot?

Hi Robert,

Early 40's is not at all too late to train for a marathon. You're not going to run it as fast as you might've in your late 20's or 30's, but you should be able to get through it without too much difficulty with proper pacing and training. I'll have book recommendations in a moment, but first what I would suggest is surrounding yourself with people who regularly go that distance. Check out local trail and ultra running clubs in your area. Trail and ultra runner types are some of the friendliest people in running. There are usually group runs for all abilities almost any day of the week throughout the US. You will find that there are always people available who will go whatever distance at whatever pace you run. They will also have a lot of expertise in how to train for the long runs without injury.

Now for books: I think Born to Run is probably the best book about running ever written. It got more people involved in the sport than probably any other single event/book/movie in the past 50 years (Jim Fixx might disagree with that last statement). My one word of caution with that book would be don't go minimal (with shoes) unless you've always done it. It is a very easy way to get injured. Still, though, the rest of the book is fantastic and inspiring.

You should also check out Scott Jurek's Eat and Run, or even Ultramarathon Man, by Dean Karnazes (good stories, but not as well written as the others IMO). For a more introspective running read, you might check out Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

Finally, for me, I've found that looking at my daily runs as the end result of my running (and not an upcoming race) makes the sport much more enjoyable. Running a marathon is just something we do as part of running - it is not a goal in itself - and that takes off a lot of the pressure.

Good luck and enjoy your journey!
Allen

Running out of time? I ran my first full at fifty-one and my second at fifty-two. I know many runners in their sixties who run marathons. It's only too late if you don't start soon!

I found a running group in my area and that made all the difference. Also, I had to slow down to go the longer distances. That was tough on the ego, but completely necessary if I wanted that 26.2 sticker for the back of my car. With a group, the training became a social thing I looked forward to.

As for books, I'd recommend Pain Free by Pete Egoscue. It's not about running, but the e-cises in that and his The Egoscue Method of Health through Motion have kept me injury free so far. I just finished a half marathon yesterday. I'm a little sore, but I feel great.

For running books, in addition to those mentioned above, I loved Once a Runner. It's kind of a cult classic, but very well written and it really gets into the head and heart of a runner.

Good luck!

I ran my first marathon at 47...you have plenty of time. I've ready all the books Nita and Allen mention (except for the Egoscue books) and they are all good books. One addition i found useful is called 'Brain Training for Runners' by matt fitzgerald. this book helps one to focus on running form with a term he calls 'proprioceptive queues'. Keeping your running form in mind can help. the book also had some excellent techniques and drills for improving your time. short answer is 'interval'. Like Allen mentioned, the marathon race is a celebration of all those dedicated training miles. Like Nita mentioned, For long runs, running with a group is very important. For me, it's really hard to do long run (more than 10 miles) without a support group. Happy running!

Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate it!

Hi Robert,
I agree with all the posts and affirm that it's never too late to start the marathon quest. When I had turned 58, my pants wanted a new owner and so I thought marathon training would be the answer to my growing waistline. I ran my first one that May, after training with a friend for five months. Later that year I ran Columbus and qualified for Boston. It's easier when you get old.
Next month I'll run number 68 at Rocket City and try to break four hours - instead of breaking my ankle, which I did earlier this year. Be careful on ice, by the way.
I'll also be launching a book that involves a marathon on an island in Scotland. If you're interested in reviewing it, I'll do a ebook giveaway here.
As Nita said, go slowly and avoid injury. Wish I had taken her advice years ago.
Bob

Robert wrote: "I have trained twice for a marathon, and got injured one way or the other both times. In my early forties now I realize my bucket list entry of finishing a marathon is running out of time. Can anyo..."

I've run 6 marathons and have been running fairly consistently for about 30 years. It definitely gets tougher as you age, but I think unless you really have some chronic condition that is causing the injury you should be able to complete the distance. Perhaps you need to take a slower approach in building up your distance. I've found that using regular walking breaks helps a lot. I've also learned not to increase mileage too quickly. Sometimes it takes 6 - 8 weeks or even longer using the same schedule before I'll add any distance, and even then I wouldn't hesitate to back off if I feel any twinges. And, please, if anyone tells you that you have to do speed work or hills or tempo runs, etc. well, maybe it works for them but you also risk injury with more intense running. I've run 2:35 pretty much based on steady running so I know it can work. Takes more patience than most people can stomach, however.

As for running books, if you want a laugh, I've written a humorous short story about a marathon runner called "The Unbelievable Story of How I Met Your Mother." You can check it at my profile page.

Good luck.

Hello Runners
I just discovered this great discussion. I am a Doctor Of Chiropractic and love to treat athletes. Their is no age limit on running, health or fitness success. Most running injuries are preventable with consistent proper training, listening to your body's signals, quality warm-up & cool down, sufficient recovery between training sessions,correct shoes, sound nutrition practices and good old fashion determination. .
I recently published the 2nd edition of my book "Running: Maximize Performance & Minimize Injuries" Here is the amazon link
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I included the following chapters: Benefits of Running, Injury Prevention, Lower Back Pain, Sciatica, Hamstring Strains, Hip Flexor Strains, Groin Pulls, Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), Patello-Femoral Syndrome (Runner’s Knee), Patellar Tendonitis, Pes Anserine Bursitis, Shin Splints, Calf Muscle Strains, Achilles Tendonitis, Ankle Sprains, Plantar Fasciitis, Stress Fractures, Neck Muscle Strain, Side Stitch, Muscle Cramps, Proper Running Footwear, Custom Fit Orthotics, Basic Foot Strengthening Exercises, Advanced Foot Strengthening Exercises, Static Stretching, Proper Running Warm-Up, Nutritional Strategies for Injury Recovery, Hydration Strategies, Rest & Recovery, Hot Weather Running, Cold Weather Running, Chiropractic Care for Runners and Health & Fitness Training.
Have fun running
Sincerely,
Dr Donald A Ozello DC
ChampionshipChiropractic.com