Mary is the author of “Prayer in Motion”, a book about her spiritual journey on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route Spain. She has also been a guest on the Midlife Crisis to a Centered Life Thriving podcast with Dr. Natalie, linked here: https://learntoloveyourstory.com/podcast-28-from-binary-code-to-soulful-quest-a-womans-journey-of-wisdom/
Blog Originally Posted on June 6, 2024 on Mary Ralene Keane’s website: https://maryralenekeane.com/f/becoming-an-athlete-when-you’re-over-35
Have you seen a social media post where someone goes from a couch potato to running a marathon? Or a 5K?
And did you think “hey, I can do that too” and then talk yourself out of it because you’re too
· Old
· Out of shape
· Heavier than the average athlete
· Don’t have the right clothes, shoes, sports watch
· I’ll come in last
I saw an article on the Portland Marathon where a sizable contingent of people walked the marathon, and I thought “hey, I can do that too.” After that, I became a fencer, then a marathon runner, and then a triathlete. At each step along the way, I battled with these negative thoughts. Here’s what happened.
I was thirty-eight when I had this idea that I should walk a marathon. I had never been sporty in school and had little experience with races other than what I saw every four years at the Olympics. So I figured that it would be me and a bunch of twenty-two-year-olds at the starting line. I was wrong – when my youngest sister and I lined up to start the Lake Tahoe marathon, there were hundreds of people of all ages who planned to walk. The runners were also of all ages – in fact, very few were under the age of thirty. It turns out that older adults excel at long-distance running, and so I saw people into their seventies either running or walking or a combination of both. Most races have different age categories, and so you’re only competing against people of your own age. You may arrive at the finish line two hours after the person in first place, but, if you’re first in your age group, you’ll get up on that podium too.
I found this to be true with fencing and triathlons. There are always categories for older athletes, and you can be one of them. Sporting organizations love older athletes because they have more disposable income to pay fees, and they are more likely to have the time to volunteer.
Hopefully you’ll decide to start your athletic journey with a shorter race than a marathon (I’ve never been that sore in my life after that first marathon). No matter which program you choose, and there are a lot, they will have you create a manageable goal and work up to an appropriate distance. And no one said you have to be a runner or walker to become an athlete – I also started fencing when I was 38. Other people join volleyball, badminton, and swim clubs. A good club will have a beginner’s program, which is a great place for you to start your journey.
Some examples:
· Runner’s World couch to 5K training plan – it’s not free (you have to get a digital subscription) but it’s been used by thousands of beginning runners. There are also books that have training plans. The key to success in any beginning program is to walk or run for a certain time, not distance. If the book you’re looking at says you need to run 1, 2, or 3 miles on your first day, look for another book that tells you to run/walk for thirty minutes.
· Group sports – check your county’s parks and recreation website to join one of their classes. Once you find out you love it, the teacher/coach of the class can tell you how to get involved in your local community.
· Some clubs may have their own beginner classes. For example, many triathlon clubs have beginning programs. I taught a beginning triathlon class through the YMCA. This is where your internet searching skills will help.
Actually, you’re probably not. When was the last time you saw a race or went to a volleyball game where people over 40 were involved? If you don’t believe me, here’s a picture of me competing in the Arizona Ironman (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, 26.2-mile run/walk/crawl).
No matter what you weigh, with the right training, you can participate. I highly encourage you to go to a race or club meeting or whatever sport you’re interested in, and look at the shapes and sizes of the folks. There are social media videos of large-sized people ice skating, doing gymnastics, yoga, and so many other sports. Do not let your weight keep you from having fun or exercising. Don’t think you have to lose weight first. Just go and do it (and check with your doctor too!).
Athletes end up with a lot, and I mean a LOT, of extra gear. Which they then give to a thrift store. Start with your local thrift store. All you really need is shorts, shirt, and possibly a jogging bra in athletic-type material. You can get by with one set and hand-wash them after every use. Thrift stores even have bathing suits if you’re going to take up swimming.
Shoes are a different matter. In any sport except swimming, your feet are going to do a lot of work. You need decent shoes. They don’t have to be really expensive – most shoe stores will have older models that are just as good as the latest flashy pair. I highly recommend going to a running or sports store to have someone fit the shoes to you – and don’t be shy about telling them what your budget is. They will help you figure out something in your price range.
Sports watches aren’t necessary. Really. If you have a smart phone, use one of the apps that will track your exercise. Or just don’t worry about it. Somehow people excelled at exercise for thousands of years without knowing what their heart rate average was. Enjoy the time you spend moving your body and don’t worry about how long it takes.
This is a legitimate fear, and don’t feel embarrassed if you have it. I have come in last many times, some of them because I chose to come in last so that no one in my class or club had to worry about this fear. And you never know – you may get a prize for coming in last. I received t-shirts, a bike helmet, and gift cards for coming in last. As I have pointed out many times, my medal for coming in last is the same medal as everyone else who finished. Just have fun and let the race or competition unfold as it will – the only thing you can control is your attitude.
Embarking on an athletic journey at any age can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The fears and doubts you have are valid, yet they shouldn’t hold you back. Each step, each mile, and each goal reached is a victory in itself. Remember, it’s not about competing with others; it’s about challenging yourself and discovering what you’re capable of.
Don’t let age, fitness level, weight, or lack of gear stop you. The athletic community is diverse and welcoming, and there’s a place for everyone. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Your journey is uniquely yours, and every effort you make brings you closer to your goals.
If you have any other fears or concerns about starting your athletic journey over 35, reach out to me. Together, we can support each other and celebrate every success, no matter how small.
Website: https://maryralenekeane.com/
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