Now, more than ever before, running is considered a lifelong sport. Just ask Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins, a 102-year-old who just set a world record on March 18 for the 60-meter dash in the women's 100-plus age competition at the USA Track and Field Masters Indoor Championships in Landover, Maryland. You could also check in with her male counterpart, Orville Rogers, 100, who smoked the competition on the way to a men's world record in the same distance.
OK, so we might not be as genetically blessed as Hawkins or Rogers, but even if we can't set world records, we'd like to keep running well into our golden years. The care it takes to remain healthy and motivated begins in middle age.
Related: Best Cross Training Activities for Runners Over 40
We asked runners over 40 years old questions about their running careers to this point. We wanted to know how they got started and how they keep going. While the answers varied, there were some common trends. The two biggest reasons why people started running were to lose weight and because a friend got them into it. And, not surprisingly, the greatest challenges to running consistently are finding time and battling injuries.
But the best insights came from each runner's unique personal story. Here are a few of those stories and the best tips to help you in the long game.
The Second Act
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Silke Schwarzkopf
Age: 59
City: Laguna Niguel, California
Profession: Video Producer/Editor at Graves Media Group and creator of 2nd Act TV
"I literally ran to a new life," says Schwarzkopf. Running was her escape from a very controlling 25-year marriage that just kept getting worse. "The only time I wasn't questioned about where I was going was when I went out to run, so I did it more and more often for longer and longer." Schwarzkopf signed up for 5Ks to "provide proof" that she was indeed running. Then she started winning her age group. "As I became stronger and felt like a winner, I gained the confidence to leave my marriage. I packed up my Texas house and moved back to my old stomping grounds in Southern California."
That's where Schwarzkopf began her passion project, 2ndActTV, a digital video channel focused on living life to the fullest after 50.
Favorite Race: Surf City Half Marathon
Tips for Runners Over 40: "I learned the hard way: Go to a specialty running store and get fitted with the right shoes!" After being properly fitted for shoes, Schwarzkopf went from a size 7.5 narrow, to size 9 Altras (which feature a wide toe box). She credits the switch with helping clear up a neuroma in her foot as well as some knee issues.
A New Lease on Life
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Chris Spensley
Age: 52
City: Reston, Virginia
Profession: Account Executive, VWGoA, Urban Science Applications Inc.
Spensley had been a competitive runner in high school and college, but then got busy and he fell into a sedentary lifestyle over the next two decades. That caught up with him on July 31, 2006 when he had a heart attack. It was huge wake up call for Spensley, who started walking and then running as soon as he'd recovered enough to be active. Since then, Spensley has completed eight marathons, achieving a 3:48 PR and hundreds of 5K, 10K and half marathon races.
"I have a running problem!" Spensley says. "I thrive on the addiction, the friendships, the fitness and the overall wellbeing. The simplicity of running also appeals to me-all you have to do is put on shoes and run. I have run in 49 states as a traveling employee, and everywhere I have gone, my running shoes come with me." For Spensley, the very best part is the community. "There is no age, financial or racial barriers out on the trail. Everyone is the same, and everyone pretty much talks about them same thing... running!"
Favorite Race: New York City Marathon
Tips for Runners Over 40: "There is no such thing as too old, and it does not matter how far or how fast-just get outside and run. Also, connect with a group of runners, at least at first. It will get you started and keep you motivated, plus you will probably make some lifelong friends."
The Accidental Runner
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Dustin Brown
Age: 40
City: Maple Lake, Minnesota
Profession: Software Developer
"I didn't like running at all when I was younger, and that didn't really change when I started training for my first 5K," Dustin Brown says. He had seen an ad for the race in his local paper and signed up on a whim. Despite the rough-going early on, he stuck with his training, and when he crossed the finish line at that first small-town race, he was hooked. Since then, Brown has completed dozens of races, including obstacle course races, several half and full marathons and a 50K trail race.
Favorite Race: Twin Cities Marathon
Tips for Runners Over 40: "Listen to your body and slow down! For many years I was very focused on obtaining new PRs. I was constantly upping my mileage and increasing my tempos, I think to the detriment of my body. Also, to stay motivated it always helps for me to have a race on the calendar. Something to look forward to and train specifically for."
Editorial Note: Brown is the author's brother. They ran the 2013 Twin Cities marathon together, crossing the finish line at the exact same time, which remains the author's favorite running experience ever.
The Lifer
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Sims Corbett
Age: 44 years
City: Houston, Texas
Profession: Learning Designer, Personal Trainer, Coach
For Corbett, running has been a lifelong passion. In high school, she ran tack and ran to train for other sports. She continued running through college simply because she enjoyed it, and she's been running consistently ever since.
A big motivator for Corbett is running in new places. "I love to explore a new place by going for a long run. I run longer and further than usual because I don't want to miss a thing. Most recently I explored Tampa, Florida, and found a great sculpture garden I never would have seen had I not gone for a run."
Favorite Race: Twin Cities Marathon
Tips for Runners Over 40: "Keep running fresh by trying new things. It can be anything from a new route or new technology to signing up for a race, setting new goals or finding a new running partner. I also believe in listening to my body, allowing for adequate rest. Never underestimate the importance of a good massage."
Eyes on the Prize
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Jen Amos
Age: 46
City: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Profession: Banking
When some people start running, they go all in, and that was certainly the case for Amos. "I hadn't realized how inactive I was until I struggled to maintain a slow jog for 30 seconds," Amos says. So, as motivation to get in better shape, she registered for and attempted to run-walk the 2016 Twin Cities Marathon. That year she didn't make it to the finish due to IT band issues. Undaunted, she recovered from the injury and started training earlier the next year. That perseverance paid off when she finished the 2017 marathon ahead of her goal time and under the official six-hour cut-off.
"My goal for 2018 is to run the entire Twin Cities marathon without walking," Amos says. She's been training since January and her long runs are already over 60 minutes.
Favorite Race: Minnesota Monster Dash Half Marathon ("Fun costumes!")
Tips for Runners Over 40: "Here's how to stay motivated: Tell all your friends and family that you're going to finish a marathon. If you fail the first year, tell not only your friends and family but also your boss, co-workers and casual acquaintances that you're going to finish a marathon. When you're not feeling motivated to run, remember your hair stylist, barista and neighbors will ask how your training is going."
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