Running Past 50

by Richard Benyo

Many middle aged runners face a common problem: the personal challenge and inner rewards that were once powerful motives driving their running program have faded with time. What started as an invigorating ritual that refreshed the body and spirit has become too familiar and oftentimes monotonous. Running Past 50 was written to remedy this problem and restore the fun and meaning to running. Author Rich Benyo-who is editor of Marathon & Beyond , a former executive editor of Runner's World , and a devoted runner himself-shows runners how to reinvent their running so that the years after 50 can be the best in their careers. Through an engaging writing style and humorous anecdotes, Benyo helps runners: - evaluate their physical condition and mental motivation,
- set new goals,
- train more effectively,
- understand good nutrition and hydration,
- avoid injuries, and
- stay motivated. Benyo shows seasoned runners how to make adjustments to their running program so that training becomes more effective and satisfying. He discusses physical adjustments that runners can make, including increasing upper- and lower-body strength, using speed training and pacing in workouts, getting proper rest, and working walking into workouts. He also covers the all-important mental aspects of running, inspiring and encouraging runners to push past psychological barriers that hold them back.

Genres: Health

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Richard Stephen Benyo is an American journalist and veteran distance runner. He is the editor of Marathon & Beyond Magazine, a magazine devoted to marathon and ultramarathon running. He is also the former executive editor of Runner's World Magazine, and Anderson World Books, Inc. Benyo is the author of 17 books and has written extensively about running, health and fitness.

Reviews

[Andi Gaywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have started to run again after hitting 120kg in weight and needed to turn things round. But I am not going anymore, I am 53 and different rules apply to long distant running as you get older. No more pounding the road every day and knocking up the foot mileage. I have to take things gradually and not spend all the time on the roads.
This book explains it all, how to preserve your strength and minimise injuries. How to mix things up and take training to new levels by putting in resistance training and cross training sessions. The book brings in stories from well established older long distance runners from 40 years old to 90 and the records they hold.

The book has given me sooner very useful tips and advice that I shall heed. I managed my first 5k the other day and happy I completed it without stopping. However as the book shows walking and running in a race can also work and keep your injury risk down.
A great read and thanks as it has been a brilliant halo to me in my new quest.

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose I'd rate this at 3 1/2 if given the chance. A decent all around book about running as one ages. I thought the information and advice was good enough to keep the book in case I want to refer back to it. Thoughts, ideas, and advice about running and staying healthy when you get older.

[Gerald Kinro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book if the reader/runner realizes that one size does not fit all and then this work is an "in general" work. Further, it is a bit dated. mStill very interesting.