Coaching older athletes
If you are an aspiring marathon runner aged over 50, you will be well aware of the challenges facing older athletes, and how they differ to those confronting younger race entrants.
Senior runners require focused coaching to accommodate specific exercise plans, running intensities and recovery durations. This guide for older runners offers core advice and marathon training tips to suit your body’s unique needs.
As we enter middle age, any genetic predispositions for ailments, heart disease and certain cancers will need to be factored in to our sporting lifestyles.
Keeping healthy can offer a degree of protection and minimise risk factors, but only so far. For the less healthy, past lifestyle choices in youth can catch up, whether due to injuries caused by excessive exercise or cardiovascular disease, or exposure to high cholesterol resulting from poor diets or high stress.
Regular health checkups are therefore important for athletes aged 50+ to ensure you are in prime condition, and as free from injury or muscle fatigue as possible.
Considering these key marathon tips can help keep you healthy and motivated. You should be managing your expectations, as oxygen levels decline over time. Stretching more, resting up, cross-training, building form, mixing up training and running routes, hydrating and refuelling appropriately are all excellent ways to do this. Above all, listen to your body, and acknowledge any inflammations or pain that your younger self may have been able to get away with more easily, as you don’t want to injure yourself even further down the line.
Get in touch with our online specialist team at Maximum Mileage Coaching today to discuss a suitable marathon training plan. No matter your age, and no matter where you’re based, we can build a plan that is right for you.
