As I get older, I cannot help thinking about what is expected of us as we age.
For some odd reason, women are judged on their appearance and keeping active becomes more important than ever as the years roll on.
Menopause seems to affect many women negatively as gaining weight between the age of 40 and 50 becomes the norm. For some reason or other, men with a bulging belly are acceptable as opposed to a woman and her widening hips.
But some might ask... is there anything that can be done to prevent the horrible effects age brings with it?
The answer is no. However, there are many things that can slow down the process and to make one feel better.
I will not go into the huge benefits of a healthy diet. We all know that fruit and vegetables are crucial foods in so many ways. Today, however, I will concentrate on the way running could help us age gracefully.
Starting running at an older age is not something many people might think of.
They feel that they are past their prime and all they should be doing is swimming to stay in shape. However, the truth is that studies confirm that running is beneficial to the joints and strengthens them even as we grow older.
Now, it all depends on how one goes about this. As I stated in my previous article on shifting from walking to jogging, the important point to keep in mind is that one should start gradually. If you have never done any exercise before, then building up a fast walk should be a priority.
The benefits we get from running as we grow older are immense.
To start off with, it definitely helps to keep the weight down. Many people find that they had been struggling with the scales all their life and the moment they start running all that ends.
Running consistently for three times a week is all you needs to do to control weight problems. It does not mean that you can eat all you want. However, it definitely entitles you to have the occasional treat without worrying too much about weight gain.
Moreover, running kicks in a “happy” feeling.
Many people who do not run find this to be a fallacy. They often ask me why I am constantly smiling and happy. Well the truth is that my happiness is triggered off by the way I feel thanks to my sport.
I started at a time in my life where my whole world seemed to be crumbling. Running was the only thing that got me out of that difficult patch with a smile.
The good thing about it is that it makes you feel good for very long time and not just for the hour after the exercise is over.
The effect lasts for long and that feeling leads on to the anticipation for the next run. From then on, it is domino effect... you run and feel so happy that you want to run again.
This is a new year, so if we could change our mentality and believe that age is just a number and running is a sport that can be done by anyone at any age, then I am sure Malta will become a healthier nation.
The most important thing to remember is that as I said in my previous articles, it is important to remain consistent so the benefits will be achieved gradually and positively without any unnecessary strains on our body.
If you are still wondering whether you are on time for the Walkathon/Half Marathon on February 23, then you must convince yourself as from today and register before it is too late!
I hope to see you all on the start line in Rabat as it is going to be yet another year of record participants in Malta’s biggest sports event.
Good luck and enjoy your running.