Age related or running related?

[Clarebear81]

Interested to hear others thoughts. I’ve been running about 4 years now, I run usually 4/5 times per week and average about 20-25 miles per week so nothing major.

Im 43 now and the niggles have started to creep in, I can’t decide if it’s down to running or just getting older.

I never feel anything when running, it’s just in day to day life, say I dropped something on the floor, back of my legs are so tight it’s a struggle to bend over to lift it, or if I’m sitting at night on the sofa, when I go to stand up there’s a stiffness and weakness in my legs, takes a few moment to regain strength, I also made the mistake recently of trying to sit cross legged with one leg on top of other and ffs the pain right from the knee up back of leg. just little every day things like that.

What do you think age or is it my running?

Spin gives you runners high. But it is very intense and leg heavy. Swimming is also good for mental well being but not high impact.

Tom Morrison Mobility Method is great.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa4p3v2FWEhxFny4dXuWRxTb8W5qjs5Kx&si=SA8-O0JvGG82rFjb

Uliana has a great beginner friendly 30 day series of only 10 minutes per session. Flexibility is essential for running injury free, and for aging well with functional mobility. I say this as someone whose body is naturally very tight and resistant to moving, but that's why it's so important.

Strength and flexibility go together. Yoga and pilates are basically slow, bodyweight exercise. Alternatively weights based exercise is also helpful (I do this too)

I'm early 40s, but already noticing a split in people who can continue to do things like sit on the floor with ease (and get up!), and those who struggle, then give up on it and accept a limited range of functional movement.

Try CrossFit! My whole day is better if I do it early in the day. My DH took up running for similar reasons to those you mention and I clearly loved CrossFit a go that he’s given it a go and loves it too. Im even taking up ultra running I feel so much better in myself and fitter.

43 was when my perimenopause symptoms started. HRT helped with the creakyness. I strength train 3x week and run 3x week and feel a little achy all the time. I’ve just got used to it!

I don't think it's your age. I'm 53, over weight and started slow running two years ago. I run 3x5km a week without any issues. I've been doing pilates weekly for 12 years which fixed the back ache I had in my 30s. Maybe it's the intensity you run at - I keep my heart rate down by running slowly, so I'm never knackered afterwards.