November 01, 2021

Running at 70 Years Old: Inspiration From a Competitive Triathlete and Runner Setting New Goals for Running After Age 50, Running In Your 60s, and Beyond

54 minutes

How can a 60 year old run faster?

What are ways to run strong in your 50s and beyond?

Is it possible to compete in triathlons at an older age?

How much of running is mental, especially when running after 60 years old?

Is running good for over 60s?

If you are asking yourself these questions, this episode and these show notes are the place for you! Dr. Donnelly reveals his tips for triathlon training for seniors, secrets to competing in triathlons at an older age, running after 60 years old, and just how overall wisdom for staying fit at 60 years old and beyond.

The answer to the important question “Is running good for over 60s” is a resounding “yes” based on our interview. However, he provides concrete examples and words of wisdom to stay healthy (spoiler alert- he has never missed a race due to injury)!

Dr. Donnelly’s Simplified Training Tips (make sure to listen to the entire episode to hear all his insights on running in your 60s and beyond!).

Use Time Under Tension programs (TUT) for weight training

In order to stimulate muscle hypertrophy and endurance, he completes strength training workouts lasting between 35-40 minutes long with 40-45 second reps each.

By slowing down each movement, the muscle remains under tension longer and may have improved results.

Compete Intermittent Fasting for Runners or Cyclists Smartly

To stimulate fat burning and metabolism, he recommends no calories after 7pm and starting the day with black coffee only, followed by an endurance workout lasting 60-75 minutes with water.

Reset Heart Rate Zones Every Fall

Because he enjoys tracking metrics like most endurance athletes, Dr. Donnelly does a fall 5k race to establish his max heart rate running and also completes a difficult cycling workout to do the same while biking.

Train Your Brain

Especially for running in your 60s and beyond, our potential can be limited based on our brain. By training the brain, the body can be pushed for maximum results.

Adopt a Curiosity Mindset When Running after 60 Years old, Running at 70 Years Old, and More

As runners age, a natural slowdown occurs. Dr. Donnelly explains how his key word is ‘curiosity’ and he has done the same local triathlon 20-25 different times. For each competition, he challenges himself based on his age- can he accelerate up the hill or speed up at the finish?

Reanalyze Your Goals When Assessing Fitness For Over 60s

At any age, it’s important to have balance. Dr. Donnelly encourages us all to constantly reassess our goals and make sure our training regimens are not harmful to others.

Finally, our guest inspires us all as he plans to continue running at 70 years old, always have new goals, and maintain his competitive edge at any age.

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By Sarah Snyder

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