[Author’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
In the last half-decade, I have spoken with and coached dozens of 50-plus-year-old athletes who have struggled with motivation. Certainly, the motivation to train is something we all grapple with, but it seems particularly acute for athletes over 50. In working with older athletes, I have found three excellent ways to combat motivation and reinvigorate running.
AJW proudly displays his 2024 Javelina 100 Mile belt buckle as an older, and perhaps even wiser, athlete. Photo courtesy of AJW.
Move Beyond Running
While running is certainly our activity of choice, there are times the daily grind can be a bit too much, and we need a break. Embracing alternative forms of aerobic exercise can be fun and motivational at the same time. Skiing, swimming, cycling, and hiking are all great ways for older athletes to remain fit while taking a break from the day-to-day monotony of running. Although this may seem obvious to many, you would be surprised how many athletes, particularly aging ones, are unwilling or unable to branch out beyond their daily run. Not only will these new activities energize your running, but they could also introduce you to new ways of viewing the world — and perhaps even yourself.
Hiking can be a great aerobic alternative to running that can give you new perspectives on moving through the world. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
An athlete I work with was in a real funk toward the end of last year. After a successful summer of racing, he simply lost his desire to run, which led to a downward spiral that impacted other areas of his life as well. While on a run together in early October, I suggested that perhaps he needed to take a break from the trails and hit the roads for a while, perhaps even targeting a road half marathon as a late autumn goal. While reluctant at first, he eventually embraced the idea and ran a half-marathon personal best on the roads in December. Now, a couple of months later, his running is completely rejuvenated — in large part due to his several-month journey outside of his comfort zone.
Take a “Runcation”
While older runners may not enjoy the foot speed that they once had, they often have a little bit more time to do things that younger runners may not. In this context, I have seen several older runners re-energize their running by getting out on a “runcation.” Taking a few days away from day-to-day life for a change of scenery and immersing oneself completely in running can do wonders for a runner’s attitude and ultimately lead to a full mind-and-body reset.
Escaping to the desert for a few days in the middle of winter can do wonders for running motivation. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
While growing older as runners is certainly no picnic, I believe there are ways we, as athletes, can continue to grow and thrive in our golden years. Embracing other activities, going beyond our comfort zones, and exploring the world on foot are just three of them. Whatever you choose, don’t let the ticking clock of age prevent you from getting out there to do what you love. Sometimes reframing the mind can be the best way to preserve and protect the body.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, Michigan. Only Tourists extra juicy Hazy IPA is a tropical blast of an IPA with a deep hoppy aftertaste that is a thrill to the taste buds. Blending old school resiny IPA character with rich hazy aspects, Only Tourists is one of the most unique Hazy IPAs I have ever tasted.
Call for Comments
- What do you do when you find your motivation for running waning?
- Have you ever used any of AJW’s suggestions to keep running fresh and exciting?
In 2026, Michael Koppy (center), at age 75, became the oldest person to finish the on-snow Arrowhead 135 Mile. Photo courtesy of Michael Koppy.
