10K Training Over 50: Slow, Steady, and Grateful

When it comes to running, I’m slow. Like, really slow. I’ve been reluctant to share my running stats because I feel like everyone can walk and run faster than I can. So far, I’ve only sent screenshots of my post-run numbers to a family text thread. But here we go—please be kind.

It’s funny: Every training schedule I looked at said to consult my doctor before starting. All of my doctors have been ecstatic that I have started training. Check!

My 10K race training began a month ago with a stroll through my neighborhood. It was two miles and took me over forty-five minutes (22:35/mile). I’m trying not to use harsher words to describe that walk, so I’ll go with disappointing. But since then, I’ve gotten faster in my slowness, and it’s been encouraging.

Last weekend, I did five miles at 17:51/mile. My best pace so far has been 17:49/mile when I did 4.5 miles the weekend before. I’ve knocked almost five minutes off my pace!

A lot of lightbulbs go on when you’re running 4.5 miles by yourself. I realized how grateful I was that my body could do a run/walk—slow or otherwise. I was actually sticking to a three-day-a-week running schedule. My arthritic knees were carrying me through the streets of Annapolis. And even though the scale is not reflecting it, I have to believe I’m getting more fit. I was getting outside despite my severe asthma and the heat, humidity, and bugs I despise. 

The race is a week from Saturday. (And shocker of all shockers, I have actually booked my flight to Texas, where the race is happening.) Now I’m wondering what I’ll do after the race. I don’t know that I want to keep running three days a week, but I also don’t want to give up the exercise routine I’ll have built over six weeks. I guess I’ll figure that out later—first, I need to cross the finish line. 

Are you a slow runner, a walker, or thinking about starting? Tell me in the comments—I’d love some company at the back of the pack.

If you’re in the market for running (or walking) gear, my newsletter subscribers are enjoying a 10% online and in-store discount at my local running store, Charm City Run. Join Between Chapters, my newsletter, to get the code.