What happens to runners when they are old (over 65)

It depends, if they are successful in life they switch to golfing and biking.

Runners run.
If you are a 65 year old runner, just keep running and showing up at races.

The great thing is that most races have really generous cut offs that most-likely you won't be last. The only think which is important is to keep going.

There was only one way I know how to race, and that was to push myself hard to test my limits and has you age that not a good idea. At 59 I did some races where I was going to try and just have fun and participate but I couldn't do it. I am too competitive.

The only negative effect of all my past hard running is the running hard now is very tough on my body so I do easy runs. Other sports I can still push myself hard, but not running anymore.

Your "problem" might be that you are still living in the past where you could run a lot faster.
Now you are 68 and you still can run, which is amazing. Just look around you, most others can barely walk.

I've gotten a lot slower in the last few years and I try to be good about it (It doesn't always work).
As runners we have tracked our performances our whole life. We recorded every training run, so now we realize that we are aging. Most people don't do this. They just live their lives and at one point they are just not doing things anymore.

We can still do the running thing, it's just a lot slower than it used to be.
You just have to make peace with that.

I hope I'm still running 40 yard dashes at your age. 44 and just got into lifting weights to go along with my sprint running. Feeling 10 years younger. Sexy college co-eds say I only look 42, and they say I make them want to go wild, if I have a camera.

It's pretty sweet I guess.

I'd be fun to do a big sailing trip at some point too, that's gotta be a mental/physical workout.

From here to Venezuela
There's nothing more to see
Than a hundred thousand islands flung like jewels upon the sea
For you and me
Sunset smells of dinner
Women are calling at me to end my tales
But perhaps I'll see you the next quiet place
I furl my sails

Actually, I have no problem whatso ever. (I don't race anymore and haven't for 10 years but I am fine with that) I am very happy with where I am (physically and emotionally) and the point of my thread was that running leads to good things even later in life.

That said, at this age, things can turn on a dime health-wise. (I have lost some friends) I am just enjoying the present.

Check out the results from any National Senior Games or USATF masters meets and you will see that many runners remain competitive into their 80s and even 90s.

I'm 67 and there are rarely more than 8 runners in my age group at any local races.

I think that too many runners stay locked in on the distance events as they age. You don't have to run marathons, half's, or even 10k to enjoy our sport.

Do what you can. Enjoy the ride.

Questions for you:
When did you start running?
How much was your avg weekly mileage?
What surfaces did you run on?Were you cross training all along? Gym bike etc
Besides your meniscus surgery, did you have any other serious injuries?

I think the key to running well into your 50s, 60s and beyond are based on the above and of course genetics, weight diet etc

Started at 20
Weekly mileage was 30-45 (lifetime average around 26 miles)
Roads, than trails and now roads again. Some cross training but not always.
For the most part I was injury free.

How did you get the meniscus injury at 50? Was it degenerative or a tear? Did it come on suddenly?

Glad running went well. No marathoning? Possibly speaks volumes about longevity.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

I'm 49 and hoping to be still running like you, in 20 years. Great post, thank you.

One thing I've noticed is that some people have cycles of active lifestyles. You mentioned you raced seriously for nearly 20 years. You started that cycle probably later than most. You are now in a phase many probably started 20+ years younger than you.

Ive seen a LOT of people stay active for 10-20 years after college racing but life, career, children etc..really slow that cycle down. They change in many ways, physically, mentally and emotionally and go through mini cycles, rollercoasting when they get tired of being tired. Usually, when the kids are old enough to fend for themselves or out of the nest, more time is available. Some get reignited, but i would say most just give it up. Sadly, that doesnt just mean running but neglecting their health alltogether. This is what you are seeing at the reunions.

Ive gone through several cycles but i agree with you wholeheartedly that a consistent, active lifestyle does pay off in the long run. I diversified my activities as I aged. As it turns out, because I have/make time, I actually look forward to a variety of physical activity on a daily basis and avoid overuse issues that keep me from needing a lot of recovery. At this time of the year its 5am weights and treadmill with afternoon dog walk/jog or bike on trainer. Skiing or hiking on the weekends. As the sun gets warmer and days get longer it transitions to morning runs and afternoon long rides and weights. Hiking/backpacking on weekends. Eat right, sleep right and all is ready for tomorrow.

At a couple points in my life, I just had to be at peace with the fact that I could never do what I was able to do in running. I also gave a lot of years to helping others be better than most. Today I can confidently say Im better off than 90% of people my age and 98% of the general population. It feels good to feel good.

Pics?

I continued running about 30 miles a week until I was 73. (used to run 50-60/wk when I was younger. Maxed at 75/wk.) After age 60 I ran 3-5 races a year (20-25/year when younger.) After age 60 there were usually less than 10 old geezers in my division. I still managed to finish in the top 25% of the field in most races. Not much different than I did in my best years (usually top 15%) There were a lot more serious runners when I first began racing in '76. I was never very fast. 36:30 10K, 1:19:00 half, but did do weekly speed workouts. I was lucky to never have a serious injury, but had to stop running because of arthritis in my left hip when I was 73. I now do little jogs of a couple hundred yards at a time during my daily walks. Average 4 miles/day. I thought I would be the exception and would always be able to run. Wrong. Enjoy it while you can. Eventually it will end.

If you’re fast, you run 34:32 like Alastair Walker did a year ago for the 10k. Anything slower is hobbyjogging.

Not me. I'm 61 and I still like showing up at the races and doing my best. It ain't as fast as it used to be but I still get just as much satisfaction out of the training/racing process. I don't plan on stopping that anytime soon.