Beat Retirement Regrets with Running

Sunday with Herb

I just celebrated my 5 year retirement anniversary and I can tell you I couldn’t be happier! When I retired, I had no problem with the transition because I was a runner.

Today, I want to go over common retirement regrets and how running solves many of them.

#1 - Not saving enough money for retirement

So, most everyone would like to have more money in retirement, but running can help with how much you spend in retirement compared to other hobbies. Although the price of running shoes and racing events has gone through the roof. Running is still a very inexpensive sport when compared with other common sports such as Golf and Tennis. Save your money for the fun stuff and run!

#2 - Not planning on what to do after retirement

After that first week of bliss of retirement, many seniors end up sitting on the couch wondering “So what’s next?” Running can provide that structure, that foundation of your life to fill that gap while you’re sorting out what you really want to accomplish in your retirement years. Running gives you a reason to get up in the morning, accomplish something meaningful to you, and get ready for the rest of your day.

#3 - Staying heathy to enjoy the perks of retirement

A common regret for seniors is that now they are retired, they are not healthy enough to enjoy retirement. Running is by far the best exercise for maintaining your vitality as you age. It builds your aerobic capacity (a high VO2 max directly correlates with longer health span). The impact of running keeps your bones and ligaments strong, It helps maintain your agility and strength, and keeps you from gaining weight. And, you don’t have to run very far or very fast to get the full benefits. As an older runner, you will experience more freedom, energy and vitality as you age.

#4 - Not feeling alone and isolated after leaving work

One of the biggest factors in longevity as found in the “Blue Zones” is community. Most of us have a community experience first at school, then at work. When we retire, many seniors are suddenly alone, feeling isolated for the first time in their lives. That’s where your running community can help. I’ve belonged to a couple of running clubs over the last 40 years. After retirement, when I had good times and bad times, they were there for support. Having a sense of belonging, an identity is paramount to enjoying retirement. So go out and join a running group.

Build a vibrant retirement with running

Start your retirement with a running foundation. You’ll benefit from the structure, the health benefits and the community. Running is easy, doesn’t take much time and is inexpensive. No matter how you end up in retirement, running can get you started on the right foot!