Welcome to Forever Runner with Herb Reeves
Forever Runner is your resource for leveraging your running to increase your freedom, independence and vitality as you age.
I publish articles on everything related to your running and health that will keep your running effortless, enjoyable, and injury free.
A bit about me…
I’m a life long runner who suffered a heart attack at the age of 50, resulting in triple bypass surgery. I went on to enjoy a successful ultra running career, winning age group awards and sponsorship from Hammer Nutrition. But at age 62, I had another heart attack. Something needed to change.
That’s when I discovered Maffetone method training and all the benefits for us older runners. But it was hard to implement and it took many trials and tribulations to finally reach success. I was running faster with less effort, and I finally lost that last 10 pounds!
So I packaged my lessons learned into what I call the “Forever Runner Method” and began coaching older runners on my method. I’m now 73 years old and still enjoying effortless, injury free running and I’m planning on running till I am 100 years old!
Why I started Forever Runner on Substack…
I have a passion for sharing my take on running in your 50’s, 60’s & 70’s, and providing some coaching.
So Substack seemed to be the best platform to not only share my articles and videos, but also foster a community where you have direct access to an experienced running coach to help you on your journey.
The internet is full of advice for runners, most of it not applicable to us older runners or just flashy headlines to draw in our attention. I want you to have access to proven methods that actually work for us delivered by email and available on a phone app.
What is the “Forever Runner Method”?
The Forever Runner Method is the 9-step system I use to help runners over 50 run injury free into their 90s.
It’s based on Dr. Phil Maffetone’s low heart rate training, adjusted for older runners. His 180-minus-age formula gets shaky after 60. At 62, it gave me a training heart rate I couldn’t even run at. I walked more than I ran, and walkers passed me on our popular lake trail.(embarassing!)
That’s why the method starts with your MVP, or minimum viable pace. This is the slowest pace you can comfortably run on flat ground without stopping. You hold that pace for a few weeks and let your heart rate come down.
When I tried it, my heart rate at a 10:30 mile dropped from 132 to 126 in about a month. Within another 60 days I was running 9:30 miles at that same 126. No walk breaks.
From there, the 9 steps fall under 3 pillars:
Build. Low heart rate aerobic running at a pace your body can hold, plus a short sprint session every 10 to 14 days.
Burn. Nutrition that teaches your body to burn fat for fuel (fat adaptation) and cuts the inflammation that makes your joints ache.
Move. Strength and mobility work, so your body holds up to the miles.
The method is for runners in their 50s, 60s and 70s. Most are mid-packers like me who’ve run for decades and want to keep going. If you keep getting hurt, or Zone 2 has you walking half your run, I built this for you.
The goal is the next 20 years of running.
How To Get Started With The Forever Runner Method
There are 3 ways you can get started with the Forever Runner Method…
Be a Free Subscriber
Subscribe to this substack and receive weekly insights and tips specifically for us older runners delivered every Sunday.
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Get Run Coaching as a Paid Subscriber
As a paid subscriber, you not only get my Sunday posts, but also a Free copy of my “Forever Runner Method” book & Action Guide. Plus, weekly articles on how to implement the various parts of the Forever Runner Method. You also get access to my live chat, where you can get your running questions answered directly from me.
Thanks so much for checking out my Substack. I’m really looking forward to chatting with you.
-Herb
“Not Done Yet”