I am quite sad reading all your responses.(Sniff, sniff) I started running (hobbling, more like) in 2013 to show my podiatrist that yes, I could run, despite what he called my “terrible feet” and to show my GP that yes, I could lose weight and not become diabetic. I was 64 at the time. I ran in cold, heat and rain. Neighbors would offer to give me rides home, but I hobbled on. I did lots of 5ks and 10 ks, usually bringing up the rear with the police car trailing me and once, getting unbelievably lost with another runner on a 10k through a vineyard. Finally, in 2014, I did the Disney Princess Half, one of the best memories of my life!
Then my “terrible feet and legs” got their revenge in 2015. I started having awful hip pain, got injections, yada yada. Couldn’t finish the Princess Half, cried on the bus back to the finish line. Reluctantly put away all my running gear and gained back 40 pounds.
Started keto this year in January. Thought maybe I’d at least try to walk like I used to run. (The speed is actually about the same.) Nope, not happening. Posterior tibial tendonitis reappeared in my life, new orthotics and the serious threat of having to wear an Arizona brace for the rest of my life-- it’s rigid plastic and comes halfway up your leg) forced me to realize–very sadly-- that I can’t exercise like I used to. Two months in a slightly less invasive brace calmed the inflammation down to where I could walk without a limp. Started keto to lose this weight once and for all. I’m down 25 pounds, with 20 to go.
So I’m with you all in spirit, wishing I could be out there, bringing up the rear but enjoying every minute. Even my hiking days seem to be behind me, if I want to avoid the dreaded Arizona brace. I inspired several friends to start running and they’re still out there. I guess I’ll content myself with being part of the cheering squad.
Run on, girls!