s3/e24 How to Stay Competitive As We Age with Dr. Eoin Everard, PhD

Body Changes

As we age, our bodies undergo significant changes that impact athletic performance. Eoin Everard highlights the loss of speed, elasticity, and muscle strength, known as sarcopenia, which can affect runners 1. However, he emphasizes that with targeted exercises like yoga and Pilates, these effects can be mitigated. Elisabeth Scott adds that everyday activities, such as prolonged sitting, can contribute to issues like back pain, which aren't necessarily caused by running but can affect it 2.

You sit on your ass 10 hours a day, and you thought this 32nd stretch was going to counteract that? It's like, come on. No.

--- Eoin Everard

Recognizing these changes and adapting training routines can help maintain performance levels even as we age 3.

   

Injury Management

Managing injuries becomes crucial as we age, with back pain being a common concern. Eoin Everard suggests strategies like power walking and specific exercises to alleviate back pain by reducing disc pressure and stabilizing the pelvis 4. He also offers resources like a back quiz to help identify the type of back pain and appropriate management techniques 5.

It's about having a management system in place. With the Everard sports plan, I give specific rehabs for each one.

--- Eoin Everard

By implementing a structured management strategy, runners can continue training effectively and avoid being sidelined by injuries 6.