February 11, 2018

running to keep ahead

It’s incredible!  I am 44 now and haven’t given up running the good race.
I raced the first inaugural “Baldy Half Marathon” here in Oliver B.C. this fall. More on that race next blog! My running regime has softened and I run now for reasons I didn’t before.  I think I now run because I want to age well. want to run now because I want to keep ahead and be able to do all the things in my life that I am determined to do.  For example, I went skiing last week and plan to do a bit more. This was the first time in 10 years that I hit the slopes. Running makes that a reality for me :-). On another front, research shows that as you age into your 50s and 60s, and beyond, that your agility, stamina,  sex life, overall health, all retain vital youthful vigor. Who doesn’t like that? But it starts now. It starts here . It starts in the morning when I don’t feel like getting up to go for a run. So I get up, and when I’m out I see things I never would’ve before, I sort things out in my head, I plan for my week,  and I go out with my kids, I dream up vacations, and I know I would be able to do those things because I am in the shape that I want to be. Marathons aren’t quite high on my priority list anymore. PR you no longer that important. Fitting in my jeans  and my shirts are still high priority! I do admit to having a “dad bod”; I’m proud of what I have been given in good health. I have fought for it!

As I age, I note my priorities shift I’m now thinking about maintenance rather than forging into new horizons, I think more about how to maintain the good things and still have wiggle room for new dreams. My prayers and my worship still happen on the road. Mostly without headphones! To be honest, I eat too much.  I could stand to lose about 20 pounds I believe. This year I’m going to try to up my mileage in order to achieve that and reduce my intake go to more appropriate servings and treats. The kids are getting older, my wife began a new career journey, and this last few months has been quite busy. Running is still my priority about 3 to 4 times a week, sometimes more. I will likely try and half marathon again this year and see where that takes me possibly a full marathon again just to conquer that beast one last time. Cheers!

No comments: