I have been thinking about this for a while and doing the 10K in Phoenix on Sunday and reading on Facebook about everyone’s running efforts and PRs made me confront my personal demons. I wanted to share my thoughts in the hope that you really appreciate the present moment and your running successes.
I started running at 60 with no other goal than to help my bone density. Little did I know that I had an innate ability for the sport. I worked very hard at training and I became more and more competitive with myself. I really enjoyed the efforts I put into training and competing against my own PRs. For those that know me, this should not come as any surprise since I originally lived in NY with my type A personality.
I read about everyone’s PRs and I know how exciting that is and how much self satisfaction that provides since you work so hard to attain them. For me, reading about them are poignant moments since I now have reached a point in my running where PRs will never happen again. It makes me feel badly because I know I can never be what I was and this is hard to accept. Intellectually, I understand it, but emotionally that is a different story. I know I am very lucky to still be running at my age as I am nearing 75 and I am still doing well for my age, setting Arizona state age records and I appreciate that so much. But that is not competing against one’s self. Running and aging is a difficult combination to deal with. I go back and forth about this so many times.
The bottom line of all this is appreciate all you are and what you can do now. Savor these special moments. Keep the joy in your running and be the best you can be.
The best part of my recent running has been my participation with TRP. In general, runners are great people but TRP runners are the best! I have never met and been involved with such a warm, caring, kind and supportive group. It is a privilege to be part of TRP.
