I ran around the final bend and peered towards the finish line. Hmm—it was relatively empty. There are usually plenty of people ahead of me when I reach the finish line, but not this time. I felt good during the race, but nothing special. It was the Loudoun 8K race in April 2018. I did not know it then, but I had finished in the top 20 overall, second in my age bracket. Thank God – there is an advantage you gain when you grow old.
I am a decent runner as I grow old – not fast, not slow.
Running has been a part of my life for over 30 years. I started running in college. I do not run because I am highly talented. No. I run to burn calories and maintain my sanity. Running helps me keep off the pounds and not lose my mind. I like running. I do not love it. In order to maintain my motivation, I race on a regular basis. My goal is to complete one race a month. As a result, I have finished many local events.
Why I wrote this billboard
Last year was pivotal for me. I turned 50 years old, officially old. Getting old is hard. Many things get worse as you age. One advantage that I noticed is that my placing in running races improved. I finished in the top three of my age bracket in multiple races, which was something new. I was in a different age bracket, 50-59, and my results finally improved. This is the advantage you gain when you grow old.
Your competition will shrink over time as you grow old.
Running is a highly competitive sport. As already mentioned, I am not a fast runner. I have never won a race, and I doubt I ever will. The good news is that I have been able to maintain my fitness over the decades, and it is finally paying off. The reality is that there are a lot fewer good runners in the older age brackets. The wear and tear of running has taken a toll over the years. Many great runners stop in their fifties, which is good news for slugs like me.
You will see progress if you keep training.
A few years ago, I made significant adjustments to my training. It was based on a new training approach for older runners like me. I used to run almost daily. I reduced the number of daily runs to 3-4 times weekly. This change allows my body to recover properly. I still experience injuries, but I feel better nowadays. As a result of this change, I am still able to race. As the years go by, my placement is improving. Less competition means better results. I don’t care that much about my results, although it is fun to win a prize now and then. It makes me feel young again.
How I incorporated this billboard into my life
I plan to keep running for the next decade, perhaps even longer. That means more training and more races. This billboard reminds me that sticking with something pays dividends in the long run. Many days, I do not feel like running at all. One way I motivate myself is to remember this billboard and the results that training will produce. Shoes on…out the door.
But I also realize that winning doesn’t always mean getting first place; it means getting the best out of yourself.
Meb Keflezighi, American champion distance runner
What about you?
What are you investing in these days? Are you training for your next race? Or are you sitting on the couch watching Netflix like most Americans? I challenge you to invest your time in an activity that brings you joy, whether strumming a guitar or playing soccer. It will pay off in the long run.
If you live long enough and keep training you just may win a prize.
Dad