Running Through a Lifetime

My running has finally been feeling good! For the first time since before my injury at Massanutten I've been getting daily runs in and actually enjoying them! Yay! The problem seems to be related to low body weight, hormones, and middle age. The good news is that dietary supplements and perscription drugs are available and do work.

Today I turn 47. I really have been running throughout my life time. I ran for the first time when I was ten years old. I watched Dave Wottle win the 800 meter run on TV in the 1972 Olympics and feeling inspired, I immediately went outside and ran my very first mile in canvas Keds and jean cut offs. My first "mile run" was to the garbage bin behind Vic's liquor store. My older brother, Ben told me that was where I had to run to get a mile in and since I figured he knew everything there was to know because he was 13, I set that as my mile mark and never questioned it. When I got to that grabage bin during my very first run, I realized I had to get back home again. So my first run turned out to be at least two miles long. I loved it! I've been running ever since.

I have run some fast times and have won some competitive races. Now I'm pretty slow. There's no denying it. Some people improve right through their 40's, I'm not one of them. I think it has a lot to do with years running, not age. It seems to me that a person can improve in their running for 10 to 15 years, maintain their speed for another 10 to 15 years or so, but then there is going to be some slow down. These bodies of ours are not indestructible, no matter how much we try to pretend they are!

The good news is that we can stay active and healthy and keep moving throughout our lives. We might slow down and lose some of our competitive drive, but we can keep running and keep loving it! I plan to still be running out on the trails when I am in my 80's and 90's. I really have no doubt about it.