By the time you read this I will have started or finished a 10 mile race. My kids used to ask me if I was going to win. They’ve (for obvious reasons) stopped asking me such questions. But, I must say that one good thing about getting old(er) (other than a membership to AARP) is moving up in age groups in these races. In my last race I was in the 50-54 category and I finished the 9 miles at 18th of 78. Clearly, the only way I will ever win a race will be by age, not speed. I did one time win a 2 mile open swim, but I was the only crazy in my age category!
Here’s the thing about me and races: I hate them. I love the training, the social aspect but I hate the race. I don’t like the stress and pressure nor am I competitive (in sports, of course!).
My running career started rather slowly and painfully. My first efforts, in my 30’s, was to run a block, walk a block, run a block, walk a block. I eventually got to 3 – 4 miles at a crack and that was it. Then, my ex and I separated and I started kick boxing and running. My law partners at the time invited me to join them for 5 miles and I thought I would throw up afterwards. As you might expect, they eventually talked me into my first marathon at 40 and off I went.
Now, here I am at 50, finished (I think!) with marathons, doing triathlons (not quickly) and running whenever my body will allow it. This morning, I’m off with my running group for a 10 mile race. I try to soften my potential bad performance each time, by saying to my group, “Oh, I’m so tired today,” just so no one expects much from me.
I work out to relieve stress. Don’t we all? My kids will often say, on a day when I am particularly cranky, “Did you run today?” Or, “Why don’t you go to the club?” Even they get it! It’s my therapy, without paying for a therapist (thanks to my running partners!).
I’m thinking that by the time I hit 70, I’m going to be the only one doing this stupid stuff and then maybe my kids’ dream will come true and I’ll win a race – a race with walkers! Until then, there’ll be no win but a smile and a “thank goodness that’s over,” from me once I’m done.
Have a great Saturday – and pray for SUN!
theyearof50 