Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: If after 40 it's all about maintenance, what is it after 50

Sunday, June 3, 2012

If after 40 it's all about maintenance, what is it after 50

I don't know but I was feeling every bit of mid 50's today. The younger friends I run with don't let me play that card and that's why I keep running with them but this morning I sure was glad there was a big group turn out for our Sunday morning long run. It gave me an easy out after 14 miles. I was hoping to get in 20 but I just felt too tired. As though my body was still recovering, after 43 miles since last Sunday. Further proving to me that my body can only take about 50 miles a week before it begs for rest. I'm feeling good about my training. I tell myself I'm training first and foremost to enjoy the run in the mountains, then finish and hopefully do somewhat well, not to win.
I kept thinking about my longevity as a long distance runner. Will the upcoming 50 miler be my last hurrah? How long can I keep running Ultras? I know there are runners older than me who run 50 and 100 milers but can I? Do I want to? At the Pandora's box races last month I saw my good friend Gabe A. as he was smiling while running the half marathon. Gabe has run many ultras throughout the years but now approaching his mid 60's he's toned it down and only runs the shorter races and maybe a 50K now and then. I want to be like him when I'm 60+. Still running and still loving it.
Meanwhile though, I'll keep running with the young guns and try to hang.
At least for about 10K.

3 comments:

w p said...: For me it's about finding a balance between fitness and pleasure. Not always easy.; June 3, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Lalo said...: Damn straight hermano....we are not having any of that! Great job out there today! Might not have been your best day but you are training hard. Keep it up!; June 3, 2012 at 3:42 PM
Anonymous said...: I think I remember you ran 26 miles of hill repeats less than a week ago & looked damn strong doing so. Keep it fresh & fun!; June 5, 2012 at 11:30 PM

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Why I Run

In reference to my running, I am often asked, "why do you do this?"
After contemplating the question.........................
I run for my Father. my Father who too late in life realized he wasn't invincible. My Father smoked for 40 years and did not always eat well. When he contracted Myastinia Gravis and Diabetes he was forced to change his lifestyle. An illness that doctors thought would take his life in 2 years was held at bay for 10! By eating well and exercising, my Father was able to hang around a little while longer. He knew I was on to something when I began long distance running. On many of my runs I still hear him saying to me "keep it up son, don't ever stop"
I run for my son Matthew, who left us too soon. He was almost 14 yrs old. I run for him because he no longer can. I feel him and talk to him on many of my runs. Before he left he had begun to be aware of his large physique and was trying to stay fit. 4 years earlier I entered him in his first race. He came in last in a field of about 25 kids, but he never stopped trying to run as fast as he could. I will always remember the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line while his name was announced over the loudspeaker. One day I will see him again. Until then I carry him with me on my runs.
I run for my friends and family. Not only those I run with now, but also those I hope to run with in the future. Those I run with with now help me as much or more than I think I help them. Running friends help to motivate me. We share stories, aches, pains,laughter, and encourage and congratulate each other. Those I hope to run with in the future are family and friends who are in need of someone to motivate them. People who know they need exercise but need that little push. I try to help them stop finding excuses and putting up barriers that keep them from walking,running and just plain exercising.
I run for myself. As a child I was always physically active. As a young adult I smoked for 16 years, did not have a healthy diet and sat watching television for hours on end. At age 27 (with a push from my brother Andy) I became active again and began associating with active people. Soon I was playing team sports, and biking, golfing, running. This change in lifestyle helped me to make better nutrition choices for better performance.
The human body is meant to move! A fit body functions better and lasts longer. I don't want to live forever, but as long as I am here I wish to feel my best. Running clears the mind, flushes toxins from the body and allows us to enjoy nature and relate to friends and Family who run with us, in person, or in our hearts.

Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

If after 40 it's all about maintenance, what is it after 50

3 comments:

Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon