I ran around the final bend and peered towards the finish line. Hmm – it was rather empty. There are usually plenty of people ahead of me by the time I reach the finish line. 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 at the time, but I had finished in the top 20 overall, second in my age bracket.
I am a decent runner – not fast, not slow
I have been a runner 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. I was 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. In fact, 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 were finally improving.
Your competition will shrink over time
Running is a highly competitive sport. As already mentioned – I am not a fast runner. I have never won a race. 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 less good runners in the older age brackets. The wear and tear of running take a toll over the years. Many great runners stop in their fifties. Good news for slugs like me.
You will see progress if you keep training
A few years ago I made major adjustments to my training. I used to run almost every day. I reduced the number of days I run to 3-4 times a week. 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 placing is improving. Less competition means better results. I actually don’t care that much about my results, although it is fun to win a prize every now and then. 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 is a reminder 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 spawn. 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 that is 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