So this is what mid-fifties is all about I guess. A little tired after hard runs but still finishing them. Thirteen days ago I ran the Atlantic City marathon. Last Sunday I ran the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon, which had a Mary Poppins theme. I dressed as Bert from the park scene. Disney races are fun. You stop and take pictures with the characters during the race. That’s right, you stop. Literally. Get in a line and have your picture taken, then start running again. And really, when do you get to run a half marathon in a straw hat!
Then today I knocked out another half marathon but this time in the controlled environment of my local YMCA.
At 34, I doubt I could run a mile. At 54, I can run a marathon and two half marathons in the same 13 day period and still feel great (after a little nap each time!). I would have never imagined at 34 this would be my hobby.
Mostly though running has saved me. It’s made my marriage stronger thanks to running marathons with my wife. It’s made me more resilient and able to persevere when unspeakable retaliation and vicious treatment came my way at work, and of course, it has made me healthier both physically and mentally.
13 days: 1 marathon. 2 half marathons. Age 54. Yes, I’ll take that!
