Thanks for always keeping it so REAL Terrell. I have found that once the "joy of running" no longer exists, it's time to get curious as to why. Running has brought a meaningful sense of joy to my life in small and big doses for the past 50 years. No matter how long I may abandon running, something always reels me back in and once I move this aging body over this precious Earth a heart felt smile tells me I have returned "home" again. ♥️👣♥️
I absolutely LOVE the last sentence you wrote!! There have been times over my 22 year running journey that I have had to take a step back. I am grateful that I have been able to return each time with a much greater appreciation that I GET to run. I enjoy yoga, swimming, etc. but somehow running has always been different for me. It is very hard to explain and I know that people have different passions. Your response here was exceptional! Thank you!
I love that, Clark -- and thank you! I think that's the operative phrase -- sometimes it's a small dose, sometimes it's a big dose, and we oscillate back and forth between them, don't we? How is your running going these days, by the way? If memory serves, you were training for something big, weren't you?
Trying to get psyched up for a B.Q.in September but the joy has yet to re-appear. The weather is finally breaking & I hope that will help get me into 2nd gear. Bought a book today for further inspiration: "This is Running" by Raziq Rauf. Although I know I must find the motivation from within, I'm hoping Raziq is catalyzing. 🤷♂️ Whatever I end up doing, Marathon, Half or just a few 10k's each year, I want to feel the joy of running again. Keep you posted as I figure it out. Fortunately I still have sufficient curiosity to keep me lacing up. ♥️👣♥️
Thank you for this great, and very thought-provoking letter, Terrell. I fully appreciate the importance you share about spending time with your son. Time is so fleeting and your shooting hoops with him is a big priority. Running will happen for you, when it works well in your very busy schedule. As an aside, one other thing you shared speaks to me. I signed up for a half marathon May 2nd and keeping up with my plan here towards the end is going to be challenging. It's funny how life gets "in the way!" I keep telling myself that I will do what I can to have a good run that day and to enjoy the experience. I sometimes question why I sign up for these races. I also think, I may not be able to do this all that much longer, so, I'll just keep on keeping on:)
Love that, Debby -- and thank you! Where is the race on May 2nd, by the way? I question it too sometimes! And then I always have a great time on the day of, so.. who knows? But I know how you feel -- I have a pretty consistent pain in my left ankle and heel; it flares up from time to time, so I worry about how much to work it out. We shall see... 😀
After laying low for two weeks with a common cold, yesterday, I was back at the gym. Retirement has its own pace: fast, slow AND somewhere in-between! That’s right, I have no plan, other than travel to see kids, travel to races and cruising … oh yeah, and exercise; when you’re in your 70s, to stay healthy, you have to keep moving. Taking care of the house does occupy our days, but in a good way. Though my race pace is not what it once was, I do the 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons for the shirts, the medals, and the camaraderie!
So needed this column and comments today! This winter has been brutal with the cold and snow (even by Syracuse standards). Said I wasn't going to run if it was under 20 degrees or if the roads were snowy/slushy, and there were many of those days!
This morning, I was "supposed" to run (though, not training for anything). Usually wake up by 5 and out the door by 5:30-5:45, but today, slept great and slept til 6. Just couldn't get up and do it and was feeling terrible about it. Tried to cut myself some slack and used my age (64) as an excuse and that I was listening to my body. Still felt bad.
Truth is, it would have been a struggle.
I do have to ref a girls lacrosse game tonight and that will get me 5-6 miles of a different kind of cardio, so I'll take that!
Totally! I completely, totally feel you. And where I am, the heat and humidity is the challenge more so than the cold and snow. We have about 2-3 months in the spring and fall when the running outdoors is great here in Atlanta; between about the end of May and the end of September, though, it can get pretty brutal. I feel you!
I think so many of us feel guilty when we don't get out there when we had planned to do so. I am glad you gave yourself permission to cut yourself some slack! I can only imagine the workout you must get being a ref for a lacrosse game. That is fantastic you do that!!! Great share:)
We try and live our lives according the the "ideal" model we have defined for ourselves, Sometimes we need to be prepared to flex and live according to the current "real" model. It doesn't have to mean letting go of the ideal - just for now at least.
This theme reminds me of Keira D’Amato’s story & book, “Don’t Call it a Comeback.” All American runner, tires of chasing PRs and. Professional career, calls it quits, gets a job or two, raised a family, then starts running again just for the pleasure of it, falls back in love with it. A little time off now and then might be the best thing for us.
Definitely shooting hoops with your kid wins every time. The run will be there to catch you when he’s driving around to hang out with his friends in a few years. Enjoy ❤️
Thanks, Raz! I've been following your book tour, by the way -- it looks like you're getting some pretty amazing turnout! That has to be a great feeling -- and well-deserved, by the way 🙌
I am going to hear her. Am registered but have been sick with something for 5 weeks so won’t be running. Disappointing. Didn’t even make it through the lottery last year.
Thanks for always keeping it so REAL Terrell. I have found that once the "joy of running" no longer exists, it's time to get curious as to why. Running has brought a meaningful sense of joy to my life in small and big doses for the past 50 years. No matter how long I may abandon running, something always reels me back in and once I move this aging body over this precious Earth a heart felt smile tells me I have returned "home" again. ♥️👣♥️
I absolutely LOVE the last sentence you wrote!! There have been times over my 22 year running journey that I have had to take a step back. I am grateful that I have been able to return each time with a much greater appreciation that I GET to run. I enjoy yoga, swimming, etc. but somehow running has always been different for me. It is very hard to explain and I know that people have different passions. Your response here was exceptional! Thank you!
Thank you Debby. I am glad this resonated with you Aging provides a unique perspective and running has helped me age as gracefully as possible.
I just thought of a word that describes us THM member community … we’re a “tribe”!
Yes. Actually I call us the "tribe" within the tribe ( the general running population that never talk or listen to each other).
I love that, Clark -- and thank you! I think that's the operative phrase -- sometimes it's a small dose, sometimes it's a big dose, and we oscillate back and forth between them, don't we? How is your running going these days, by the way? If memory serves, you were training for something big, weren't you?
Thanks Terrell...
Trying to get psyched up for a B.Q.in September but the joy has yet to re-appear. The weather is finally breaking & I hope that will help get me into 2nd gear. Bought a book today for further inspiration: "This is Running" by Raziq Rauf. Although I know I must find the motivation from within, I'm hoping Raziq is catalyzing. 🤷♂️ Whatever I end up doing, Marathon, Half or just a few 10k's each year, I want to feel the joy of running again. Keep you posted as I figure it out. Fortunately I still have sufficient curiosity to keep me lacing up. ♥️👣♥️
8 hours work
Home, change, 3 or 5 or long intervals
Home, change, 3 hours wood shop
Shower, eat. Sleep.
Repeat for 50 years
And I wonder why I don’t want to be cold, be hot, be tired, suffer any more. Why comfort seems so seductive.
And still I shuffle around the neighborhood or down the woodland trail.
Guilt. Pleasure of moving. Breathing, the good earth.
"And still I shuffle..." I'm going to remember this, Jerry! 🙌
Extremely well said! Thank you for this great share!
You are welcome. Must have found a sweet spot.
Thank you for this great, and very thought-provoking letter, Terrell. I fully appreciate the importance you share about spending time with your son. Time is so fleeting and your shooting hoops with him is a big priority. Running will happen for you, when it works well in your very busy schedule. As an aside, one other thing you shared speaks to me. I signed up for a half marathon May 2nd and keeping up with my plan here towards the end is going to be challenging. It's funny how life gets "in the way!" I keep telling myself that I will do what I can to have a good run that day and to enjoy the experience. I sometimes question why I sign up for these races. I also think, I may not be able to do this all that much longer, so, I'll just keep on keeping on:)
Like I tell folks who talk about being tired at Mile-8, “You got this!” When I sign up for a race, I’m telling myself the same thing … “Keep going.”
Love that, Debby -- and thank you! Where is the race on May 2nd, by the way? I question it too sometimes! And then I always have a great time on the day of, so.. who knows? But I know how you feel -- I have a pretty consistent pain in my left ankle and heel; it flares up from time to time, so I worry about how much to work it out. We shall see... 😀
After laying low for two weeks with a common cold, yesterday, I was back at the gym. Retirement has its own pace: fast, slow AND somewhere in-between! That’s right, I have no plan, other than travel to see kids, travel to races and cruising … oh yeah, and exercise; when you’re in your 70s, to stay healthy, you have to keep moving. Taking care of the house does occupy our days, but in a good way. Though my race pace is not what it once was, I do the 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons for the shirts, the medals, and the camaraderie!
Love ALL of this, Dave!
So needed this column and comments today! This winter has been brutal with the cold and snow (even by Syracuse standards). Said I wasn't going to run if it was under 20 degrees or if the roads were snowy/slushy, and there were many of those days!
This morning, I was "supposed" to run (though, not training for anything). Usually wake up by 5 and out the door by 5:30-5:45, but today, slept great and slept til 6. Just couldn't get up and do it and was feeling terrible about it. Tried to cut myself some slack and used my age (64) as an excuse and that I was listening to my body. Still felt bad.
Truth is, it would have been a struggle.
I do have to ref a girls lacrosse game tonight and that will get me 5-6 miles of a different kind of cardio, so I'll take that!
Glad to hear others have similar days/situations
Totally! I completely, totally feel you. And where I am, the heat and humidity is the challenge more so than the cold and snow. We have about 2-3 months in the spring and fall when the running outdoors is great here in Atlanta; between about the end of May and the end of September, though, it can get pretty brutal. I feel you!
I think so many of us feel guilty when we don't get out there when we had planned to do so. I am glad you gave yourself permission to cut yourself some slack! I can only imagine the workout you must get being a ref for a lacrosse game. That is fantastic you do that!!! Great share:)
Spot on!
We try and live our lives according the the "ideal" model we have defined for ourselves, Sometimes we need to be prepared to flex and live according to the current "real" model. It doesn't have to mean letting go of the ideal - just for now at least.
Thanks, Glenda! You're so right -- it doesn't have to mean letting go of the ideal. Just for the moment, and (hopefully!) I'll be back soon.
This theme reminds me of Keira D’Amato’s story & book, “Don’t Call it a Comeback.” All American runner, tires of chasing PRs and. Professional career, calls it quits, gets a job or two, raised a family, then starts running again just for the pleasure of it, falls back in love with it. A little time off now and then might be the best thing for us.
Totally! And thanks for sharing the book — I’ll definitely have to pick that one up 👍
Definitely shooting hoops with your kid wins every time. The run will be there to catch you when he’s driving around to hang out with his friends in a few years. Enjoy ❤️
Love this, T. Let this be a time in your life to prioritize shooting some hoops every evening.
Thanks, Raz! I've been following your book tour, by the way -- it looks like you're getting some pretty amazing turnout! That has to be a great feeling -- and well-deserved, by the way 🙌
Congrats on your new job!
Thanks, Jenna! I've been meaning to tell you about it -- forgive me for taking so long! I'll reach out via DM 🙌
Featured speaker tomorrow at the Cherry Blossom 10 miler expo.
Nice! Are you going/running it?
I am going to hear her. Am registered but have been sick with something for 5 weeks so won’t be running. Disappointing. Didn’t even make it through the lottery last year.
Congrats on your new role, Terrell!