Dec 2, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson, Terrell Johnson
Such an inspirational story. Though it it is true that most of us could not accomplish such feats in our youth, let alone in our 60s, I credit his years of inadvertently training with some or even most of his success. Our bodies and minds can accomplish some amazing things if we slowly become accustomed to it. As an example, I have had many patients that come in with some incredible lab values that seem incompatible with human life, yet, these people are not only alive, they are often walking and talking. It is the incremental change in the body's chemistry that allows for other parts of the body to compensate. What this says to me is that although most of us probably couldn't do what Cliff did, we can probably do a lot more than we think we can.
Wow, T! You have written some really good things in the past. This one moves to the top of the list. Very very encouraging and motivational. I personally am still working on motivation, but I did have a great run this morning after almost talking myself out of it.
My journey started in ‘15. My 2nd son asked me if I wanted to run the Thanksgiving Day 10k with him. I had 6 weeks to prepare. From there I caught the running bug. I was 51. (I ran a little in my 30’s but nothing serious.)
The next year I ran my first 1/2 in March - which I just signed up for again and will run the 2nd time in ‘22. It is the Heart Mini in Cincinnati. In May ‘16 I ran my first full and then my 2nd full in Sep. I have only run 1 full and 2 halves since then but kept going with the annual 10k T-Day run. At one point I even wanted to do a great 50 miler they put on in MI. Just not sure if I could train enough and have a job.
12-1/2 years ago I was very sick and had herniated 2 disks in my back. As I healed it left me without 100% control of my right side of my body. I have had to switch to being left handed and I cannot use my right hand for a hammer etc…I also have some weakness. I have to be careful because my right foot wants to point in and cause me to trip while running or walking for that matter.
I only share any of that with you all to say that running is a challenge for me. But I absolutely love doing it and the health benefits it gives me. So the story of the potato farmer is extremely encouraging. Wow. I have renewed motivation to make this next running season my best ever. I am almost definitely going to do at least 1 full which I thought was a thing of my past. Will do at least 2 halves but might change the 2nd to a full. (Flying Pig Cincinnati) (They get a kick out of seeing a Jewish guy run a marathon named for pigs:)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do to inspire and encourage us. Thank you all for being a part of this great community and encouraging each other!
I keep all of my medals & bibs on a wall in my classroom. I want the kids to see just a piece of what I love to do when I’m not teaching them. Every year the new group of kids asks me if I was 1st in these races or what place I got. I have to explain to them that I’m a slow-but-steady runner. I never win 1st place, but that’s not my goal. My goal is to enjoy running & stay as healthy as I can. I don’t know that they get it, but I hope one day they will.
I also HOPE I am still running until the day I die. The story of this potato farmer gives me hope & makes me smile. 😊While I toy with the idea of ultras, I’m not sure. It’s something to think about though! Loved this story!!!
I started running age 26 for varicose veins had two more children (5 kids). Found out many more benefits - peace of mind. Then later on going through divorce running along with my spirituality helped me to stay focused, work full time follow kids in everything, eventually going to college, a marathon of studies now presently still working full time as a mental health and substance use therapist in the prison. I love it and they love me. Ran last half marathon 2 years ago. Just ruptured a tendon running 6 miles with it no problems but had right foot drop. Just had surgery and will be back to running in 3 months doctor said. All doctors In the past have said that my very active lifestyle I will reap benefits later on and I am. It has kept my weight down never gained a pound since high school and makes me want to eat healthy. Sorry for such a long response but can’t stress enough taking care of yourself to enjoy life to the fullest in your elder years. After a broken leg both bones rod put in ran a half marathon in 6 months then did some triathlons. Rod out and kept running. I was in my 60’s then.
I've read this fellow's story somewhere before, but can't quite put my finger on it! 61 is relatively easy as I remember--I could see how he did it. It gets a bit harder in your 70s, and probably into your 80s as time goes on. You just keep going if you like to run (I do!).
I'll frequently tell my daughter that I'll be back and 20, and she says, "Oh yeah, see you in an hour, and if it gets dark, I'll come looking for you!" And she does. I have no idea how far I could run. The Great American Trail looks intriguing. Only 3,700 miles when completed. Would be a fair accomplishment!
I started running age 26 for varicose veins had two more children (5 kids). Found out many more benefits - peace of mind. Then later on going through divorce running along with my spirituality helped me to stay focused, work full time follow kids in everything, eventually going to college, a marathon of studies now presently still working full time as a mental health and substance use therapist in the prison. I love it and they love me. Ran last half marathon 2 years ago. Just ruptured a tendon running 6 miles with it no problems but had right foot drop. Just had surgery and will be back to running in 3 months doctor said. All doctors In the past have said that my very active lifestyle I will reap benefits later on and I am. It has kept my weight down never gained a pound since high school and makes me want to eat healthy. Sorry for such a long response but can’t stress enough taking care of yourself to enjoy life to the fullest in your elder years. After a broken leg both bones rod put in ran a half marathon in 6 months then did some triathlons. Rod out and kept running. I was in my 60’s then.
Yes good for you!!! Keep going! They also ask me when am I going to retire I say never! And God knew what he was doing when I had a calling to be a counselor later in life. He knew raising kids alone I didn’t have $$. Married about 3 years ago. There is a big need for what I do so making more money than I ever did at age 76
This was awesome. I love how you are able to articulate a benefit of suffering. It brings people closer together. I am not sure how far I could go but right now it is 26.2. I have a Marathon this weekend so wish me luck.
"if you don't wear out, you rust out and you rust out quicker than you wear out."
Such an inspirational story. Though it it is true that most of us could not accomplish such feats in our youth, let alone in our 60s, I credit his years of inadvertently training with some or even most of his success. Our bodies and minds can accomplish some amazing things if we slowly become accustomed to it. As an example, I have had many patients that come in with some incredible lab values that seem incompatible with human life, yet, these people are not only alive, they are often walking and talking. It is the incremental change in the body's chemistry that allows for other parts of the body to compensate. What this says to me is that although most of us probably couldn't do what Cliff did, we can probably do a lot more than we think we can.
Wow, T! You have written some really good things in the past. This one moves to the top of the list. Very very encouraging and motivational. I personally am still working on motivation, but I did have a great run this morning after almost talking myself out of it.
My journey started in ‘15. My 2nd son asked me if I wanted to run the Thanksgiving Day 10k with him. I had 6 weeks to prepare. From there I caught the running bug. I was 51. (I ran a little in my 30’s but nothing serious.)
The next year I ran my first 1/2 in March - which I just signed up for again and will run the 2nd time in ‘22. It is the Heart Mini in Cincinnati. In May ‘16 I ran my first full and then my 2nd full in Sep. I have only run 1 full and 2 halves since then but kept going with the annual 10k T-Day run. At one point I even wanted to do a great 50 miler they put on in MI. Just not sure if I could train enough and have a job.
12-1/2 years ago I was very sick and had herniated 2 disks in my back. As I healed it left me without 100% control of my right side of my body. I have had to switch to being left handed and I cannot use my right hand for a hammer etc…I also have some weakness. I have to be careful because my right foot wants to point in and cause me to trip while running or walking for that matter.
I only share any of that with you all to say that running is a challenge for me. But I absolutely love doing it and the health benefits it gives me. So the story of the potato farmer is extremely encouraging. Wow. I have renewed motivation to make this next running season my best ever. I am almost definitely going to do at least 1 full which I thought was a thing of my past. Will do at least 2 halves but might change the 2nd to a full. (Flying Pig Cincinnati) (They get a kick out of seeing a Jewish guy run a marathon named for pigs:)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do to inspire and encourage us. Thank you all for being a part of this great community and encouraging each other!
My running is going well! Thanks for this story!
I keep all of my medals & bibs on a wall in my classroom. I want the kids to see just a piece of what I love to do when I’m not teaching them. Every year the new group of kids asks me if I was 1st in these races or what place I got. I have to explain to them that I’m a slow-but-steady runner. I never win 1st place, but that’s not my goal. My goal is to enjoy running & stay as healthy as I can. I don’t know that they get it, but I hope one day they will.
I also HOPE I am still running until the day I die. The story of this potato farmer gives me hope & makes me smile. 😊While I toy with the idea of ultras, I’m not sure. It’s something to think about though! Loved this story!!!
I started running age 26 for varicose veins had two more children (5 kids). Found out many more benefits - peace of mind. Then later on going through divorce running along with my spirituality helped me to stay focused, work full time follow kids in everything, eventually going to college, a marathon of studies now presently still working full time as a mental health and substance use therapist in the prison. I love it and they love me. Ran last half marathon 2 years ago. Just ruptured a tendon running 6 miles with it no problems but had right foot drop. Just had surgery and will be back to running in 3 months doctor said. All doctors In the past have said that my very active lifestyle I will reap benefits later on and I am. It has kept my weight down never gained a pound since high school and makes me want to eat healthy. Sorry for such a long response but can’t stress enough taking care of yourself to enjoy life to the fullest in your elder years. After a broken leg both bones rod put in ran a half marathon in 6 months then did some triathlons. Rod out and kept running. I was in my 60’s then.
I love these inspirational stories especially since I’ve ran all my life I’m 76
Only the passage of time will tell.
I've read this fellow's story somewhere before, but can't quite put my finger on it! 61 is relatively easy as I remember--I could see how he did it. It gets a bit harder in your 70s, and probably into your 80s as time goes on. You just keep going if you like to run (I do!).
I'll frequently tell my daughter that I'll be back and 20, and she says, "Oh yeah, see you in an hour, and if it gets dark, I'll come looking for you!" And she does. I have no idea how far I could run. The Great American Trail looks intriguing. Only 3,700 miles when completed. Would be a fair accomplishment!
Thank you ! Very Inspirational!
Wow!! Amazing story and certainly motivational. Love it!
I just turned 67 and I am looking forward to running two half marathons in 2022. Age has nothing to do with reaching dreams, goals, and desires.
I started running age 26 for varicose veins had two more children (5 kids). Found out many more benefits - peace of mind. Then later on going through divorce running along with my spirituality helped me to stay focused, work full time follow kids in everything, eventually going to college, a marathon of studies now presently still working full time as a mental health and substance use therapist in the prison. I love it and they love me. Ran last half marathon 2 years ago. Just ruptured a tendon running 6 miles with it no problems but had right foot drop. Just had surgery and will be back to running in 3 months doctor said. All doctors In the past have said that my very active lifestyle I will reap benefits later on and I am. It has kept my weight down never gained a pound since high school and makes me want to eat healthy. Sorry for such a long response but can’t stress enough taking care of yourself to enjoy life to the fullest in your elder years. After a broken leg both bones rod put in ran a half marathon in 6 months then did some triathlons. Rod out and kept running. I was in my 60’s then.
Yes good for you!!! Keep going! They also ask me when am I going to retire I say never! And God knew what he was doing when I had a calling to be a counselor later in life. He knew raising kids alone I didn’t have $$. Married about 3 years ago. There is a big need for what I do so making more money than I ever did at age 76
This was awesome. I love how you are able to articulate a benefit of suffering. It brings people closer together. I am not sure how far I could go but right now it is 26.2. I have a Marathon this weekend so wish me luck.
"if you don't wear out, you rust out and you rust out quicker than you wear out."
Thank you again, Brian.