I started Ageing Runner to chronicle my developing understanding of running as I get older but…I am not starting from scratch. I think I know a few things already so…how do I put them into words?
It can be hard to wrangle and articulate the swirling jumble in your head and bring it into some sort of order. To freeze it in place, nail your colours to the mast and say this is my best shot at explaining things right now… but here goes:
Taking what I know today, my best hypothesis is:
Those running successfully through their 50s, 60s, 70s and into their 80s have avoided being permanently debilitated through disease or physical injury and have stayed motivated through the years.
Seems obvious but is most likely wrong. It does gives me three main areas to explore though. The first is about identity, success and motivation. The second is about health, particularly as we age. The third is about running and living in a way that reduces the likelihood of injury.
When it comes to identity, I am a runner. I feel it deeply. Even when I hardly ran for a few years, I was a runner. I was just a runner who couldn’t run. I want to explore how being a runner is part of who I am. I don’t struggle for motivation but I can’t take that for granted. I want to explore what success looks like and still be enjoying running as I get older.
From a general physical and mental health perspective, I am doing OK but am under no illusions. I know that as we age the likelihood of debilitating illness and disease increases. I want to find out more and reduce that likelihood. I want to explore how my running is connected to my mental health. My life is much smoother when I am running consistently. I think that running keeps me level.
From an injury perspective, I am running about 40 miles a week without much issue. It has been like that for a couple of years but has not always been the case. I think that I have now found a way of running that suits me and is gentle on my body. I want to find out more and live my life in a way that reduces the likelihood of a debilitating injury.
The job now is to explore each of these areas and live alongside the hypothesis for a while and see how things develop.
I would love to hear your thoughts, worries and words of wisdom.
We run, we chat, we smile.
Chris
