The Purpose of This Blog...

Silver Fox On The Run ~ For the persistent runner, of any age!

The Purpose Of This Blog

My intent is to share some thoughts and experiences, and a minimum of advice, accrued over nearly 40 years’ running.

I’d like to add another voice to the running community, from my perspective as a runner who has kept at it, despite injuries that have slowed my pace. There was a t-shirt I got for my husband’s son when he was training for his first marathon, which said “Run, Walk, Crawl....Finish”. It wasn’t really applicable to him, he’s a natural athlete whose pace has gotten much faster as he’s gotten older, but it’s a phrase that has stuck with me. It’s been added to my growing list of mantras.

I started running in my early 20's as a New Year's resolution, January 1979. I was never elite, just respectable; I have no athletic talent, but I always wanted to run. Running has given me so much joy. It is my creative time for writing, and it's been meditative....calming anxiety, giving me confidence, keeping me fit, helping me regain fitness after illness or injury and associated weight gain (which I'm dealing with now). I've run one marathon only, on little training, many halfs, 10ks, etc..My only “talents” are determination and love of this simple sport.

I realize running is not for everyone, but if you haven't tried it, do it a few days in a row and see how you feel. I know sone folks may not have the knees or hip joints for it, but if you think you can sustain a few blocks, you may discover the pure joy of this simple, relatively inexpensive sport. It's portable - you can do it almost anywhere, and work it into your schedule*. It requires only a modest investment of shoes and clothes, nothing elaborate or fancy. Races can get expensive, but they're a fun hobby, and most often raise money for a charity. You don't have to depend upon anyone else, getting either a partner as in tennis or finding folks for team sports. But you can make new friends who share this interest. (* I always loved using running as transportation - I have many happy memories running to the shop to get my car, visiting my sister and her new baby 5 miles away after a snowstorm, etc.).

Injuries unfortunately have cut into my goal attainment as I've become an older runner - I didn't believe it even less than 10 years ago, but it does take longer to heal as you get older. On the other hand, exercise and fitness helps the healing process at any age (I know this sounds paradoxical, but trust me, it makes sense).

You get old enough, there's no shame in being last or running slowly. There's just joy, and gratitude for every step. 

I hope more folks discover the fun and camaraderie that joining the running community brings. I love meeting new runners, especially young people, just embarking on the sport. I love to share my knowledge about races around the country and hope to convey my enthusiasm in this blog. I will also share some healthy recipes I’ve adapted, my playlists, race information, and some humor. I invite you to comment, and ask that you all know that my words are always intended to be kind and respectful. I’ll also share some peeves!