“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Mark Twain, humorist
I have been part of the running community since 1986 – 5ks, 10ks, half and full marathons. And like just about everything else the fine art of running has changed.
With the magic of new fabrics, the clothes have gotten warmer when they need to be and cooler when the weatherman changes the forecast. The colors have gotten brighter and the patterns bolder. And the shoes are just as magic with new styles to make you run faster. Technology has steadily added dozens of gadgets and gizmos to the mix. None of this is a surprise. As a frustrated consumer pointed out, “The only place change is not guaranteed is a vending machine.”
But there is one big change that gets my attention every time I enter a race. And there doesn’t seem to be much I can do about it. I’m talking about age groups.
I began my running adventure in the 35 to 39 age bracket.
Since then I’ve shuffled my way through
40-44,
45-49,
50-54,
55-59,
60-64,
Now my home is 65-69.
The late great and very funny Phyllis Diller made these observations on the subject of aging.
“You know you’re getting old if they have discontinued your blood type”
“You know you’re old when someone compliments you on your alligator shoes, and you’re barefoot.”
“You know you’re old if your walker has an airbag.”
So far none of those things have been said to me but I’m prepared with a response if it happens.
I’m not sure who said it first but I agree it’s the best way to think about the clock and calendar, “Don’t count your years, make your years count.”
At most running events, near the registration table where you pick up your number and t-shirt, there is another table. This is where trophies or medals are lined up for first, second and third place winners in each age group.
When the race is over and they pass out the awards, they begin with the youngest age group. I remember when I first started running, at the award presentation the race director would make a big deal about the oldest runner in the pack. This is usually the final award of the day. Now I’m getting closer to that end of the table where the medal for the oldest runner rests.
In the movie True Grit staring John Wayne and Glen Campbell, Wayne needs rescued and he is cussing at the fact Campbell is dead. Suddenly he hears a voice. It comes from Campbell, “I ain’t dead yet you bushwhacker, hang on.”
Wayne gets rescued and Campbell dies shortly thereafter.
Norman Vincent Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking said “Live your life and forget your age.”
That’s my message cowboys and bushwhackers, “I ain’t dead yet – and I look forward to seeing you at the next race.
theartofbecomingawildflower 