Recently, I was part of the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon. I couldn’t help thinking about the word ‘thrive’ as I witnessed thousands of people crossing the finish line having completed the marathon, the half marathon or the 8km road race.
I was particularly struck by those who at my age or older were in better shape and going for it. Some weren’t in great shape, and were still going for it.
I had to ask myself the tough question – what’s holding me back from doing the same?
I met a 25-year-old daughter joining her 59-year-old dad to run the marathon. They were practically giddy with the excitement of competing together in the same sport.
I talked to a lady who has completed four half marathons in as many years. She ran her first when she was 55.
Then there was the elderly man pushing his wife in a wheelchair. He was among the first runners to cross the 8km finish line. I considered myself lucky to finish under my own steam, not pushing anyone but myself.
What gives these people the enthusiasm and the spirit to engage in strenuous sports such as road racing and come back year after year to compete and prove they still have it?
I attended a gala dinner the night before the race where the energy in the room could have fueled a bus. As several speakers talked about their passion for running and staying fit, hundreds of heads nodded and smiled in acknowledgment.
Although the speakers talked about their running career and their love for the sport, what was fundamentally clear is that running is not just a sport or a way to keep fit.
It’s a community built upon commitment to yourself and others.
Training can be a solitary pastime. It means miles of trails, streets and roadways. Sometimes you can find a companion to join you. But often you’re putting in the time with just your thoughts, the slap of your sneakers on the pavement, and your laboured breathing for company.
Race events provide the opportunity to come together in community, to celebrate, tell a few stories, catch up on news and soak in the presence of others who share your running passion.
Only a handful of people aim for first spot. The rest of us race against ourselves. Or, if we have running buddies, we wager who will beat whom this year. All in good fun, of course.
Running a marathon, or a half marathon… or even an 8 or 10k race…is definitely about thriving. If you’re a runner, you’re already in an elite group. Compared to the millions who are sitting home, in comfort, on their couch, you’ve risen into the echelon of those who take disciplined action and organize their time to do something that serves their body.
Being around runners reminded me of two connections that have been lacking in my life – the one with my body and the one with the world around me. By world, I mean not just people, but all the elements of nature as well.
Running takes you out of your comfortable environment, and gives you the opportunity to explore, to have adventure and new experiences. It gives you the chance to commune with Mother Earth, to discover what’s happening in your neighborhood. There’s also the chance you’ll meet someone – they may be a momentary distraction or a significant addition to your life.
Until you take that first step, you’ll never know.
Consider that this might be the year to say “Marathon? Why not?”
Maybe it’s a half marathon or an 8km road race. In any event, this time next year, you too could be enjoying the energy of the vibrant running community, with a body that applauds you for the new lease on life you’ve given it.
Come on, thrive!
Want to know more about the running community? A good place to start is a store near you that specializes in running shoes. They have tons of information about where to run, how to run, and what events are coming up that you could be part of. They usually have running clubs, or training clinics to help get you started. Another place is your local recreation centre. They often offer running clinics as well. The web has lots of materials to answer any questions, and there’s a plethora of books at your library or bookstore. Jeff Galloway is one of my favorite authors, but there are many more, including books that give you the philosophical perspective on running. There’s several that I’ve used for motivation and meditation.
Happy running, reading and discovering.
Barbara Risto is the publisher of INSPIRED Senior Living, a magazine geared for the 55+ demographic; the Canadian best-selling author of “To Move Or Not to Move?” a helpful guide for seniors considering their residential options; the producer of two annual 55+ Lifestyle Shows; and a champion of the 55+ lifestyle, which she is now embracing.
For more information, check out “Who Is Barbara Risto”