14/07/2019
—"How Do You Do It?"—
I recently traveled back to Hanes Park in Winston-Salem, NC and ran the annual Ultimate Runner race. It was the 7th time I raced laps on that dark track with the tennis courts on the infield. I'm 45 now and the first time I raced I was 37; I skipped a couple years because it's just so hard for me some years. I enjoyed this year, but one thing that really surprised me was a question I was asked. A few people came to me asking some variation of, "How do you do it?" I got that question at least four times. Today, I'll give my answer.
Now, I'm far from the oldest competitor at this race. And a lot of runners have raced it 12, 20, even 30 times. So, here is the backdrop to the question. First off, the event consists of all competitors running a mile, then a 400, then 800, then 100, and finally a 5k. The place you finish in each race is part of your score. Your final score is the sum of the five. The lower the score, the better. (It's just like a cross-country meet.)
The first four times I raced, from age 37-40, I won the 400 four straight years and the 100 three straight years. The event winners are often middle distance or distance runners in college, and sometimes closer to thirty. I showed everyone something they had never seen: A runner who was much older racing in the sprints and winning. At the time, it had many of the competitors and spectators alike in awe. By my third and fourth time, people were anticipating my two best races. In my fourth outing, I set the Masters-age records for those two events.
A Better Question
Fast forward five years. I am not nearly as conditioned, and I went back again knowing I would not be anything close to as good as I used to be. But, I didn't care about that. I was there to enjoy the event, the challenge. It's a bonus to see some folks I see only at that event, too. Actually, I didn't do that bad... 6th in the 400 and 2nd in the 100. And that's what prompted the question.
They were asking essentially how I stay in such good shape that I can stay so consistent, as well as, keep up with and beat runners half my age. But, this is not the right question. The right question is, "Why do I do it?" And that answer is really simple. I went to a USATF Masters Outdoor Nationals Championship meet in Charlotte, NC back in 2006 and left inspired. I saw men and women of all ages, even in their 80s and 90s in good enough fitness and health to compete in track and field events. I was like, "Could I do that?"
At the time I was personal training clients full-time and I was doing it in fitness centers. But,
honestly, I could not see myself indoors in a fitness center for the rest of my life. I had spent countless hours outside and that was where I felt most excited to be when I exercise. So, I made the decision to make running track a lifelong pursuit. Every other thing I have done has been the result of deciding that my long-term health is important to me and I want to use running track as the vehicle or tool to get me there.
There… That's it! Ok, not really. I have had years where I was injured and could not train. I have had years where I was busy with life and did not run consistently. I have had years where I just did not feel like doing a whole lot of racing or traveling or training. But… that thought from 2006 is like a compass. When I need to check myself and get back on track, I…, well, I go back to the track. That vision and the desire to be fit all my life draws me in. I know Masters track and field athletes that train year round, and travel every year, and never miss a beat. That's not my story. But, my story is that I figure out a way to stay focused enough to make this a priority, and not stray too far from where I want to be.
Finally, it comes down to results and benefits. When I challenge myself and get the results I want, it gives me that much more inspiration to continue the journey. I raced as well as I had hoped a few weeks ago. But, that's only a part of the story. Two years ago, I was twenty pounds heavier than I was two years prior… and climbing. I used Ultimate Runner 2018 & 2019 as mile posts to get back in overall better shape. I am down ten pounds and back to my preferred weight. And as a result of changing my habits for the better, I am enjoying swimming, biking, and as of last week Ninja Warrioring with my children. Plus, as much as I love to run, my new favorite PR is being able to walk faster than 4 miles per hour. Walking meditation is my jam! I can now walk 8 miles in just under two hours. And if what I share today helps anyone reading this then, that will be just another benefit that keeps me enthusiastic about what I do.
So, to all who asked that question looking for guidance. My answer, in the simplest terms, decide what you want to do, make it a part of your life's journey, never forget that desire or that decision, and enjoy the rewards that come with taking action.
