Running and ageing.

A personal outlook on this as it is a very individual thing.

I look on it as you can either rage against the dying of the light or accept it and make the most of it.

I'm nearly 55. I could take the position that I am still 25 and try to run and train like I am. Or, I can accept I am nearly 55 and train and run to do the best for my age and circumstances.

I choose the latter.

Ageing is something we can't change. We will all get older. But we can alter our running and training to allow us to continue and still enjoy running.

I find a combination of running, yoga and pilates works for me. My race personal bests are behind me. But, I do get some PB's for my age and occasionally a PB on my garmin for shorter distances.

I enjoy running these days for the sake of running. I appreciate the fact I can run when many, for various reasons, cannot. I enjoy simply participating in a race rather than the competition.

My next race, first since the pandemic, is the Chester Metric Marathon in October. Looking forward to this for a number of reasons. Firstly just to enjoy participating and appreciating the countryside as it passes by.

Secondly to meet up with people, from my running website/club, who I haven't met.

I record my runs on www.fetcheveryone.com which also has a UK athletics affiliated running club - FERC. As anyone, anywhere can use it there are members far and wide "Fetchies". It will be good to finally have a chance to meet some of them in real life.

There is also the bonus of a PB. I haven't run 26k specifically so will be guaranteed a PB 😀 There's more than one way to still get a PB as you get older 🤣🤣

So to sum up, for me as I get older it is about just appreciating and enjoying the journey 🏃

Reasons to run 🏃‍♂️ ♥️ 😌

Why do we run? Why do I run?

We all have many shared and varied reasons to run. Chasing PB's, entering races, fitness, stress relief, mental health & being amongst nature to name but a few.

We may run for all, some of or just one of these reasons. I think no matter what the reasons we must all share one thing - an enjoyment of running. If we didn't enjoy it on some level we would quickly lose motivation and stop.

The great thing with running is that no matter what the reason, how fast or slow we are or wether we are elite or walk/run, first, middle or last, we are all runners.

It's funny how you can enjoy something you shouldn't have on the face of it enjoyed. I have only done one marathon. The training was hard. The race was hard and mentally sapping. I ached for days afterwards. But I remember it all and think I bloody well enjoyed that!!!

I am happy with 5k - 8k and 10k - 12k these days. I do it for stress relief, fitness and the peace I find when I'm out amongst nature. I enjoy stopping to take photos on route.

My dad, before he passed, used to love walking. In his later years he couldn't walk far due to an old back injury which resulted in the use of a stick. He used to love seeing my running photos. I think it allowed him to see places he otherwise wouldn't. Hence the reason I still take photos while out running. It keeps that connection with my dad alive.

So no matter the reason or reasons for running I think the most important thing is to simply enjoy it.

🏃‍♂️😀🏃‍♂️😀🏃‍♂️😀🏃‍♂️😀🏃‍♂️😀🏃‍♂️😀🏃‍♂️😀🏃‍♂️😀🏃‍♂️😀