This round of training for a marathon has led me to feel old. I have had more aches and pains, lack of energy, and longer recovery times all while running about 30 seconds less per mile than I did just a few years ago. Anyone else in that same old boat with me? Here are some benefits of being an aging runner as I see it today... 1. You enter higher age groups. Going into a higher age group usually means that there are less people so that if there are any prizes, your chances of winning improve. Also, the pressure to do well decreases. Less stress= more fun. 2. You don't feel embarrassed as easily. I wear a fanny pack of sorts to carry my phone, Gu, kleenex, and sunblock. I also wear my reflective gear with pride. It's better to be prepared and safe than cool, right? 3. You can now afford to buy the better running shoes or to treat yourself to a massage or a pedicure once in a while.
There are some nice benefits to being an aging runner. In addition to what is listed above, I appreciate that running is good for my physical and mental health. It is a sport that I truly enjoy. What other benefits of running to do enjoy? Please comment below. To runners of all ages... Enjoy and happy running! -Stephanie
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Parents begin celebrating their children's milestones from their very first breath. First smile, rolling over, first step...it's all cause for celebrations. Well, one of my favorite runners is graduating from college this week. Blake will graduate from the University of Minnesota Duluth on Saturday with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Finance. He's already got a job waiting for him in Duluth starting in September; we are very proud of his hard work and accomplishments! In the true spirit of true love for running, Blake decided to forgo marching through the graduation ceremonies in order to participate in a track meet. Due to a toe injury, he probably will not run in the meet anyway, but will likely go cheer on his teammates and let his foot heel a little more for the conference meet next week. That meet will be the culmination of ten straight years of competing on the track. Wow! Last weekend, we had the privilege of seeing the only home meet Blake has had in his time at UMD. In fact, it had been six years since they'd hosted a home event. The facility was beautiful and the meet was well-run even if there was snow left in the end zones. The weather was sunny. I almost thought about taking off my winter jacket a few times, but as soon as I'd try, I'd feel a cool breeze and slip it back on. The sun was strong and heavy clothing did provide sun protection...LOL! Blake won the 5,000 meter race in a nearly personal record performance. Great job! At the end of the meet, all of the Bulldog seniors were introduced along with their majors. These were some smart, hard-working kids. Hopefully the work ethic they brought with them to the track will serve them well in the workforce. Here is Blake with his siblings on the first day of school in probably about the second grade. When he was a senior in high school, he set an indoor school record that is still standing although some of David's friends have given it a good challenge. Finally, Blake is an outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish. Perhaps all those fish and venison meals have given him a competitive edge. He has used his love of fishing to cultivate friendships in college and provide some awesome fish fry nights for his teammates at UMD.
Congratulations, Blake, on a school career done extremely well. Best of luck in becoming a great Accountant and continuing your running on the roads instead of the track and cross country courses! Love you and happy running--Mom (Missee) Missee shared with us three things that she found while cleaning her purse and challenged me to do the same. What a fun blog post idea, Missee! Since I carry a small, cross body purse, I didn't think there would be room for too many treasures in there. I carry a bag to and from work each day that always contains some interesting treasures, so I decided to clean that one out today. I am a teacher and I absolutely love the work that I do! Here is my school bag... Let's see what interesting treasures I found in there (besides 8 paperclips and 5 markers). 1. Five lip products... The funny thing about having these in my bag is that I don't think I have ever taken out a lipstick and used it during my work day. I also have lip balm, lipstick, and lip gloss in my desk that I also do not use and a couple more in the car. 2. Our parents prom picture from 1970. I had to really think about how that photo made it into my book bag. I was using it as a bookmark in a novel I was reading for school and I put it back into my bag after we finished the book. It is an awesome prom photo! A night at the circus theme? :) 3. $0.42 Unfortunately that isn't going to buy me much anymore, not even a candy bar. In addition to Missee's bag challenge, I wanted to share with you an initial review of some running tights.... On last Friday's long run, I tried out a new pair of running tight, the Athleta Be Free Knickers. I have been looking for cropped tights that had side pockets to hold my phone, energy gels, etc. These tights have a pocket on each hip and a small zippered pocket in the back waistband. I also liked the length. They are somewhere between short and tights. I put my phone on one side, three Gu energy gels and a sunblock stick in the other side, and a $5 bill in the back. Within the first couple blocks, they were slipping down on my waist. I almost went back home to change tights, but I decided to continue and see how it went. Surprisingly, they stayed in place and were fine later in the run. I am going to give them another wear before the marathon. Remember to use your running gear before wearing them in a race.
I hope your week is off to a great start! Happy Running! -Stephanie |
AuthorMissee and Stephanie are two Minnesota sisters and moms who love to run. We are not experts in running, parenting or anything else, but we do have years of experiences that may be helpful or entertaining to others. Archives
May 2020
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