Nothing Lasts Forever

When I walked outside for my run this morning, I was met with the sun shining perfectly through the clouds. I figured out how to upload video from my ipod so I thought I would share. I Love taking in little moments like that because I know they don't last long. So many special things in life seem to pass so quickly and then we can only look back fondly and try to remember how they made us feel.

(It was more impressive in person!)

I've been running for a LONG time. And I've been running marathons for the past 11 years. People often ask if I'm worried about the toll it takes on my body. For the most part, I've been remarkably injury free and I try to convince people that research has shown running has very few detrimental effects on the body if you're doing it right. Injury is always a possibility, but running generally does you much more good than harm.

For years, I've thought about what would happen if I couldn't run anymore and I've come to the conclusion that I would be okay. I have enough other interests in my life that I don't depend solely on running to keep me sane or entertained. I would miss it, sure. But I would be okay.

I also know that at some point, I'll start slowing down. So far, I've been able to improve my times if I work and train and I haven't noticed any significant decline in my performance due to age. But I know it's coming. I know there will be a day when I'm an old man jogging through a 5K and feeling a twinge of jealousy over the young guys cranking out the times that I can no longer reach.

Today, I went for my scheduled 4 Miles on my 'Old Town Eureka Loop' and I passed the same old man from last week that told me not to break the speed limit. Today, I was running up the 'Days Inn Hill' as he was walking down. He smiled and waved again and said, "Come on now, get on up there!"

Here's this old man with pure white hair, green gym shorts, his white socks pulled up high on his calves, and a gym towel thrown over his shoulder... pumping his arms as he walk/limps down the hill... sharing some encouraging words while I'm huffing and puffing up that same hill. All I can think is, "That's going to be me someday."

I don't think I'll ever stop moving. I might not always be able to run, but I'll always be doing something. For now, I'll try to enjoy these moments while they last!

Thursday
Goal For The Day: Middle Distance
Distance: 4.00 Miles
Time: 28:58. 7:14 Avg. (7:25, 7:15, 6:57, 7:19)
Route: Old Town Eureka Loop.
Conditions: 72 degrees. 7:30AM.

Notes: The pace felt a little better today. My right foot is bothering me a little. I'll have to keep an eye on it. Ironic considering today's post. The last mile of this loop is always slow. I guess the hills on the way back get to me. I had to add a bit at the end to make it an even 4 Miles. The clouds lasted long enough to shoot the video but then it was sunny and humid for the run. 70 degrees when I left the house. 75 degrees when I got back. It's going to be a hot weekend. I'll try to get to the track early tomorrow to avoid some of the heat.

Daily Miles: 4.00 Miles.
Blog Totals:
  Run - 53.89 Miles.
  Bike - 30.11 Miles.
  Swim - 2,700 meters.