Welcome to my new followers! Thanks for helping me hit 100!!!!
I go to the county gym. It’s cheap, nearby, and has a wonderful selection of equipment and an indoor track. It does not, however, provide much in the way of amenities and does not have daycare. Since I workout mid-morning during the week, the gym is mostly populated by seniors, predominantly men. Every time I’ve gone, at least one older gentleman has struck up a conversation with me.
Yesterday was no exception. I was lifting weights and a man I guessed was in his 60s struck up a conversation with me. We talked about running and lifting and trying to stay fit. He asked me for some running advice and how to build miles. Towards the end of the conversation, he told me that it was inspiring to see someone working out so hard and trying to get fit after having kids. I’m thinking “really? You’re inspired by me?” Then he mentioned he was 80 and figures he’s only got about 10 years left and he’s going to make them the best he can. Holy cow! Talk about inspiring! I think I met my new hero!
I really needed that conversation. I’ve been pretty down about my running lately. It’s felt harder and I’ve been running slower. Speedwork has been pretty much non-existant. But this conversation reminded me that running fast isn’t the point and running far isn’t the point. It reminded me why I run.
- I run for mental health. I am a much nicer person and a better mom when I’m running.
- I run for physical health. I want to be able to keep up with my kids.
I may not be the fastest kid on the block and I’m not running any where near the miles many are running. But I’m out there and I’m staying fit and that’s what matters in the long run.
Giveaways:
My nuun giveaway ends 2/24/10
Marlene is giving away some cool gloves ends 2/22 at noon EST
Mel is giving away the running essentials ends 2/24
Running:
Today I did some speedwork – 3 x mile repeats. I did a mile warm up at a 9:30 pace and felt great. I was thinking I’d rock this workout. Then I turned around and discovered I’d been running with the wind at my back.
Mile 1 – 8:22 (into the wind)
Mile 2 – 8:10 (wind at my back, but more uphill)
Mile 3 – 8:48 (into the wind with tired legs)
Normally I’d call mile 3 a failure, but today I’m proud that I finished it. I pushed at least as hard in mile 3 as I did in mile 1 and I managed to beat my 10k pace, so I’m gonna call it good.
That's a great run!And, I think we all have to be reminded, from time to time, why we run. We need to refresh ourselves about why we do it and what we get out of it.
It's always the best when someone says you're inspiring. Have a great weekend!
That's such an inspiring encounter…the key to staying healthy well into our 80's is to just keep getting out there! BTW, your 3 miles are zoomin' compared to mine 🙂
Seems it was just the pep talk you needed. Don't forget why you are out there running..and try to enjoy it! 🙂
What a need old man, and how inspiring. Glad it was able to give you some motivation and perspective.
I think you had a great run! I'd be thrilled with it. 🙂 Way to go!What a special moment. We never know how we affect others in what we do, say, and how we act and react. What a great feeling to know someone recognizes your hard work and effort!
Aw, what a great chat to have at the gym. I would definitely be inspired by someone like that.. an 80 year old man working out at the gym and looking 60. I'll bet he has more than 10 years left!Nice job on your repeats… looks like you found some inspiration!
Good job on the repeats! Other people may be faster and other people may run further, but you're doing what's right for you right now, and you're fantastic at it! You're in inspiration to me for sure!
Yeah, no beer for you. That third mile was horrifying – I don't care if it was uphill, into the wind, and you were carrying Shoo on your back.:-)
I love it when I meet people who inspire me. I usually run outside on a paved trail. One day I was just tired, a little sore and just not feeling it. I ran by a man walking along slowly with a cane. You could tell that every step took a lot of effort. My PT background was guessing he had had a stroke. Even with significant deficits, he was out there and working his butt off to walk along the trail. I realized I was being such a baby thinking I was having a tough run. I see him out there all the time and everytime I am inspired by him.
Those are great mile times, especially under the conditions! My dad is going to be 80 in September (though he doesn't look more than 70 at most) and he's one of those seniors you can see at the Y every day. I hope he doesn't think he only has 10 years left but he does try to make the most of every day! I'm sure he is more fit now than he was in his '50s (before retirement). He can't run (b/c of knees); thank goodness, I don't need the competition! I know your dad is a great example too (though much younger than mine). BTW, I didn't enter the Nuun contest because I don't need it, but I love Nuun too (tri-berry). I carry it on my runs and drink the rest of the bottle in a glass when I get home! 🙂
Great job on a successful run! Your conversation with the gentleman at the gym was very cool. Needless to say, I am inspired that you go to the gym! I have often said I would go but hardly get around to doing so.And congrats on 100 followers!
Inspiration all around!
So cool.
All this time I thought I was not only your favorite running buddy but your hero. Now I find out that I have been replaced by some 80 year old guy!! So does that mean I have to wait 18 years before I can be your hero again??? You will always be my inspiration. Love you!!
I can't wait to hit 100 followers but I have a ways to go. But I was thrilled when I hit 20, then 30…..now I am in the 60s so I'll get there. Yes, remember the reasons you run. Don't even think about speed and just run for the pleasure of it for a spell.
Very cool that you could inspire each other.Sounds like a great run!
It IS good. The weather has really been peeing on my parade lately. A hard 3 miler is better than an easy 6 miler. Stronger, mentally, physically.
I think we all get down about running now and again … but there always seem to be an up following that down 😉 You'll be feeling good in no time. Just imagine, while you were out there thinking that 80-year-old-guy was in his 60's, someone near you was likely thinking you were in your 20's. Feel better now?
What an amazing interaction! It is so wonderful to impact those around us.Awesome run!!
thank you for posting why we run! you are such an inspiration to me.
Way to go! And, I think your times rock! Wow, what a great story – 80 and still at the gym!
What a great old guy still out there trying to be fit. And, it would be much easier for you to NOT work out, so kudos! As for speedowrk, it's *really* hard right now with the snow, but just keep it up and you will reap the reuslts at the marathon (that's what I've been telling myself this week after another disappointing practices).
Haha, I hate it when I turn around to run back and realize I have been running with the wind at my back. Even running into the wind though, that's a nice pace!Sounds like a great conversation at the gym. Funny how the little things can put things into perspective.Thanks for the Sunshine award 🙂
Hey Mama, as a newbie runner, can you explain what a 3x mile repeat is? I'm not sure I understand it!