Since turning 50, I've had some wild swings in my career that have led to some stressful times. First was the age itself. I was in a funk for two full years. At 49 I spent a wasted year dreading the 50th birthday itself. Then for the year after I couldn't even say the number out loud.
In my chosen profession of Marketing I felt old when I turned 50. I tried everything to ignore it: dyed my hair and wore clothes that were way too young for me. Heck, I even ran away: Sold the house in Mississauga and moved to Wasaga Beach for 6 years! What??? Let me tell you from personal experience, you can't ever run away!
I did some stupid things in my running as well starting with trying to change my running style to barefoot/mid-foot minimalist running. The resulting injuries included Plantar Fasciitis and broken foot bones...twice! 7 years later I'm still paying for that misstep!
Like the Osterich, I've spent a great deal of time and energy trying to ignore reality.
Through it all I've kept running. That has been the one constant. Good days or bad, if I got out for a run somehow that always helped me feel better.
Along the way I've met some people who have kept me going: My running pals who I meet up with every December in Negril for Reggae Marathon! They have seen me at my lowest when I had to walk the 10K; they've run with me when I was slogging; they've all been there at the end to celebrate another finish. Thank you!
So I turn 57 in a couple of weeks. I feel good about saying that out loud. I like the sound of it. I even like the grey hair! I heard a great description for men my age and stage: 'Arctcic Wolf'. That appeals to me. Hmmm...maybe 'ThatRunninGuy' is about to undergo a name change...
Running has saved my life in the past. It's keeping me going now. Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy
