Why I’m Still Running. Global Running Day + Coaches’ Corner

Happy Global Running Day! I hope you had a chance to go out for a run today. Sadly, I did not (even though I am still running!). On Wednesdays I work at 5:30 in the morning which precludes running for me these days. That’s okay though because I got to run on Tuesday, and anyway I am tapering down for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon on Sunday. It’s all good.

Check out the Global Day of Running Sale at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon! Great Savings on June 1 only!

I find these days, when I bump into someone I haven’t seen for a while, they always ask, “are you still running?” I’m not sure whether they think that there is some kind of cut-off age, or if they’re honestly curious that I would still be running at age 58, but I always answer, “of course.”

It’s not a totally off-the-wall question. Many people stop running when they get to my age, finding another, lower impact activity. While I don’t believe that running, per se, causes injury, aging does put you at higher risk for overuse or impact injuries.

Yet here I am, still running. Why is that?

Why I’m Still Running

I’m still running because it makes me happy.

It may sometimes look like a grimace, but that’s a smile you see in my race photos. I feel happy when I run, happy that I’m still able to do something most people don’t.

I’m still running because it’s my “Me” time.

I run alone at least two days a week and I love it. I also love running with my husband, don’t get me wrong, but those solo runs give be time to be free, allow my mind to wander, run where I want at the pace that I want. During that period of time, yes, it is all about me.

I’m still running because it keeps me young.

Running keeps me young both literally and figuratively. It keeps my heart and legs strong, my body relatively lean. And running (and writing a running blog) also keeps me connected with runners of all ages, which keeps my mind young.

I’m still running because I’m still competitive.

Age categories are a wonderful thing. I may be older and slower, but now I’m competing against other women who are in the same boat. I love to compete and win, and while my recent injury has slowed me down even more, I can still train and kick some butt in my age group.

I’m still running because it doesn’t matter how fast I go.

No matter how fast (or slow) I run, I am still a runner. I actually enjoy it more because I feel less pressure to always train and run hard.

I’m still running because it’s still better (and faster) than walking.

I’m pretty sure this was the first item on my original list of why I run (yep, after checking, it was).  Years ago, when I grew tired of aerobics classes, I planned to start walking for fitness. It didn’t take long for me to figure you I could accomplish twice as much in about half the time.

I’m still running because my brain works better when I’m running.

I have been known to write letters to the newspaper editor, compose blog posts, and plan programs for my clients while I run. The downside is that I usually forget them as soon as I stop running. No old jokes, please, I think it has something to do with endorphins.

I’m still running because it feels so good when I’m done.

I admit it. Sometimes my body is stiff, my knees ache, and recently my feet have had a few minor issues. So yes, I push through those minor aches and pains because it feels so good when I’m done.

I’m still running because I still can.

Not everyone is as fortunate as I am. There are legitimate reasons to stop running as we age. For some the pain is too great, the impact of running can cause more damage. That is not me. I still can run, so I will.

I’m still running because I’m still a runner.

I’ve been defining myself as a runner for almost 30 years so I see no reason to stop. I will probably call myself a runner even when I’m using a cane and moving at about three miles an hour. I’m a runner.

I wrote Why I Run a couple years ago, but I didn’t look at it while I was writing this. Surprise! I’m still running for most of the same reasons I became a runner in the first place. Fast or slow, long or short, it doesn’t matter. Yes, sometimes it’s hard, but I am running and running is me. I hope to be one of those ladies that they put on television, finishing their marathon at the age of 90. Yep, if I can, I’ll still be running.

What do you hope to be doing when you’re 90? Will you join me at the finish line?

Now it’s time for the Running Coaches’ Corner!

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My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!

Sunday Blog Hop with Jenn
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie 
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Weekend Snapshots with Erin
Anything Goes with Marilyn
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Michelle, Sarah, and Angelena Marie
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Suz, Lora Marie, and Me!
Giveaway Roundup and Try Out Thursdays with Smitha
The Blogger’s Pit Stop with Kathleen
Friday Fitness with Jill