Last Thursday on October 24th, 2019, I opened up my Nike Run Club app and saw a new achievement. Whew. It stopped me in my tracks.
One year ago I ran non-stop for over a mile for the first time since I was about 20 years old.
I am now 52.
First, a hip surgery. Then a knee surgery. Running was a major issue. Over 30 years of frustration. First it took away basketball and that was a hard blow. I had pretty much given up after so many false starts that all ended up the same. But I tried it again by starting slow and building up to it. I would take the dogs out on walks and maybe run 20 steps and then walk again. Then soon I would run to the next stop light...and then walk. I would see a street lamp further ahead and set out for it. Gradually, it was more running and less walking.
I decided it was time. On October 24th, 2018, 365 days from last Thursday, I downloaded the app. And...I ran over a mile. I know it seems small, but it had been over three decades.
I ended up running 230 times over the year bringing my 5k times down repeatedly, my average times down more than two minutes per mile, my mile PR time way down, and set multiple personal distance records. To be honest, I have struggled this last month with knee issues but still got some runs in.
I have often been asked about my running goals.
Marathon? No. Half? No. Certain time? No.
My goal is to be able to run again tomorrow.
That’s it. After over 30 years of not doing it...I just want to be able to run again tomorrow.
Running has been a major benefit to my health and fitness. I am in the best shape of my life, I’ve lost over 25 pounds, and I currently weigh what I did in college. But, it has had an even bigger impact on my mental health and well-being. It has been a wonderful space to be able to clear my head...a moving meditation. At some point over the course of the year, this crazy transformation happened. I went from seeing myself as a person who is doing some running...to seeing myself as a runner.
You are never too old.
You are definitely not too young.
You have never been knocked down too many times to not get up and try again.
It doesn’t matter if nobody believes you can do it.
You don’t have to do it for any awards, external gratification, or approval.
No matter how long you have been unable to do something or how insurmountable the odds may seem...start slow and move consistently in the direction of your goal.
This almost 53 year old guy who ran 230 times this year after not running for over 30 years thinks you can get it done.
What do YOU want to do? Really? Me and you...let’s go get it.
Dave
PS: We are pumped about the release of a brand new book on the IMpress line of DBC Inc. by Tom Murray. Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime. It is really incredible. Learn more and preview the first chapters RIGHT HERE. Also, if you decide to get a copy, be sure to check out his AMAZING book study resources and supplemental material RIGHT HERE on his website.
PSS: I would be remiss not to thank my chiropractor, Chad Wells, and also mention that I have been RELENTLESS in working on my body via foam rolling and a therapeutic massaging stick. They both travel with me (the roller and the stick...not Chad!) everywhere and I use them at least every morning and night. Do what you have to do...learn what you need to learn. Get it done.