When I officially retired a few years ago, I had no intention of giving up the energy and vibrant health the Lord had blessed me with most of my adult life. There may not be much rhyme to us ancient mariners marathoners, but we've got plenty of reasons not to be content to just sit and rock. I want to walk or run on the beach, then plunge into the breakers with my surfboard. I want to climb tall mountains. I want to do more triathlons. I want to feel my arms and legs and lungs and heart working together in perfect synchrony while I'm lifting weights. I want to sweat and tan and be lean because I know these simple attainments will boost the enjoyment of my final years. When you're running a marathon, you'll often hear someone say, "Every mile is a gift." This is never truer than at the end of the race. You realize that the finish line is near, and you want to fully appreciate every moment.
When you are an accidental athlete like me, you can't imagine a day without moving. Each new day is something to be cherished and nurtured. Most of us past 70 know that life is short and that we need to embrace every day. Little lessons become essentials, like the fact that rest and recovery after a workout is more important than when you were younger. "Long" runs need to be modified to emphasize quality over quantity. We can't turn the clock back, but we can at least slow its effect on the way we feel and look. Exercise isn't just a way to lose weight or get in some cardio. It's our passion, a powerful internal force that in some cases keeps us alive. After all, why shouldn't we keep trying and training to be the best we can be? Yes, we know that our days are numbered. But we don't want to reach the end of life knowing that we didn't give it our all.
This weekend I plan on getting in a 9 mile run. I'll take more time to warm up and cool down than I did a decade ago. I'll run at a steady pace, just happy to be jogging the miles without pain. Exercise has too many positive effects not to like it. I am hungry for more adventures and races. I don't want to die wondering what I could have been capable of if allowed. As long as God gives me good health, I'll keep doing what I do because I love it.
Below: Getting in my workout today ....
... and my steps.