This Running Journey

Now that my 67th birthday has come and gone it is time to start a new blog. I've decided to name this one, "This Running Journey", because as anyone who knows me is aware that running is a big part of my life. While I have been running since I was 14 and a freshman in high school the running journey I have spent the past several years blogging about and focusing on is the journey that actually began on my 60th birthday. When I went to Red Rocks Canyon and did a 60 minute run to celebrate turning 60 I had no idea that I was beginning a journey that would still be going strong 7 years later. I find myself asking from time to time; How long will I be on this journey? I've learned to not set limits or timelines on it because it seems to have a life of its own and that is a good thing. 

One of the best things about this journey is that I haven't been on it by myself. At various times I have been accompanied by various friends and family members and I'm always accompanied by others sharing the experience no matter where or what distance I am racing. Running impacts every area of my life that is important to maintaining balance, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and relational; for that reason I cannot imagine ending the journey any time soon as long as I am able to continue.

My first race as a 67 year old was a Double Adventure Race in San Francisco. It was a 5K followed by a break followed by a 3K. This is the 3rd Double Racing event that I've done so far and my next event later this month will be another double in San Jose. Double Running is a "new sport" started by Bob Anderson the founder of Runner's World Magazine. It is growing fast in the U.S. as well as several foreign countries. Additionally he founded a new magazine, "Double Runner". I've had the chance to visit with Bob at each of the races I've run.

For several years I have gone somewhere to run or hike on my birthday and I have written about these trips in previous blogs. This year because I knew that I would be leaving the house at 4:00 a.m. to drive to the race in San Francisco on the 2nd I decided to not go anywhere on my actual birthday. What I did instead was train my highest mileage week of my 66th year. I ran 44 miles between July 27th and August 2nd. It wasn't something that I planned but after a couple of good days I thought I should keep it up for the week. That included a rest day on the 30th. It didn't do much for my Double but I'm hoping it will pay off down the road when I do another half marathon in October. I actually find that 25-35 miles a week is usually enough no matter what distance I am racing.

While my running journey is fun it is just as much fun following the journeys of the people who contribute to mine. This log will continue to follow theirs as well as mine especially when our journeys intersect as they often do. 

I have no idea other than tentative race plans what this next year will bring but I'm sure there will be a lot to write about and I look forward to sharing it.