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Week 48: Crossing New Frontiers After 40?

Just about every week, I hit another milestone in running that I haven’t touched in years. And each time I think back that it was about 15 years ago since I was running like this.

The other day I ran over 18 miles in 3 hours in the heat, stopping at local parks to refill water along the way.

I realized I hadn’t run that way since a very specific and measurable event from my now distant past and youth.

The 2007 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. It went down on October 28^th of that year.

I finished the race in 3:53:17; not a great time, not a bad time. I suppose it could have been better, but my friends were passing out beer to runners at mile 23, so I stopped and had one.

A full one.

When I got started again, my legs felt like lead weights. A mistake sure, but oh well. It was still fun, and I got say dumb stuff like, “Well I could have run faster had I not had that beer haha!”

And it’s another example of the ludicrous self-sabotage I used to take part in.

When I started this journey, I wanted to get in the best shape of my life, knowing that such a feat would only become more difficult as the years go on.

As it turns out, my younger self wouldn’t have known what to do with it. It would have been nothing but vanity.

I realized after that great run on Saturday that I am now in the same realm as I was that day, now 17 years ago. I was 24.

Life seemed full of possibilities.

And here is the craziest thing of all: life still seems full of possibilities. Even more so now.

Whereas before, I was unfocused, unconcerned and lacking in direction; I am now wiser, more consistent and dedicated to long-term gain.

This process only PROVES those possibilities still exist in abundance.

A year ago, I was sitting on the couch watching YouTube.

A year later, I’ve run more than 1500 miles preparing for the pursuit of big, hairy audacious goals.

I ran two winter ultramarathons and survived. I got a coach. I joined a running club. I started eating better.

I gained confidence. I questioned everything. I was reminded I can do hard things.

Facing physical challenges and succeeding gave me renewed confidence to take on other challenges. To fear failure less.

I feel different. I look different. My body has changed in other ways as my VO2 max has increased by 50% (33 to 50), signifying greater mitochondrial and capillary density in my cells.

I ran with my shirt off the other day. It’s been 18 years since I felt good running with my shirt off.

I’m also now two months away from running 65.6 miles in the Virginia mountains.

And I’ll be ready.

Months ago, I didn’t know I’d be able to say that, but it’s building. Day by day. Run by run. Brick by brick.

Don’t tell me you can’t achieve crazy dreams. Don’t tell me you can’t change your life, your situation, your health, or your body even.

I did, and the only thing I’ve got going for me is being too stubborn and stupid to quit.

We overestimate what one day of inspiration can do for us.

But we vastly underestimate what a full year of dedication WILL do for us.

So get going.

“Be great in act as you are in thought.” -King John, Shakespeare

Live triumphantly. See you next week.