For the last couple of years I have been consciously aware of the effect age is having on my running. I have slowed down. I don't feel as limber, and the middle distance speed I had at one time seems to have disappeared for good. I'm in my mid-40's, and starting to feel the cumulative impact of 30 years worth of distance running.
It's something you never think about when you are young, fast, and seem to be able to go forever. But I now understand why there is a Master's division in running, and why it is fair. Older runners simply can't compete on an even level with younger runners of the same ability.
But the idea of not running has never occurred to me either. I may be slower, but I still enjoy it, and I still have goals to set and try to reach. But nothing like the guy in the story below. Have You heard about this guy? I don't know how long he has been running, but he must be an amazing human being!
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LONDON (Reuters) - Already Britain's oldest employee, 101-year-old Buster Martin now aims to become the world's oldest marathon runner by completing the London Marathon and celebrating with a pint of beer and a cigarette.
Sprightly and bearded, he completed a half marathon at the weekend in five hours 13 minutes. The former Army physical training instructor works three days a week for a London plumbing firm and says he has trained for the April 13th race in his spare time.
"I've said I'll attempt it," he told Reuters by telephone from his workplace at Pimlico Plumbers. "I haven't said I'll complete it. If I do make it, all the better. I hadn't thought of doing it before but someone asked me and the money goes to charity so why not?"
His sponsorship money will go to the Rhys Daniels Trust, which provides temporary accommodation for families of patients in specialist children's hospitals.
Martin, who had 17 children and returned to work at the age of 99 saying he was bored after two years of retirement, would beat the previous record for world's oldest marathon runner by eight years.
"If I finish, I'll do what I always do and have a pint and a fag," he said. "People ask what is my secret but I haven't got one. They say fags and booze are bad for you -- but I'm still here, aren't I?"
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How great is that! I know there are quite a few older runners that have amazing running careers after 40, or 50. They tend to have fairly fresh legs without the years of miles on them. It's got to be really great to discover an aptitude for running late in life, and begin a whole new sport (or as some might call it, obsession).
As for the booze and cigarettes? Hey, it seems to be working for him. I'd be thrilled to be walking the planet at 90, much less running a marathon at 101!
When I was in college, I got to see a lecture by the legendary Runner's World columnist Dr. George Sheahan. He was one of the best writers on the topic of running ever. He wrote the running experience from the perspective of the 'common runner'. He was also a great speaker. But 23 years after hearing that lecture, the one enduring memory I have is when he talked about his marathon traditions. He said he always had a beer about the halfway point of the marathon.
I've never tried it, but I wish I had the attitude to be able to enjoy it that much. And to take it less seriously! We run because it's fun, we enjoy it, and it makes us stronger and healthier.
So I might not drink during races, but after the London marathon, I plan to lift a glass to toast Buster Martin. He is my newest hero in running.
See you on the roads....
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