This week’s Tuesdays on the Run Linkup topic asks you to finish the sentence ” If I wasn’t running…
What would I do with myself if I didn’t run? Before I complete the sentence, let me give you a little background. My recent Berlin marathon, along with the injury that preceded it and the airline bankruptcy that followed seemed to draw out lots of critics. I got plenty of unsolicited advice. Many seemed to think the obstacles involved with getting to Berlin were signs I shouldn’t be going…and shouldn’t be running. Here are some gems I can recall:
When I finally got to Berlin, a fascinating thing happened. I was in line at the airport bound for Copenhagen, and got to talking with the couple in front of me. The woman was 10+ years my senior. She’d been on a bike excursion through the Baltic countries…since July. When she wasn’t biking she was hiking in the Alps. She told me about all the women she’d met along the way. Older woman. Women in their 70’s and 80’s so strong and agile and robust, hiking very demanding trails. Had anyone told them to stop? Told them they were too old? It was too dangerous?
You might imagine how much I loved hearing about these women. Hearing all about the cities my new friend had toured on two wheels. I’d like to think that for every naysayer who tells people like me to slow down, quit running, get a life, whatever, there is a whole tribe of adventurous “old bags” up in the mountains living life on their terms and laughing themselves silly in the process. That’s the kind of old bag I wanna be. I’ll run for as long as I physically can but if there comes a day when I can’t, come join me up in the Alps.
I’m going to complete the sentence this way:
If I didn’t run marathons, I’d…
- Still run shorter distances. My sweet spot is really 5k/10k and I happen to love speedwork
- Still run everywhere when I travel (and I travel a lot)
- Ride my bike more
- Go on biking trips
- Do more kayaking
- Do more hiking
All the naysayers can sit in their recliners, reminding me of my advanced age until they’re blue in the face. I’ll smile and nod, and head up to the Alps.
How would you complete the sentence? Did you enter my giveaway?
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I plan to run for as long as I can. I’ve gotten much better at listening to my body when it is still whispering instead of shouting. Does this mean at some point I’ll stop running marathons? Sure. But like you, today is not that day. And even when the marathons are done, I’ll continue moving.
Seriously?! People need to keep their opinions to themselves! Here’s to running for a long time to come!
I hope to me running for many more years. And even if Im not running marathons I want to at least be running short distances for fun. Thats terrible that you got so many negative comments before the race. Im glad you proved them all wrong!
Wow people are insane! I can’t believe they say all that. Good for you to keep on running and doing what you love to do!
I’m guessing most of that “advice” came from friends & family? Non runners don’t get it & they never will. I hope to be running & hiking the rest of my life. Heck, I still have 34 states to do & at an average rate 3 x year (despite the nuttiness of last year), I’ll be lucky to finish when I’m 70. And I don’t plan to hang up my running shoes then!
I’d totally join you in the Alps.
Wow, I never thought people could be so opinionated,and to your face even. Non runners just don’t get it, and they never will. Not sure what activities I’d get into if I didn’t spend my time running. Maybe I’d have more time to read.
Speing chicken??!! It’s not like you’re in the senior center yet – but when you are you’ll probably be coaching their running team.
I’d be walking! I’ve not been able to run for the past week, so I’m already there. But I’d be staying active and not making any excuses for it.
Who knows what the future holds for me, running-wise? I’m hoping that I get to keep running and I love to run Chicago one more time. Unless someone has mercy on me and gives me an entry, it looks like my Boston dream will just remain that–a dream. I am thankful for all the other things I can do–cycling, yoga, kayaking, SUP, waterskiing, and now hiking–and I’ll keep on doing those things. Just keep moving.
I will meet you in the Alps any day! And I am a hell yah for more kayaking, hiking and traveling!
I love that when I travel I just meet more people who feel like me, adventure, movement, going, doing!! then again colorado is totally that way too!
I’m upset for you that you had to deal with all the negativity from people – that’s just not right. When you were going through the injury and the airline bankruptcy, my first thought was about how mentally strong you were for preserving through all of that.
Just tell all those negative people to go sit on a tack..
Well I think it’s time to start unfriending some of these negative facebook friends! Clearly they underestimate you 🙂
As you SHOULD! You are a strong, active woman and should continue as such! I will not sit on the sidelines and wither way either. #beastmode
RnR San Diego has a woman in her 90s still trucking along. I’d rather be running and fighting injury than giving up and being in a recliner all day. My great-grandfather had a saying, that he was sitting there waiting for God. My parents and I are out there enjoying our lives, not waiting for anything.
If I didn’t run, I’d still coach, spectate, and be active in the running community!
Can I join you in the Alps??
I’d definitely do more hiking, too! I feel like I don’t have much time for hikes since I’m running/spinning 🙂
Fun post idea! Hope you have a great Tuesday.
Sounds like those people need to walk in your shoes for two seconds and realize that being active makes you happy. Then they would know NOT to say things like – get a life! I would do the same thing as you…keep going however my body would let me 😉
Someone told you you were too old to run? Wow, my guess is they probably don’t do anything enjoyable in life. Life and happiness go together like peas in a pod. I never listen to negative people, who needs them!
Run, hike, bike do whatever your heart desires because you never know what life will bring. Better to be happy and healthy and live it to its fullest!
Honestly, what is wrong with some people? Why, why, why do they say such negative things?? Jealousy would be my guess. Anyway, I’m 100% with you on staying active until the day I leave this world. Life is too short to be lived sitting on a couch in front of the TV
If I’m not running, I’ll be doing all of the same things you mentioned …cycling, hiking, swimming, at the gym and heck, even walking is better than sitting! I’m almost an empty nester and there’s a beautiful world to see. You can bet your running shoes that I’ll be seeing it in an ‘active’ way …not from the window of a tour bus!
Love, love, love this post! The Alps are calling!
Why do people feel the need to be so critical? Crazy!
I would love to be one of those old ladies hiking into my 80s… when I can’t run anymore, I plan to be the lady walking the neighborhood every day!
ugh, some people need to keep their opinions to themselves… haters! I would like to keep running as long as possible… but if not – hiking, SUP, biking, something active and outdoors!
Phew, I’m so glad you’ll be joining me in Duluth and Chicago next year (oh, and Quad Cities!!!). So glad you aren’t giving up on ‘running’ (running = marathons, right?? 😉 )
xo
Let’s meet for hiking!!
I hear from people…all the time why I still want to run if it hurts my feet and I tell them because this can happen to feet even if I don’t run, my feet didn’t hurt any less when I was off…so I may as well try to have fun while i can.
I still love walking and hiking and I often wish I was just a tad closer to the mountains I would go more.