Of Mice and Marathons

You seem a bit young to be in the dealing with aging parents stage of life. What's up with Megan's parents?

They needed to get to the doctor for some treatable issues. They were too scared to go during the first year of COVID and Megan's mom basically now has a host of issues requiring light, assisted living. They are 75 and 73.

My dad will be 71 and my mom needs help with him as he has mobility issues (health issues that led to a fall and broken hip). He has other issues as well. I'd be surprised if he lives to 80.

We didn't expect to be dealing with all of this for at least another 10 years.

Sorry! That's where Ann and I are now but our parents are quite a bit older and we aren't dealing with toddlers as well.It's stressful!

It also is a daily reminder to take care of ourselves when we're young. Your dad is 13 years older than me and I hope to still be thinking about my next trail race or half-marathon when I'm his age.Knock on wood!

My dad died at 74 so I think of that a lot as well.

I started running late in life, about 24 or so. 25 I guess as it Is right about 11 years ago now this September for that very reason. I knew I needed something, and I had no idea what it would turn into.

I continue to look up to you, Jeff, and Bret for many reasons but your commitment to your health and running as you do in your 50s is something I always tell Megan I hope to be able to do.

I was just telling Megan how I am jealous I am of guys I know who are riding trails with their dads.

I have no doubt you'll be signing up for races then. Plus you have to keep up those good veins to impress Ann!

;-)

Best wishes to you, her, and your family.

Hang in there. You are in a challenging phase with the kids, their mobility and new interests definitely require lots of energy and attention and it can be overwhelming with other life pressures. Through in the issues with aging parents (we have that too but not quite and the same intensity as you and Rob).

Definitely seek out help from friends and family, talk regularly with Megan (and counseling, it helps believe me!).

Additionally, find time as you are trying both for you as a couple and you individually to help get through the pressures and have a time to serve yourself as well.

Finally, break things up so the overall mass is not this huge mountain. Find ways to focus goals in aspects of your life and realize that some aspects may at times take a back seat to others but seek balance where possible. I do this by looking at my 5 F's: Faith, Family, Function, Fitness and Fellowship.

Best of luck and reach out anytime.

I appreciate it, Jeff. I'm doing okay. Trying to remember to be helpful and not let my issues make it harder for her.

Unfortunately, we just found out that both of their mental conditions are much worse than we knew even after visiting them. Why the facility waited more than a month to notify us that her mother is screaming when anyone tries to move her out of the bed is beyond me. What a mess.