I read an article over the weekend about growing older with grace. One of the finer points that has stuck with me was the idea that we need to learn acceptance of who we are now and not who we were 5 years ago. For me, everything started down hill in 2011 and 2012. It has taken me a solid 5 years to accept the new me. No one in my family lives past 73 and so I am technically way past middle age. My Dad once told me when I was running 40-60 mile marathon training weeks, that I should create a excersize routine that I can do 3-6 days a week for the rest of my life and to cut out the extremes. He said they would eventually wear me down and leave me feeling defeated when I could not perform against myself. When he lay dying in the hospital, he did not want to see pictures of himself as Mr. America in the 1970's -- those accomplishments depressed him in light of his situation. I understand that now. We can't look back to who we were. We have to be who we are-- we have to be the best person we can be now. So I'm learning. It's time for me to reconcile the energy &ability, time & interest spreadsheets.
Facts I can't change:
1. I used to be faster
2. I should have started running faster and longer much sooner (age 25)
3. I can't make up for lost time runing time in my late 40's.
4. I broke 2 tendons
5. I can't control my blood sugar with 100% acuracy and need to wear a bracelet for my safety that specifies my condition while out running in case I am found unconcious.
Things I can change
1. I can run slower and shorter distances with some amount of enjoyment and confidence
2. I can do good amounts of strength training and Yoga to enable my continued participation in both running and skiing
3. I can lose 5 pounds to make running easier
4.. I can start a 3-7 mile running club ( 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.) for all my various wogging friends in the neighborhood able to do 10:30-12 m/m who can sprint 100-400 at 8:30-9:30 pace.
5. I can decide to be happy with what is now
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