My father, age 76, is still amazingly active (read more here). I am active, but not quite as amazingly so as my father, though I'm trying hard. My older daughter is even more amazingly active than the two of us put together. How amazing? Well, she decided to run her first marathon while in the midst of law school to relieve stress. In Vermont. In the winter. In lots of snow.
Since then she has completed seven more marathons, one ultra and several triathlons. This summer she ran the Half Dome trail in Yosemite as a training run for Mt. Whitney. She did Mt. Whitney, all 22 miles and 6,000 feet of elevation gain, in one day, at a pace considered "fast" by whoever decides these things.
She is, in short, incredibly amazingly active.
Just recently she informed Mike and I that she has selected her next challenge: the multi-country, eight day, 200 mile Transalpine-Run in Europe. How grueling is this race? Just watch the short video below:
What does this all have to do with my early retirement? Well, simply put, I want to continue to experience the endorphin high the runners in this video clearly have going on, for as long as I possibly can. Meaning I've finally gotten off my laurels and selected my next running event - The Mount Diablo Trails Challenge on April 20.
This one's for you dear daughter. Thank you for reminding me that life is meant to be lived to the fullest extent possible.
Okay, I'm game. I'm going to start my training this afternoon! :)! Still wish you lived closer!
ReplyDeleteMe too! But, really, the best way to stay motivated is to sign up for a race that you plan to either walk or run. Once you've put money down, and it's on your calendar, you're committed!
DeleteHere's a story for you on the power of entering a race to keep you focused and committed - I have a girlfriend who has told me for years that she thinks I'm insane for running. But, just recently she entered her first half marathon, which she was primarily going to walk. She planned to run the first mile, and then walk the rest. But she got carried away by the energy of the crowd and ending up running the first four miles much to her surprise. She's now already signed up for her second half marathon, and is determined to finish it in under three hours. She's totally smitten, and I'm enjoying watching it all immensely.
So there you go! :-)
When Betty and I visit with you and Mike at some point in our travels, I'm telling you right up front: we don't run. We sit very, very well.
ReplyDeleteI promise not to mention running, but is hiking fair game? :-)
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