I like to read motivational pieces. They let me know that my people are out there striving to improve and living life to the fullest. We ran our hill at Celery Fields yesterday. While there, we saw a couple hiking up and down the hill with backpacks training for a Grand Canyon Hike. We also saw several people estimated to be in the 60-75 age range tackling the steepest inclines up and down. We ended up with eleven miles and 1750 ft of elevation gain for just under 3.5 hours. By the time we were finished, there were not that many cars left in the parking lot. We left feeling like we had a good training day dusty and dirty and ready for some recovery plant based food. I made a quick tofu burrito with tomato, cucumber and yogurt dill sauce when we arrived home to hold us over until dinner.
This am I ran into a runner who told me he did something at 75 years of age that was new. He ran in the Penn Relays as a substitute in the 4 x 100 meter relay and 4 x400 relay. His team won a Gold Medal. Some might say, how many heats did he compete against. I would tell you he competed against every 75 year old in the world that did not show up to compete. Our 5k challenge is still going on and I have an 80 year old member who completed 10.6 miles this am at a 14:43 pace. We had a member finish a half marathon for the first time at 58 this past Sunday. You see there are plenty of people out there trying to stay healthy by moving and eating nutritiously. They are regular people who do it just because.
I want to celebrate these people and all the others lacing up their shoes on mornings that were not perfect to get outside and make it a better day. I hope you get your run in today.