Keep Running

I was out running one morning as a storm started to roll into the area. Rain and wind began to pick up as I tried to get my workout done early.

While running, my mind drifted into the “what ifs.”

I was starting my training for the Boston Marathon. What if I could run sub-3 hours? Is that even possible at my age?

My goal that week was simple: start building momentum and do the work.

Then I saw her.

Sue is 87 years old.

Thin. Frail by age. Her pace is slow now, more of a shuffle than a run.

I don’t say that to belittle her. I would never belittle someone as strong as Sue. She is amazing.

Years ago she told me she used to run as fast as I do on the trails.

She’s not as fast as she once was.

But she still runs.

Every day.

Sometimes when I see her, the protective part of my brain wants to say,“Stop running, Sue.”She looks like she’s in pain, fighting to keep going.

But that morning I thought about it more deeply.

We were both running into the same storm, each of us fighting our own internal battles with life.

So instead of telling her to stop, I said,

“Looking strong, Sue. Keep running.”

I only hope I’m still fighting like that when I’m her age. Still running. Still living a healthy, active life.

Storms will come and go, both in the weather and in life.

Keep going.

You’ve got this.

Keep running.
Keep moving.
Keep showing up.

— Coach Joe Beckerley

If you want to train for the long game — strength, endurance, nutrition, and mindset. You can learn more about coaching here.
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