[Author’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
Within the final half-decade, I’ve spoken with and coached dozens of 50-plus-year-old athletes who’ve struggled with motivation. Actually, the motivation to coach is one thing all of us grapple with, however it appears significantly acute for athletes over 50. In working with older athletes, I’ve discovered three glorious methods to fight motivation and reinvigorate operating.
AJW proudly shows his 2024 Javelina 100 Mile belt buckle as an older, and even perhaps wiser, athlete. Photograph courtesy of AJW.
Transfer Past Working
Whereas operating is actually our exercise of selection, there are occasions the every day grind could be a bit an excessive amount of, and we’d like a break. Embracing various types of cardio train might be enjoyable and motivational on the similar time. Snowboarding, swimming, biking, and mountain climbing are all nice methods for older athletes to stay match whereas taking a break from the day-to-day monotony of operating. Though this will appear apparent to many, you’ll be shocked what number of athletes, significantly getting older ones, are unwilling or unable to department out past their every day run. Not solely will these new actions energize your operating, however they might additionally introduce you to new methods of viewing the world — and even perhaps your self.
Climbing could be a nice cardio various to operating that can provide you new views on shifting by way of the world. Photograph: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Get Out of Your Consolation Zone
An athlete I work with was in an actual funk towards the tip of final 12 months. After a profitable summer time of racing, he merely misplaced his want to run, which led to a downward spiral that impacted different areas of his life as nicely. Whereas on a run collectively in early October, I steered that maybe he wanted to take a break from the paths and hit the roads for some time, maybe even concentrating on a street half marathon as a late autumn purpose. Whereas reluctant at first, he finally embraced the thought and ran a half-marathon private greatest on the roads in December. Now, a few months later, his operating is totally rejuvenated — largely resulting from his several-month journey outdoors of his consolation zone.
Take a “Runcation”
Whereas older runners could not benefit from the foot velocity that they as soon as had, they usually have somewhat bit extra time to do issues that youthful runners could not. On this context, I’ve seen a number of older runners re-energize their operating by getting out on a “runcation.” Taking a couple of days away from day-to-day life for a change of surroundings and immersing oneself fully in operating can do wonders for a runner’s perspective and finally result in a full mind-and-body reset.
Escaping to the desert for a couple of days in the course of winter can do wonders for operating motivation. Photograph: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Whereas rising older as runners is actually no picnic, I imagine there are methods we, as athletes, can proceed to develop and thrive in our golden years. Embracing different actions, going past our consolation zones, and exploring the world on foot are simply three of them. No matter you select, don’t let the ticking clock of age stop you from getting on the market to do what you like. Typically reframing the thoughts might be the easiest way to protect and defend the physique.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Brief’s Brewing Firm in Bellaire, Michigan. Solely Vacationers further juicy Hazy IPA is a tropical blast of an IPA with a deep hoppy aftertaste that could be a thrill to the style buds. Mixing old skool resiny IPA character with wealthy hazy elements, Solely Vacationers is likely one of the most unusual Hazy IPAs I’ve ever tasted.
Name for Feedback
- What do you do while you discover your motivation for operating waning?
- Have you ever ever used any of AJW’s options to maintain operating contemporary and thrilling?
In 2026, Michael Koppy (heart), at age 75, turned the oldest individual to complete the on-snow Arrowhead 135 Mile. Photograph courtesy of Michael Koppy.