Skip to main content

Are you ready to run your age?


This week I turned 30. My to-do list for the day read:

 Run 30km.
 Send flowers to Mum.
 Unsubscribe from all companies that send me Happy Birthday messages.
 Eat cake.

I can’t stand the fake intimacy of general, automated emails, so No 3 acts as a good annual cull. And I’ve never understood why birthdays are about celebrating the child for a passive act of which they have no recollection rather than the mother for whom it was probably arduous and highly memorable, hence the flowers.

But throughout my adult life, I have found myself at a loss for what to do with the rest of the day. Eating cake is undoubtedly pleasurable but, as an ultrarunner, it is also an at-least-daily occurrence. So, from now on, I intend to run my age in kilometres each year. Cynics will no doubt point out that I have taken the easy option by choosing metric rather then imperial measurement. But 30 miles before work seemed a tall order and I need to think a few decades ahead.

It turns out I am far from being the first to adopt this annual tradition. David McGillivray, the race director for the Boston marathon, has been running his age in miles since his 12th birthday, back in 1966. He was still going strong at 60.

Ultrarunning is, after all, a sport for the older runner. The average age of participants is 43 and runners in their 60s, 70s and 80s are not uncommon. And records for mature runners continue to fall. At 70, Bob Becker completed the notorious Badwater Ultra (135 miles) in 41 hours. Gunhild Swanson, also 70, finished the gruelling 100-mile Western States race. And in 2016, Ed Whitlock became the oldest sub-four-hour marathon runner at the incredible age of 85 (he also held the sub-three-hour record at 74).

With this sort of pedigree, the birthday ritual could be continued almost indefinitely – provided, of course, it doesn’t hasten life’s final ribbon. Have any of the Guardian running community been following similar traditions? Does anyone want to start? I can attest that it definitely makes the cake taste better ...
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Stay Healthy While Working a Desk Job

Let's face it — modern work life often means long hours at a desk, back-to-back meetings, endless emails, and too little movement. It might seem like a "safe" routine, but over time, this sedentary lifestyle can contribute to back pain, low energy, poor posture, weight gain, and even mental burnout. The good news? You don't need a total life overhaul to stay healthy. You just need smart, realistic habits that fit your routine. Here's how to keep your body and mind in check — even while staying at your desk. 1. Move Every Hour (Even for 2 Minutes) Sitting for too long slows down circulation, tightens your hips, and stresses your lower back. Set a reminder every hour to get up and move — walk to the kitchen, do some arm circles, or stretch your hamstrings. Even two minutes of movement can help prevent stiffness, boost energy, and improve your mood. 👉 Pro tip: Use a standing desk or switch between sitting and standing if possible. Alternate postures = happy spine. 2...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Eat and Exercise During Your Menstrual Cycle?

Your menstrual cycle can affect your energy levels, mood, and even your appetite. Understanding how your body changes throughout this period can help you optimize your diet and exercise routine. Here's how you can stay healthy and energized during your menstrual cycle by adjusting your eating habits and workouts. 1. Understanding the Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle Before diving into diet and exercise recommendations, it’s important to understand the four phases of your menstrual cycle: Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5) : This is when you have your period. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Follicular Phase (Day 6-14) : Hormones start to rise as your body prepares for ovulation. Estrogen peaks. Ovulation (Day 14-16) : The egg is released from the ovary. Estrogen and testosterone peak during this time. Luteal Phase (Day 17-28) : Progesterone levels rise to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels drop, leading to yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Healthy Homemade Snacks to Fuel Your Day

Snacking often gets a bad rap, but when done right, it can be a great way to fuel your body with nutritious, energy-boosting foods. The key is to choose snacks that are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Making your own snacks at home is a simple and effective way to ensure you're eating wholesome ingredients. Here are some easy and healthy homemade snack ideas that you can enjoy guilt-free! 1. Energy Balls Energy balls are perfect for a quick snack when you're on the go. They're easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients like oats, nut butter, seeds, and dried fruits. Simply blend together rolled oats, almond butter, chia seeds, and a bit of honey, then roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. You can also add dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes for an extra touch of flavor. These energy balls provide a balanced combination of carbs, healthy fats, and protein to keep you energized throughout the day. 2. Veggie Chips Cravin...
Post a Comment
Read more