[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, nevertheless it appears significantly acute for athletes over 50. In working with older athletes, I’ve discovered three wonderful 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 definitely our exercise of selection, there are occasions the day by day grind is usually a bit an excessive amount of, and we want a break. Embracing different types of cardio train may be enjoyable and motivational on the similar time. Snowboarding, swimming, biking, and 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 likely appear apparent to many, you’d be shocked what number of athletes, significantly getting old ones, are unwilling or unable to department out past their day by day run. Not solely will these new actions energize your operating, however they may additionally introduce you to new methods of viewing the world — and even perhaps your self.
Climbing is usually a nice cardio different to operating that may give 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 season of racing, he merely misplaced his want to run, which led to a downward spiral that impacted different areas of his life as properly. Whereas on a run collectively in early October, I instructed 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 aim. Whereas reluctant at first, he finally embraced the concept 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 exterior of his consolation zone.
Take a “Runcation”
Whereas older runners could not benefit from the foot velocity that they as soon as had, they typically have a bit of 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 utterly in operating can do wonders for a runner’s perspective and in the end result in a full mind-and-body reset.
Escaping to the desert for a couple of days in the midst of winter can do wonders for operating motivation. Photograph: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Whereas rising older as runners is definitely no picnic, I consider 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’re keen on. Typically reframing the thoughts may be one of the best ways to protect and defend the physique.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Quick’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 style resiny IPA character with wealthy hazy points, Solely Vacationers is among the most original Hazy IPAs I’ve ever tasted.
Name for Feedback
- What do you do whenever you discover your motivation for operating waning?
- Have you ever ever used any of AJW’s strategies 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.