[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, but it surely appears significantly acute for athletes over 50. In working with older athletes, I’ve discovered three wonderful methods to fight motivation and reinvigorate working.
AJW proudly shows his 2024 Javelina 100 Mile belt buckle as an older, and even perhaps wiser, athlete. Picture courtesy of AJW.
Transfer Past Operating
Whereas working is definitely our exercise of alternative, there are occasions the each day grind could be a bit an excessive amount of, and we want a break. Embracing various types of cardio train will be enjoyable and motivational on the identical 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 working. Though this will appear apparent to many, you’d be shocked what number of athletes, significantly getting older ones, are unwilling or unable to department out past their each day run. Not solely will these new actions energize your working, 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 working that can provide you new views on transferring by the world. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Get Out of Your Consolation Zone
An athlete I work with was in an actual funk towards the top of final yr. 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 properly. Whereas on a run collectively in early October, I advised 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 objective. Whereas reluctant at first, he ultimately embraced the thought and ran a half-marathon private greatest on the roads in December. Now, a few months later, his working is totally rejuvenated — largely on account of his several-month journey outdoors of his consolation zone.
Take a “Runcation”
Whereas older runners might not benefit from the foot pace that they as soon as had, they typically have just a little bit extra time to do issues that youthful runners might not. On this context, I’ve seen a number of older runners re-energize their working by getting out on a “runcation.” Taking just a few days away from day-to-day life for a change of surroundings and immersing oneself utterly in working can do wonders for a runner’s angle and finally result in a full mind-and-body reset.
Escaping to the desert for just a few days in the course of winter can do wonders for working motivation. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Whereas rising older as runners is definitely 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 forestall you from getting on the market to do what you’re keen on. Generally reframing the thoughts will be one of the simplest ways 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 among the most unusual Hazy IPAs I’ve ever tasted.
Name for Feedback
What do you do if you discover your motivation for working waning?
Have you ever ever used any of AJW’s ideas to maintain working contemporary and thrilling?
In 2026, Michael Koppy (middle), at age 75, turned the oldest particular person to complete the on-snow Arrowhead 135 Mile. Picture courtesy of Michael Koppy.
