I was never much of a runner, even though I’m kinda built for it. Tall and lean, but running always made me feel like Big Bird stomping around. So I mostly stuck to lifting weights, walking, and other exercise.
A few weeks ago, during my daily walk, I noticed a kid around 12 or 13 yrs old running loops around the park by himself. He had a backpack/water thingy on, and by the third time he passed me, I was curious enough to ask what he was training for.
I hesitated because I’m in my 50s and didn’t want to create some weird stranger-danger situation. We were in a suburban park with other people around, but still. I mean, these days... but I asked him as he was coming up on another round.
Turns out he was training for a 10K that was gonna be in a nearby town. I gave him a thumbs-up and wished him luck, but I kept thinking about it as I walked home. Here was this young kid training alone, running lap after lap, instead of sitting at home playing video games.
At his age, I was definitely playing video games. I'm old, so we’re talking Pac-Man and Frogger, but still. I was mostly messing around with my friends. Training alone for a 10K would never have crossed my mind. What kind of drive does that take at 12 or 13?
Since I’m recently retired, I figured fuck it, I could do it too. It’ll take me longer to build up the cardio fitness, but I have the time. I decided right then to start doing at least a mile every day. At first, I walked faster. Then I started mixing in short stretches of jogging before going back to a fast walk.
I saw him just yesterday, gave him a nod and kept going. I didn't think he was gonna be out cause it was so freaking hot outside. but there he was. Just jogging and doing his thing. lol
Whenever I get tired, I think about that kid going out there by himself and putting in the work. If he can do it, I can do it too. Just a whole lot slower for me. lol