“Are you still running?”  The question was first asked by an acquaintance sometime during my fiftieth year on this earth.  I was caught off-guard and answered with a simple “Yes, of course I’m still running.”  Was there some reason I wasn’t aware of that would prompt the question, one of those unwritten rules that I am sometimes oblivious to?

Apparently not.  Flash forward roughly 15 years.  The question is still asked frequently.  It’s not as though I am one of those wonderful athletes who continue to set records well into their masters years, although they do serve as one of my inspirations.  No, I am a mostly casual runner who enjoys camaraderie with running friends, and supports local running organizations and races through participation, race directing and other volunteer efforts.

So, why the recurring question?  I don’t recall anyone asking “Do you still garden?”  I do, although the outcome rarely matches my expectations and can be as physically demanding as a speed workout

I am not asked “Are you still traveling?” although I am and almost always find a way to combine travel with running. 

It’s the running that seems to be a curiosity. I’m convinced it can’t be just me. Are most runners on the far side of the 45-49 age group asked the question? Is it asked more frequently of women runners?

It’s a great time to  be a senior runner. Information about conditioning, nutrition, and training is continually improving.  That information is also more widely available than in my early days as a runner and has helped me to a half marathon PR just months ago.

Running clubs and casual running groups abound.   Trail running has become more prevalent and races can be found locally and around the world.  Running experiences for me are forever new.

So yes, I am still running – still enthusiastically running.  What good fortune that this wonderful physical endeavor can help a pre-Title IX runner continue good health, great friendships, and an ever-changing view of the world never seen in detail through a car window.

Perhaps the answer is not as simple as “Yes, I’m still running.”  Maybe it speaks to the questions of how we  express ourselves, keep our health, follow our passion, and how curious we are to see what is around the next curve in the road or on the trails we run.

Thanks for reading my premier post.  I hope you come back. 

Oh, and by the way, are you still running?