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A marathoner looks at 50...

Ankle tattoo

 I turned 50 this year, and I had big plans: 

  1. Travel to Greece
  2. Get a tattoo
  3. Run a 50 mile race
  4. Laser my armpits

I feel like 50 gives you the excuse to do some of the things you've always wanted to do, and the confidence to do whatever the heck you feel like because you don't care what other people think anymore. (Hence, the tattoo.)

So, thanks to 'Rona, I've done one out of four.  I'm happy to say that because of the hair removal laser my husband bought me for my birthday, my pits are pretty bald.

We spent months planning our trip to Greece, but since Greece won't let Americans in, and I really don't want to spend 18 hours in an airplane right now, we'll have to reschedule for another year.

The biggest impact on my day-to-day life, besides the disappointment of all our cancelled plans, has been the lack of direction in my running.  I don't necessarily need a race goal to get me out the door each morning--my body craves it and my mind requires it--but it does help me push myself to go further or faster than I might otherwise.  For the past 13 years, since my second daughter was born, I've had at least one big race each year to keep me motivated.  This year was going to be the big one.  I've run 22 marathons, including 3 that were technically ultra marathons, (meaning they were longer than 26.2 miles,) but I've never done a 50 miler.  I realize there are those of you who may be questioning my sanity right now, but I think there are a few of you out there who also understand that long runs are how I keep my sanity.  There is something truly cleansing about pushing yourself a long distance, clearing your mind, moving past the discomfort, and letting thoughts (usually quite creative ones) flow through your consciousness as they please.

Anyway, 50 miles isn't happening in 2020, and probably not in 2021 either.  For now I've decided to work on short distance speed instead, letting my body heal from all the long miles and grow stronger through weight-lifting, yoga, and hill sprints.  In my racing days, three miles didn't seem worth the effort of lacing up my running shoes, but these days I'm just happy to get outside, clear my mind, and save a little energy for other things.

It's still on my bucket list, though.

As for that tattoo...there are still a few months left before I turn 51!


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