How I fell into running marathons

In my senior years it seems I have "fell" into a few things that are keeping me happy and more motivated about life. I am using the word "fell" not in a literal sense but because I cannot remember exactly how I got to running everyday as I do now. I also 'fell" into being a plant dad, but that's a story for another day.

About 2 years ago I found myself wearing running shoes and meeting with local run club members every Wednesday and Friday nights. My first couple of tries were walks, 5 mile walks. I could still remember coming home and feeling every single part of my body sore. Joints were cracking and I said never again! But as I write this, we're meeting for our evening run this evening .

Two years later, running has become my daily constant. Twice a week evolved to four times a week and now it has become six days a week! It's no longer even a habit. Each time when college is closed for the holidays, I run everyday in the evenings. I own over 10 pairs of running shoes and t-shirts.

Last year I decided to go on a wild streak. I figured since I can run more than 10 miles, let me explore. When a colleague of mine at the run club told me she and a friend have signed up for a marathon in Nairobi, Kenya and asked if I would be interested to join them. I thought " Richard, what do you have to loose?" I have done marathons in and around Los Angeles. So, I said yes. Months later, we were in Nairobi. I kept thinking, I am 70 what has come over you? You are in another continent. What were you thinking? I should be at home relaxing.

But I have never felt so free and alive in that moment. I met with interesting people from all over the globe who were gathered with one goal in mind. That made me to want more. I didn't stop from there.

Coming back home and getting back to my normal routine of college, running, kids to school, in the back of my mind I had that " I want to run in another continent again." I took a turn and signed up for a marathon in another African country, South Africa earlier this year. There I was in Benoni, which is in the East of Johannesburg signed up for the John Crane Marathon.

(As a side note, South Africa is a beautiful country (when you get the chance you should visit). And the people were friendly. My Airbnb host was also very friendly and supportive.)

In doing all of this, it has made me realize that it's never too late to do the things you love. I run marathons while doing what I love, travelling. When I left England, years ago in my younger years I never thought I would ever leave the US to travel anywhere else. But an opportunity presented itself and I took it. If I had looked at my age and though, yep it's done, I've lived But I get up everyday motivated. With a spring in my step and forgetting these old cracking bones, that are not cracking anymore by the way. But, yeah, I'm feeling good right now. I'm feeling good about what the future holds because I am letting myself do the things that are important to me. I have things that I wake up to and I just smile. And I have never been happier.

Rain or sun, we run. runners know this.