Throwback Thursday - Birthday Edition

31 July and I am 51 years old today!

This is my sisters and brother looking at the new edition to the family 51 years ago. My yougest sister does not look too impressed...

Happy Birthday me!

Challenges

I am registered for some awesome races still this year, but training for them has been full of challenges. Getting into shape is getting harder as the years role on so the steps backwards because of sickness or whatever mishap seems to have bigger impacts than before.

I am very dedicated and was just getting into a perfect rhythm with my training when I got food poisoning after a birthday party last week. Just like that and another 5 days not able to train. But I remain positive and still have enough time to have an amazing rest of 2014. 

I will still shine...even though I feel a bit like the fellow below...

Have a great week everyone!

Age doesn't matter but...

I'll be 51 at the end of the month and I am working towards some awesome ultra goals. Yesterday I was listening to some kids aged 19 - 23 complaining about exercise and effort and whatever else they could. It made me feel quite good.

Yes I'm slow but I can work, run and walk them all into the ground. But it did make me think about a few age related things and even though age doesn't really matter there is a but for sure.

Recovery takes much longer than before. Getting back into shape also takes longer. I think it is related to the fact that getting out of shape speeds up as you get older.

I'm currently building up again after being sick. This is where my body tells me I am not 20 or 30 anymore. Not in what I can achieve, but in how long it takes to get there.

Recovery is certainly taking longer than 15 years ago. Recovery from sickness or after a heavy fall or maybe some other injury or mishap. This is where I feel I am no spring chicken anymore.

Luckily age also brings wisdom and I know from years of experience I must just be patient and persevere. I will get there and I will achieve those awesome goals.

Age doesn't matter, but be wise about it.

Running when sick... or not

Sadly I've been battling with flu and a cough and will only start running again tomorrow. During this time I've been asked quite a few times about running while being sick.

I think this is a common question for runners and most people answer with mention about the above the neck and under the neck rule and so on.

Well, firstly it obviously depends what you are sick with. A bad stomach can certainly down many people while a cold can usually be run with.

I think it is different for every runner. I read an article this morning about how do you know when you are sick enough to stay off work. I loved the answer as it is exactly the same as my answer for the question of how do you know you are too sick to run.

The answer: If you are wondering then you are probably OK to run (or go to work). If not you will know that you just can't. That's how I know when not to run when I'm sick. I just know I can't. If I wonder, I will go out for a short, easy run and see how it goes.

This past two weeks have been very frustrating as I've been battling with especially a sore, burny chest. An irritating cough accompanied this and I just knew I could not run at all. I am feeling ready to run today for the first time and will go for an easy 5km tomorrow.

All part of the fun I suppose...

Happy running everyone!