Michelle

In mid-January I went to see Betty Jean McHugh talk about her book, “My Road to Rome – The Running Times of BJ McHugh”. Seeing BJ (83) talk about her love of running and so nonchalantly of her world records was humbling and inspiring. She took up running at the age of 52 and has set (and continues to set) world records for 10K’s, halfs and full marathons. Her record at 67 years old for a half-marathon was faster than my first half marathon in my early 40s. Humbling. I was reflecting on this and thought of my 69 year old mother whose knees bother her a lot and who doesn’t exercise at all, and I wonder at people who say “running destroys your knees.” Perhaps not moving regularly is what really destroys your knees.

Then, I read “Younger next Year for Women: Live Like You’re 50 – Strong, Fit, Sexy – Until You’re 80 and Beyond” by Chris Crowley and Harry Lodge. It was written in a light-hearted and yet deadly serious way. As we age, we can live active and healthy lives, or we can be decrepit. The difference? Exercise, eat well, care and connect – with lots of emphasis on exercise. One thing I took away is that I need to find some good “kedges” (read the book to find out more) to keep me going, like a half-marathon this spring and perhaps one of those crazy mud events with Warren and Jenn; something to work towards. Kedges worked for me in the past and I expect will do so in the future.

And sometimes the story I need to hear is my own. When I read through old journals and see my struggles and celebrations, it moves me forward.  Spurs me on. Shocks me that I’ve done what I’ve done and reminds me what I’m capable of, because it’s easy to forget in the daily grind.

So seek out the stories that inspire you. They can spur you to greater heights and ward off complacency.