November 2023

This past weekend I had something of a bookends experience.  

On Friday, I helped my friend and Cambridge Sports Union (CSU) teammate Jon Waldron with the Eastern Independent League (EIL) XC championships at Great Brook State Park in Carlisle MA.  Jon has coached for 17 years at Concord Academy and his school was hosting this year’s meet, meaning the heavy lifting fell to Jon and his coaching staff.  There were 275 high school kids from 11 schools running the 5K course, split between separate girls and boys races on a particularly gorgeous fall afternoon.  

The enthusiasm of the teams and support for each other was palpable.  Being a three-lap race, as runners came around the first two laps, families and the other team members yelled encouragement.  The boys race was wide open, with only nine points separating the top five teams.  Concord Academy won by just two points, 83 to 85!  Afterwards, the teams congregated in a large circle with awards given out as the sun went down and the temperature dropped.  But that didn’t deter the loud, spirited applause for and from all the teams. I couldn’t help but be inspired by the positive energy.  Yes, some runners were really fast, but all were pushing as hard and far as they were able.  The last boy’s finisher sprained his ankle during the race but mustered the resolve to hop in on one leg the last 200 meters.  I helped at the finish line, trying to ensure runners stayed in their order of finish.  I found myself thinking this is the type of experience that helps shape the hopes, grit, and values of teens.  With so many distractions and destructive behaviors’ that kids can engage in, right here was an example of something else.  And I was glad to be part of it!

On Saturday I ran in New England 65+’s Run for All Ages 5K, held in Wakefield MA.  By its name, it’s obvious this club, of which I am a member even though I race for CSU, caters to the older set.  The race has been held for many years and typically attracts over 200 runners.  The focus is on age-grading with the top cash awards going to those with the highest age grade percentage.  While there were some younger runners, a scan of the results suggested the median age was well north of 65.  Compared to the Friday race, this one showcased runners at the opposite end of the age spectrum.  

But one thing was the same – a super high level of enthusiasm – before, during, and after the race!  A few folks were walking, but those who were racing were putting the hammer down.  As we age, our times slow but the effort remains.  If anything, it’s tougher and the payback often harder to discern.  We might recall (I know I can!) the relaxed feeling of “floating” during races in our 40s in spite of being near top-end speed for up to a half marathon.  Yes, it was work, but that sense of being off the ground for 80%+ of the time was exhilarating.  It’s not like that now.  But I nevertheless found myself thinking during the race how fortunate I am to still be at it.       

The title of this post was inspired by the joy exhibited by those high school cross country runners. But the kid that remains in all of us is alright too!  In his just-released book, Master of Change, Brad Stulberg suggests a “rugged and flexible” outlook enables us to experience deep meaning “amidst the inherent impermanence of life.”  My takeaway is we are never too old to choose to enjoy and celebrate what is right at our fingertips.  For those of us still running, that includes lacing it up and not feeling cheated that we’re not as spry as we were 30 years ago.  Rather, we may see ourselves on a journey, willing to put it on the line and let things be what they are.