Prsonality Traits and Marathons

"The gain in self-confidence of having accomplished a tiresome labour is immense."
– Arnold Bennett

 

There is good news for those that are getting older. On April 22, 2014, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal that mentioned that Meb Keflezighi ran the Boston Marathon in a time of 2:08:37. This American, who will turn 39 on May 5, became the oldest to win this prestigious running event. Not only that, but he ran 31 seconds faster than his previous best.

The article focused on “older” runners and gave them hope. One woman, age 44, hopes to set a personal record in August, while another 36-year-old male believes he can run his fastest marathon yet. A quote by Neil Fitzgerald, age 45, a New York runner  who sits on a Masters committee of USA track and field, said that Meb’s victory is likely going to help  the mentality that a young running stars career is not over at age 22. He also went on to say that there is potential for runners in their 30s and even 40s. Thank you Neil and Meb for your reassurance and performance.

When I told Tony about this article we both laughed and he said that he must be ancient. Although both Tony and I are running faster than last year, we are not setting personal bests. We both are running in a local marathon that is being held for the first time. In other words, our running time will be a personal best for both.

The other article was about that many of us have personality changes as we age. For example, often we become more conscientious (organized, consistent, dependable); agreeable (polite, trusting, preferring cooperation of the competition, feeling compassionate for others); open (intellectually curious, inventive, sensitive to art and beauty, imaginative); extroverted (talkative, sociable, assertive, socially dominant); and less neurotic (worrying hope all these, feeling stress, prone to feeling sad, anxious, temperamental, moody). I hope all these change in traits are happening to you.

Yesterday, Tony and I ran the Miner’s Revenge marathon with 4902 feet of elevation change. Although it was one tough marathon, we both ran our best time. Incidentally, that was its first running.

Okay, now you can look forward to the future because you’ll likely be a faster runner with more pleasing personality traits. I trust that this information is going to make your day. However, no matter what, don’t forget to keep moving, laughing, smiling, bonding, loving and appreciating.