A few months into our running journey, my mother and I participated in a local 5K. It was an enjoyable experience, primarily because enthusiastic spectators offered water as we passed by, which I found delightful to pour over my head. I was only 9 years old, after all. However, this story doesn’t culminate in my transformation into a track star, a marathon runner, or even a dedicated athlete. In fact, I can’t recall us running together again after that race; despite my mother’s hopes, I never developed a passion for running.
My mother, however, was deeply invested in the running culture that emerged in the 1970s. The groundbreaking book, The Complete Book of Running by Jim Fixx, held a prominent place on our family dresser. By the age of 6, I could name renowned Boston Marathon champions like Bill Rodgers and Joan Benoit. In those days, women’s running shoes were scarce in the Boston area, so she would venture to the New Balance outlet, where she was directed to the boys’ section and purchased size four and a half. Sundays were spent at races, where my father and I would cheer her on near the finish line. He would excitedly point as she approached, and I would wave enthusiastically while he captured the moment on camera.
In the early days, there were so few female participants that my mother, despite not being the fastest runner, occasionally returned home with oversized trophies simply for placing first or second among a handful of women in her age category.
As I find myself contemplating aging, I am struck by the reality of it. My mother has never lamented her age or fretted over wrinkles or gray hairs. She carries with her a vitality that defies her years. A couple of years ago, she took me on a birthday trip to Ireland, where we walked several miles each day. To my surprise, I was able to keep pace with her, even though I am 32 years her junior.
Having grown up surrounded by wise elders, I know better than to tempt fate when it comes to health or appearance. As I write this, I’m knocking on wood and invoking good luck charms. While we cannot control our health, there is merit to the claims of researchers who suggest that regular exercise contributes to longevity and a youthful appearance. My mother, who began her running journey long before women’s running shoes were widely available, looks remarkable. She’s often mistaken for someone much younger, frequently carded when seeking senior discounts.
Now in her 70s, she continues to participate in the renowned Tufts 10K, an all-women’s race in Boston. Once known as the Bonne Bell race, it used to offer participants goodie bags filled with Lip Smackers. Even as she nears 74, her mindset remains resolute; she rarely questions whether she’s too old to keep running. On the rare occasion that she does, her answer is always a firm “No.”
Modern races have evolved significantly. My father no longer captures her finishes on film; professional companies now take photographs and post them online, allowing participants to purchase framed images or merchandise featuring their race-day likeness. When my mother finds a picture she likes, she sometimes orders a mug with her image, which I enjoy using to sip coffee, viewing a snapshot of her sweaty yet triumphant self crossing the finish line.
Years after she first introduced me to running, I believe I am beginning to understand her perspective: perhaps the secret to aging well is to focus less on the passage of time and simply keep moving forward.
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Summary
This article reflects on the enduring lessons learned from a mother’s passion for running, emphasizing the importance of staying active and resilient as one ages. It highlights the benefits of exercise on health and vitality, drawing on personal experiences and observations over the years.
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