The most stunning observation and motivation about running

I’m not here to write about the benefits of running and exercise in general — there are millions of blogs and studies about that. I usually talk about my own experience, about my own love of running (you can follow me on Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/60292396)

In one of my other stories, I wrote about how you never regret a run post-factum. For me, this is the most unquestionable truth in life and I am not talking just about running. Most things in life are not binary. There are pros and cons, there are different circumstances and stages of life. With running though, my experience is as I say. I’ve run thousands of times. Not always was I in good shape, not every run was enjoyable. Not once did I think when I finished: maybe I should’ve kept my ass at home instead of doing this run.

There is one other observation of a different nature that I want to talk about. In many ways, it’s more incredible than “you never regret a run”.

In your middle age and even your older years you can be a much fitter version than when you were young — say a teenager or in your twenties.

Let me be more concrete. When you’re in your forties and fifties, you can completely destroy your younger self in a hypothetical race, simple training, or just general fitness level. I am approaching 42. I sure would demolish Alexei at eighteen years of age, whether in a race or just trivial training. And it’s not like I was unfit or obese. I was average. Mediocre…