Training Log Archive: chitownclark

We reached a verbal agreement to sell another of my larger apartment buildings in Chicago yesterday...one I've owned for 40 years. Another milestone. And I can't help feeling that it is another step closer to my end. Until I remember some of the other things I'm lucky enough to still enjoy in life.

A couple of my old training buddies, since retired from active competition (and certainly above their old 'training weight') have questioned why I still line up with a lot of faster guys (and girls) at various races and competitions...just to come in DFL.

I used to think the same thing; watching these doddering dotards, painfully coming up the Finish chute long after everyone else had finished. "Why even bother?" I used to ask my buddies as we uncorked our second beer and had a good laugh.

Well it is hard to describe. Despite the misplaced concern, sympathy and ridicule I get pacing along the race course, being followed closely by a pack of police vehicles and other sweep personnel, I'm exhilarated! It is the high point of my week! I love that I'm still out there, doin' it!

Last weekend my wife considered bringing our out-of-town guests to the Sunday morning race...until she recalled what a spectacle I was, dragging in long after everyone else had finished, my bare chest covered by wires and multi-colored heart sensors, resembling an escaped nursing home resident. But I didn't mind.

Old age is an interesting challenge...you never really know what you can do, how much you can plan for, and for how long. It's like being Cinderella, and knowing you can't remain at the ball too long, but you are having a great time and hate to leave.

But having a/p to report the trials of other old guys is a tremendous help. It is great that so many of my contemporaries are still posting...and working out. Their dedication motivates me. One guy is thinking of taking up sculling on the Connecticut River! And another is maintaining a country house and large garden, while contemplating cancer treatments. And a third is signing up for extreme orienteering events in Europe while barely able to get out of bed some mornings....judging from his log posts anyway!

And throughout all of this is a good sense of camaraderie, the bon homie of shared life experiences. Having a/p has helped me tackle my advancing age on a positive note. Maybe having a couple dozen fewer tenants to worry about will be a good thing!

C • Very nice, Clark 1