The hard part of an event is getting to the starting line. Can we push those barricades aside, or do they become insurmountable.

I made reference to some of the difficulties in an earlier post. It’s not fun to talk about. Actually, I hate to discuss it. Not only is it boring for the listener, it’s a form of acceptance. Talking about it makes it true.

For sure part of this is just the natural aging process. Our bodies become less resilient. Exactly where that marker lies is highly subjective. For example, someone in their 40’s is probably past their prime but can still achieve personal bests, especially if bloomed late.

The 50’s can be OK. There’s a dropoff, more like a ledge and then a plateau. The key’s stability. Given a certain input we can achieve a predictable output. No surprises. Just keep cranking that wheel.

The 60’s is when things can go haywire. Chronic conditions that were dormant rise to the surface. Old health conditions from an earlier age return. That bad joint. Decades of poor choices in our youth have a way of making themselves known later on.

Again this is all subjective. We each have our own timelines.

The question becomes how much is too much. There are hard stops. That knee replacement probably will end your ultra career. Certain types of chronic conditions can halt intense conditioning, based on severity.

I’ve been teetering for a few years now. Again, no details. Dig around here and you’ll find references, not that I’m recommending it.

What difference does it make? Nobody cares what you’re going through. I mean, we care, but we have our own problems, and can always point to someone who has it worse.

For examples hang around the finish line of any long distance event. The stories will inspire. We’re amazing creatures, capable of much more than we think.

Which brings us to gratitude. This cup is definitely half full. That is I’m still getting to the starting line — somehow.

It’s all about what’s in front of you. Forget the declines and disappointments and focus on the challenge that lie in wait. The knee’s already shot, lets see how many more miles we can get out of it. What do we have to lose? That rocking chair can wait.