This is my last post, other than some infernal, er I mean fantastic giveaways, written as a 40 something. Eeeek! Wait, no. Not eek, not really. I’m ok with it. It was coming for a loooong time but wow 50 years sneak up on you. Maybe that’s a good thing. It means I’m living each day as it unfolds and not dwelling on this day coming.
I think we run into trouble when we form a preconceived notion of what certain ages look like. You know: 30 is over the hill, 40 is middle-aged….so what’s 50? For me it’s uncharted territory.
Let me test the waters then I’ll tell you.
Back when I was turning 30, a co-worker thought it was quite hilarious how ‘old’ I was getting and took every opportunity to remind me. Funny thing is she was maybe a year younger. You know the ‘those in glass houses’ thing? I couldn’t help but think even back then, that if one is lamenting age at 30, what on earth will they do in years to come? Hari Kari? The truth is surprise, surprise! None of us is getting any younger. All we can do is our best given the circumstances put before us. Sure age brings gray hair, crows feet, reading glasses and slowing race times but it also brings wisdom and learning so we can deal and make the best of things. Life is an adventure. It flies by and none of us is guaranteed a tomorrow, so make the most of every moment.
The 40’s were very good to me. Better than the 30’s. Part of my 30’s were spectacular, the remainder I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
I spent none of this decade looking for the approval of others or trying to be something I’m not. I made peace with my strong, stocky build and realized it’s not something I can diet away, nor should I want to. I became a RUNNER! And although I stopped comparing myself to others years ago, I finally FINALLY stopped comparing this version of me with a former (read faster) one.
A friend recently said to me “I think you’re where you should be.” IMO that kind of thinking is dangerous because life throws curveballs everyday. Like it or not, we are all where we ‘should’ be. I’m a crappy goal setter but in this case maybe that’s a good thing because I conjured no idea in my head of what I’d look like at 50. What possessions I’d have or what I’d be doing. I don’t gauge success on square footage, pounds lost, popularity, split times or number of reps. But rather on quality friendships, joy of family, new adventures and experiences, and being grateful for all of it.
This weekend I’ll be savoring the last vestiges of a great decade and come Monday (gosh I hope there’s a freaking cake this year!) you’ll get the 50-year old, AARP version of me. I may be halfway ‘there’ but in many ways this party is just getting started.
you are outstanding at any age! and there damn well better be cake this year. if it’s looking grim, text me and I will BRING YOU SOME.
One of the dumbest and silliest rules that triathletes “deal with” is, your AG is based on the age by end of year, so if you were doing a season of triathlons, you would be racing the whole spring, summer, and fall in the 50-55 years old AG, even though you were 49 the entire year.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday:) I agree that we get better with age. My 30’s have been good and I think when I hit my 40’s they will be even better!
Wow, you are old!! 😉 The important thing is that I didn’t notice. You don’t seem your age, you look much younger. For real. 🙂 Happy Birthday!
Happy early birthday! Knowing a lot of runners, age matters less to me… we all kind of stay healthy and I cannot tell anyone’s age, and we all relate and have fun together despite it.
These days it’s the immature young people annoying me 😉
You are so right – age is just a number. It is how you live that matters. And I love your attitude. Happy birthday weekend, and I so hope you get some cake and lots of spoiling. Enjoy the celebration! Hugs!
50?? WOW, 50 has never looked so good! Happy Birthday and keep doing what you are doing!It is all about how you feel!
Happy birthday! I think you are an inspiration to anyone at any age!!
AMEN! And Happy Birthday (early). My 40 is coming next month and I’m so excited for it. I plan to adopt all the wise things you say in this post as my own. Here’s to our best decades yet!!
Very well said! Hope you enjoy your weekend and I imagine that there will be cake! Happy Early Birthday!
I’m hitting my 40th next year, and I don’t know…maybe I’ll feel differently when I get there, but right now I’m ok with it. I feel like I’ve earned my age. A week or so ago, somebody posted on facebook asking what age you’d be if you didn’t know how old you were. I think that question only makes sense if you’re stuck in old-fashioned ideas about age. I know super-fit, badass people in their 60’s and people in their 20’s who are out of shape. I know immature 50 year olds and grown-up teens. I’m happier with who I am now than I ever was when I was younger…not perfect, but somebody who, on the whole, I’m happy to be.
And, like my dad says, getting older beats the alternative. 🙂
Happy birthday! Life gets better as we age. BTW, you will be the youngest runner in your age group next race! 🙂
Wow! I still can’t believe you are fixing to be 50 – I really thought you were just entering the 40s! I think you must be like a fine wine – better with age!!
Turning 50 last year was so great for me. I discovered a new sport (running) and a whole new slew of awesome friends. There has been a major sized speed bump this year – but I have a perspective, humor and experience to handle it better then I would have 15 years ago.
One interesting thing about running in our AG – is the volume of participants in our AG is much lower than the 40-49 age group. It’s been fun and slightly embarrassing to start a new sport and being able to end up toward the front of the AG pack…but I’ll take it.
Hope you enjoy the new decade as much as I am enjoying it! Happy Birthday!
love this 🙂 happy, happy birthday!
Have an awesome birthday weekend and eat lotsa that cake, youngster!
I hope you have a very happy birthday!
You look amazing for any age and your attitude is amazing! Each decade brings up new experiences, doesn’t it?! Keep inspiring us all to be better and better. Happy Birthday!
Hey, welcome to the 50s! I will admit that 50 was much harder for me than 40, but, now that I’m actually halfway through my 50s, I have decided that I like them very much. Except some of those aches and pains when I get out of bed in the morning.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday for Monday.
I’m hitting the big five oh next March and I’ve never been more excited to have a birthday. I’m going to be leaving all my health issues behind in my next year and I’m going to find running a little easier again. I’m in a good place with family and incredibly good, supportive friends. Who cares about the number that is associated with the celebration?!
Warmest wishes to one of the funniest bloggers I know. Here’s to a very HAPPY birthday and a great new age group. You are doing stuff most 50 year-olds would never consider!
Happy Birthday. My husband survived turning 50 almost two years ago. I’m thinking 50 isn’t all that bad, actually. 🙂
I didn’t start running until I was almost 55. 50’s are so bad.
And by looking at you, I would never have guessed your age!!
Have a wonderful birthday! Age is just a number anyway, it’s all about how you feel 🙂 Enjoy it!
Good attitude. I wished I shared it but I grew up in a household where appearance was emphasized. It’s hard to let go. I do try but can’t always get there. Keep reminding me that it’s all okay. I need your outlook!
And you don’t have to be 50 to join the AARP! 🙂
Happy pre-birthday! Next year you can pass 20, 30, and 40 year olds instead of just 20 and 30 year olds :-).
Age is just a number but we do need longer arms to read things.
I look at 50 as winning more age groups; there’s gotta be a silver lining somewhere! 😉
Can I steal this post in April? 🙂
xo
Happy Birthday!!!
Welcome to the club Marcia!! Happy Birthday! 🙂 You look amazing…I didn’t realize you were so close to 50! Wow 🙂