Thoughts On Being The Slowest

Posted on July 20, 2014

I finished my 4th race of the summer yesterday. Three 5k's and an 8k. The fact that I finished even 1 is a miracle truth be told. A little more than a year ago I had trouble finishing the 6 minute walk at the cardiologists office.

Although pleased that I can now stay ahead of slow moving zombies for at least 3 miles I feel a little perturbed that I am really slow. I never verbalize this frustration, but it is there in the back of my mind and pops into my thoughts every now and again - like when I am in a race. With two new knees running is out of the question, but nonetheless I want to fly.

There was a woman in the race yesterday, fighting stage 3 breast cancer, who was bringing up the rear. My wife was talking with her and I fell into conversation with one of the "sweepers". Those are the people who follow along to make sure that everyone is ok and will make it back. He works for the Livestrong which is the organization that sponsored the race along with the YMCA. Along the way I expressed my frustration about being slow. He laughed and filled my head with interesting statistics about older people and exercise. Only 30% of people over 60 are physically active. That was the one that stuck with me. Being active and staying active at 62 has to be the focus and not the speed at which I travel.

I have to admit, that after talking with Mr. Livestrong I felt much better and more energized. It is good that I am able to move and do things like a 3 mile walk on a pleasant Saturday. Yes, feeling much better about my exercise, but I am now bummin about being 62.

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Sarah

07/28/2014 12:03PM

Great post, Reggie. Your meditation on being slow sent me off on a meditation about wanting more. I always want more. I want to be healthier, more athletic, more attractive, more active in my community, better educated, more accomplished in my career, younger (!), a better musician, lighter, better dressed, better social skills... No matter how much I have, I'll always want more, and I want it a LOT. I have to laugh at how selfish most of my wants are, but it's the truth.

On the positive side, all that wanting keeps me motivated. On the down side, I don't always take the time to appreciate what I have. Congratulations for appreciating that you've come so far and you *can* be active.

Val

07/26/2014 9:19AM

I love this comment! I am also slow and sometimes it bums me out, but you are an inspiration and turning around your health and habits sets a great example for many...like me!

Martha

07/23/2014 12:00PM

Great perspective. You make me (@52) feel like a slacker with all you do!

Julie Lama

07/21/2014 10:57PM

Great post!
Slow doesn't matter. What matters is you showed and did it. Gives you something to work towards.
I like to take the perspective of 10 years from now what would I be grateful for that I have now. It's so easy to look back at our younger days. Just Remember one day you will consider 62 your younger years. Good news is with all these amazing health changes the quality and quantity of these future years will be so much more. Besides 62 is the new 40s :) so 62 is like 20 years away;)
So that gives you a lot more time to work on speed. The fact that you perceive your self as faster makes me think you will get there in time.

Ana

07/21/2014 9:32AM

Reggie: Love this post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. There is much value in our culture on speed, so although I wish you never felt badly about being slow, I understand why it's there. I wish we valued being slow, thoughtful, deliberate, careful a little more in our world. When I got back into exercise a couple months after the sudden loss of my father, I decided to take it slow on purpose. I call it 'meditation while moving.' I find it much more satisfying to my soul, and easier on my ever-aging joints. So I send you Big Congratulations on being one of the 30%, and I wish you many years of slow, healthy, injury-free movement. No matter how slow you're going, you're lapping that person on the couch. ;-)

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Biking Syl

07/20/2014 3:26PM

Very few people turn their lives around with that much determination. Do you realize how inspiring that is? Basically, your game was over last year. Only you did not listen and now you are doing 5ks and 8ks. How awesome is that?!?!

And one thought on being last: Imagine the other 70% of the over 60 group doing the race with you. Then who would finish last? ;-)

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Marcie

07/20/2014 11:19AM

Love the statistic and your thoughts on it. It is GREAT that you can now do a 3 mile walk! No bummin about being 62 - I always say every year is a gift. And you are in charge and making such healthy transitions. Great post, I enjoyed reading it.

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Debbie I.

07/20/2014 10:59AM

Reggie, you are awesome!
"It doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

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