Musings: The Solitude of Running

Musings: The Solitude of Running

Netherlands, 29.1.2024

Reflecting at the age of eighty, I am acutely aware of life’s inexorable rhythm—its tragedies and its fleeting moments. The sun rises and sets, and eventually, it sets for the last time for each of us. Surveying life’s table, I notice many empty seats, reminding me that there is much left undone, for we never know when the ferry to our final journey departs.

Regarding the query, my youth was filled with Baseball, Basketball, Tennis, Chess, and a bit of field Hockey. Later, I found joy in Golf and embraced Running at fifty—a decision I cherish. My longest run spanned 10 English miles (16 km), interrupted by travel yet sustained from 2010 until two years ago, covering weekly distances of 30-50 km, varying from 6-15 km each time, with consistent performance.

In this pursuit, I’ve grown to cherish the solitude of running—the personal challenge, accompanied by Leonard Cohen’s soulful melodies for tranquil jogs and the energetic rhythms of Dire Straits (Alchemy), Queen, Meat Loaf, or Neil Diamond for vigorous sessions. Running offers a diversion for reflection, allowing me to confront life’s spectrum, from its vibrant hues to its shadows. It’s a time for introspection, where thoughts are sifted, conclusions drawn, and negativity expelled.

Yet, running also unveils the sobering reality of limitations and minimal gains in speed and distance, as I trudged at a snail’s pace (7-9 km per hour), a testament to the body’s natural course post-40. Two years past, my running odyssey halted abruptly with a diagnosis of hip arthrosis—a stark awakening.

Now, with more past than future, I understand the essence of mental agility, indulging in daily chess matches and morning strolls, recognizing that health reigns supreme, alongside a wholesome diet and lifestyle. For in life’s journey, the final coat holds no pockets.

WJJH – 29.1.2024

Musings: in answer to the daily query about “what are your favorite sports,” at the age of eighty, reflecting on life’s rhythm and the passage of time. Embracing running was the best decision I made, finding solace and introspection in long distances. Despite physical limitations, more important is mental agility, health and well-being.