Think of me Saturday Oct. 1st

[Papa Bear]

This goes back 10 years ...

You may have noticed that I have not been hiking or peakbagging this year. For those who know I'm also interested in Benchmarks, I haven't been doing much of that either.

No, I'm not injured or terminally ill - just the opposite. I'm as fit or fitter than ever.

I've been running. And running and running. Saturday is the culmination of all that running when I do the St. George Marathon (Utah). Then I can stop running -- but only for a while.

What's with the 10 years? Easy, that's when I retired, and my first project was to train for a marathon and qualify for the Boston Marathon as a 60 year old. Well, I did. The qualifier was the Dublin Marathon (Ireland) in October 2001, and Boston was in April of 2003. In between, through most of the summer of 2002, I hiked about half the Appalachian Trail (the good half) and that's when I joined this group.

After Boston 2003, I said "That's my last Boston" (it was my 4th) "I'm retiring from marathons, they're getting too damn hard". So I did.

This year, like certain baseball players, I decided to un-retire and try just one more time to qualify for Boston (that would be the 2013 Boston -- the lead time is quite long due to the registration process). This time it would be as a 70 year old. Yikes!.

I've gotten slower (surprise!) but the age specific qualification times have also gotten slower so I have a good shot at it. Think of me on Saturday and wish me luck.

Next summer you may be see me hiking and peakbagging again, and then the following April I'll be in Boston (I hope) on April 15th.

Then I think I'll retire from marathons, they're getting too damn hard. No, really.

 

[audrey]

Wishing you goodspeed, Papa Bear.

So, what are those times for 80 year olds?

 

[Chip]

Wow ! Cool Man ! You Rock ! Great Good Thoughts heading your way !

 

[marty]

Yes, best of luck, PB! Knock 'em dead.

Marty

 

[David Metsky]

My time would qualify for Boston, if I were in my 70's as well.

Good luck!

 

[Jay H]

Cool PB, best of speed to you on Saturday and hope it's a nice run. I've been to St George, Utah, cool town....

Jay

 

[una_dogger]

You can do it, Papa Bear!

 

[spencer]

Good luck, friend!

 

[Maddy]

Papa Bear...you're the man! GO! GO! GO!

 

[The Unstrung Harp]

I admire your groove. Have a wonderful run.

 

[Mohamed Ellozy]

Way to go, PB!!!

Seventies is way too young to become sedentary.

 

[zman]

keep running!

don't post on VFTT often but your post really struck a chord in me-
Having run my last marathon @ 50 y/o (Boston unofficially, never could quite qualify) I vowed it would be my last one but every year I debate that maybe I'll run just one more.

Good luck and have a great run!

 

[Brambor]

Good for you!

Wishing you nothing but smooth pavement and a great run!

 

[Snowflea]

Best wishes for a great marathon in St. George!
Will you do a recovery hike in Zion the next day?

 

[kmac]

Run like the wind ....have a great marathon!!!!!!

 

[daxs]

Good Luck Papabear. Run Run Run. I love to run too. Its addicting. I only do trail run half marathons though.

 

[roadtripper]

Keep on, keepin' on!

 

[Little Rickie]

You inspire me!

Now get a new hat. Maby a cap from the race?

 

[--M.]

Way to go, Papa Bear! You appear already to be experiencing life's victories, congratulations! Enjoy the ride, and good luck with Boston! What a great race to add to your library!

Now, just remember, when you're had your fill flirting with the dark side, come back off the pavement and hike a few hills, okay? Balance!

 

[bubba]

@ seventy one has to have it all figured out... even in marathons nature has it's way of letting us slow down and enjoy the ride!! Have a great run!!