AGE is just a number say the very young or the too old to care.
If you are in between those categories it's never quite so simple, is it? Earlier this week I took myself off to Troon, post-work, to run their very well organised, excellent value-for-money and enjoyable 10k race.
For the bargain price of about £12 you get a not-too-hilly tour of the little seaside town, a blast of sea breeze and the promise of a decent fish supper at the end.
The next day I logged on to the results page for a different kind of chip: that tracks your race time.
Delighted that I earned myself a personal best (PB) by around 30 seconds, which is equivalent to days in running terms, my eye was drawn across my column of credentials to one word.
At the grand old age of 38, I am now classed a "veteran" runner. I'm not saying it took the shine off my time but I'm still reeling from my new entry into the 38-50 age box.
I was reminded, as I ticked my youth away, of an episode of Sex and the City where Carrie is about to turn 40. Samantha eschews a Happy Birthday greeting for "Welcome to my box".
It seems I am not alone in my indignation about the veteran tag. On the Runners World website there is mild panic in the words of another new veteran. "I haven't seen the Great Wall of China or the pyramids yet. I haven't watched the sun rise over the Himalayas or seen it set over the Sahara. I haven't experienced half of the things you're supposed to do before you die."
I'm not precious about my age. I'm healthy, everything works (even my wonky heart) and I relish the increased self-assurance that age brings if not the laughter lines.
In running terms, next to the whippet-like 20-somethings I appreciate I probably am a veteran. In the spirit of inclusivity, it might be an idea to re-assess that category. Just miss it out. What's the worst that can happen?
The dictionary defines a veteran as "a person with long experience ... specially in the armed forces". But I only started running at 30. Eight years seems scant time for such an "honour".
I fought hard for my PB but I'm not comparing myself to a Second World War soldier either.
I'm sure the older race entrants see it in a far more positive light.
Those who run with ease for the bus they take for free are likely to see it as a badge of honour. For now, I'd rather remain inexperienced.
on ...
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