Monday, December 28, 2009

"But you're older now..."



Can you believe these were the words someone (who shall remain nameless) said to me when it came up I would be doing a marathon next year? Yup. She said I was older now; I had kids. So folks, maybe I should reveal my true "old age:" 31.

I reminded her I ran my last marathon just three years ago and after the birth of my first son.

Incidentally, stuff like this doesn't get me down in the least. I pretty much dismissed it on the spot. If anything, it only fuels my desire to complete another marathon even more.

Out of curiosity, I decided to do a little Googling today about marathoner demographics. I found a report that MarathonGuide.com put out in 2007. Here's what I found:

  • 39.5% of race participants were female
  • The average age of the male runner? 40.5!!
  • The average age of the female runner? 36.5!!
Unlike some sports and activities, it appears marathoning is something all ages are participating in. And judging from these averages, I'm actually on the young side.

I also found this interesting. The winner of the female marathon event at the Beijing Olympics, Constantina Dita Tomescu, was 38, and the oldest winner ever of this event. Her thoughts?

"The experience of age helped me."

I really do think there is something to be said about improving your endurance over years of running. It isn't just for the young 'uns.

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