After a few months of casual jogging together, my mom and I participated in a 5K race. It was enjoyable, especially since enthusiastic spectators were handing out water cups that we could splash over our heads. I mean, I was just 9 years old, so that was a highlight! However, this story doesn’t culminate in my becoming a track star or any kind of athlete, really. In fact, I don’t recall us running again after that race—my mom might have hoped I’d catch the running bug, but it just didn’t happen.
But my mom was truly passionate about running. She had embraced the running boom of the 1970s. A copy of Jim Fixx’s 1977 bestseller, The Complete Book of Running, proudly occupied a spot on my parents’ dresser. By the time I was 6 or 7, I could easily name Boston Marathon champs like Bill Rodgers and Joan Benoit. In her quest for women’s running shoes, my mom discovered that no stores in our area carried them, so she’d go to the New Balance outlet, where salespeople would direct her to the boys’ section to find her size—4.5. Sundays were dedicated to races, with my dad and me cheering her on from the finish line, his camera ready to capture the moment. Upon spotting my mom, he’d excitedly say, “Look, there she is!” and I would wave and bounce around while he clicked away.
In those early races, there were so few women that my mom, despite her slower pace, sometimes returned home with enormous trophies simply for finishing first or second among a handful of women in her age group.
Recently, I’ve begun to ponder the concept of aging, and I find it surprising that it’s occurring in my own life. My mom has rarely discussed it—she never gazes regretfully into the mirror or frets over wrinkles or gray hairs. As I approach certain age milestones, I notice my knees creaking, and I might soon need reading glasses. A few years back, she took me to Ireland to celebrate my 40th birthday, and we walked several miles daily, matching each other’s pace perfectly—even though I’m 32 years younger.
Having spent time around elderly relatives, I’ve learned to avoid tempting fate when it comes to health and beauty. As I write this, I’m knocking on wood, spitting three times, and trying to ward off any bad luck. I’ve also come to understand that our health isn’t something we can fully control. However, I can’t help but think that those scientists who claim exercise helps maintain youthfulness may be onto something. My mom, who began running long before women’s running shoes were available—looks fantastic. I mean, seriously good. She’s often carded when requesting senior discounts!
Now in her 70s, she still participates in the popular all-women’s Tufts 10K in Boston every year. It was once known as the Bonne Bell race, complete with goodie bags filled with Lip Smackers. As she nears 74, she rarely asks, “Am I too old for this?” When she does, her answer is always a firm “No.”
Races have become much more advanced since the early days. My dad no longer takes pictures at the finish line; professional companies now handle that. They upload photos online, where runners can purchase framed pictures or even T-shirts featuring their image. When my mom likes how she looks in a photo, she sometimes buys the mug version of herself. When I visit her, I enjoy sipping coffee from a mug adorned with a picture of my mom—sweaty, determined, and smiling—crossing the finish line of her annual 10K.
Decades after she first introduced me to running, I think I finally grasp her lesson: Perhaps it’s best not to dwell on aging and just keep moving forward. If you’re interested in learning more about fertility and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. And if you’re looking into at-home options, Make a Mom offers great insights too. If you’re curious about the topic, this blog post is worth a read.
Summary:
This article reflects on the author’s experiences with her mother, who passionately embraced running in the 1970s. Despite not becoming an athlete herself, the author admires her mother’s lifelong commitment to fitness, which seems to defy aging. The narrative highlights the joy of participation, family support, and the positive effects of staying active throughout life.