Over the past few years, I have spent many hours speaking with older runners about how to stay motivated and confident in trail running and ultrarunning after their fastest years are behind them. It can be a tremendous challenge for the seasoned long-distance runner to literally see the world pass them by. As an aging ultrarunner myself, I have experienced this challenge firsthand and have come up with three key things that can help us stay motivated and confident in our older years.
Set Ambitious, Yet Achievable Goals
I remember a time 20 years ago or so that I routinely set ridiculously high standards for myself that I could occasionally meet but would very often fall short of. These goals often had to do with race times, results, and finding ways to increasingly test my limits against some of the sport’s best. At the time, these goals made me successful and filled me with drive and desire. As my competitive years faded into memory, I needed to leave behind this tremendous drive, but I also found myself continuing to need and want ways to stay motivated and confident.
AJW clearly enjoying his 500-meter laps at the 2024 Hotfoot Hamster. Photo courtesy of Andy Jones-Wilkins.
A few years ago, I decided that the best way to do that would be to set goals that were still ambitious, but achievable. For example, last month I took part in the Jackrabbit Jubilee, a 12-hour timed event held overnight on a 500-meter track. I set a goal to run 50 miles and then walk the rest of the 12 hours. I thought that was a reach, but a realistic one. I ended up running about 52 miles and exceeded my goals, and it was just enough to keep my motivation levels topped off going into my 100-mile race next month.
Mentor Younger, Less Experienced Runners
As a younger runner in the 1990s and early 2000s, I had many older mentors who shared with me their secrets and taught me the way of the trail. To this day, I am still indebted to these runners. As I have grown older, I’ve realized that I get energy from mentoring younger runners myself. Whether discussing gear and racing strategies or organizing informal training runs, there are countless ways for older runners to stay involved and inspire the next generation of runners along the way.
Mike Foote showing up for the trail running community through his organization of the The Rut Mountain Runs kids’ race. It’s never too early to help the next generation along. Photo courtesy of Gabe Joyes.
Participate in the Sport in Different Ways
While the highlights of many of our running careers involved racing, there are just as many highlights to be had as volunteers, organizers, and collaborators. As I have transitioned to the twilight of my running career, I have found tremendous joy in volunteering at aid stations, being part of race livestreams, and serving runners as the manager of a running store. I have found that the joy I find in participating in the sport in a variety of different ways can be just as satisfying as the joy I felt circling the track at Placer High School at the Western States 100 all those years ago.
There are many ways to stay involved in the running world as we age, as cowbell knows no age. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
So, to all you older runners out there, don’t fret. Just set achievable goals, seek out ways to provide your wisdom to the younger generation, and sign up to volunteer at your local trail run. You will be all the better for it!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Old Man River Brewing in Lundbreck, Alberta. Blue Bridge Lager is a crisp golden lager that is smooth and easy drinking. With just enough hoppy character to get your attention, Blue Bridge Lager is a great late summer beer.
Call for Comments
- How has your involvement with running changed as you’ve gotten older?
- What suggestions do you have for staying motivated and confident?
