My new blogging friend Jen Lefforge is in the final miles of training for a half marathon and posted this article on how running changes over the age of 45.

This fitness thing is hard work, especially as I age.  I turn 42 next month and I gotta say, I’m not always encouraged.   

• My body is stiffer.  Each week I sit on the floor during bible study.  When I stand, I have 13 pairs of eyes watching me hobble, scrunched over for about four steps before I can get upright.

• I can’t sit cross-legged for long.  It’s an uncomfortable sensation that becomes unbearable after a few minutes. I look like a fidgeting kindergartner.

• Running too much causes my feet to hurt.

• I get strange knee pains when I turn suddenly.

The non-exercisers probably wonder why I continue my regimen. 

I keep moving because the alternative is worse.  Not being in shape enough to live life – no thanks.  Stairs are a breeze.  I give no thought to sprints back into the house when I’ve forgotten something.  Ankle rolls from stepping on a magnolia bud are easily walked off thanks to balance training.  And most importantly, at this moment I can still win an arm-wrestling match with my 5’10’, 140-pound football-playing 12-year-old.  I think I have about three weeks left of that but hey, I’ll take it!   

I spent my 30s performing every plyometric exercise I could think of.  And still, when I’m not in summer’s oppressive heat, I find I love the feeling of leaving the ground and returning safely to earth.  But my body just can’t do that as much anymore.   

That doesn’t mean I stop.  It means I adjust.  I vary it within weeks and seasons.  Swim more in the summer, stretch more during fall running, intentionally add in yoga.

 I have a picture from a friend’s wedding eight years ago. I still think I look like that fresh(er) faced girl.  The reality is I have more lines and wrinkles and I couldn’t rock that little black dress as well.  I goop up my face at night and wear spanx when needed.  Problem tackled, but let’s be honest, I’ll never look exactly like that again.  I can slow down the aging process with creams and proper nutrition but I’m still going to get more wrinkles.

My body isn’t as fresh on the inside either, but that doesn’t mean I stop.  I foam roll, stretch more, and allow days for recovery.  If I don’t get a workout in, I don’t fret about it and make sure the next day has something scheduled.

 Just like my face, I’m not sure my body will ever feel the same.  I can’t get younger.  But I can take care of it the best I can to last me as long as possible.

 Age has provided one benefit.   My self-confidence — no, my self ACCEPTANCE — trumps those lines and few pounds.  I’ve learned to be proud of what I can do physically.    And the perspective I’ve gained is priceless.

 So, Jen, I’m a few years behind you, and if my history proves anything, at 46, I’ll look back and wonder why I didn’t value my 42-year old body more.  I’m working to break that cycle.  I’m striving to take care of it as best I can and give myself grace beyond that.  And I’m trying to set myself up for continued success.

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