It’s Never Too Late To Lace Up Those Running Shoes
Up until a few years ago, my only connection to running was through my favourite writer, Haruki Murakami. The acclaimed Japanese novelist began to run around his Tokyo neighbourhood in 1983 when he was 34 years old. By 2008 he had clocked up 26 marathons. His book, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, chronicles the pastime that he says changed his life.
I was at the other end of the spectrum. At school, to avoid PE, my friends and I purposely forgot our gear; we were much happier picking up trash around the school grounds (the school’s penalty for such “forgetfulness”) and gossiping. The only joyous memory related to physical activity that I can summon up is a distant recollection of leaping over hurdles at a primary school sports day.
To me, runners were gross sweaty men who moved at pace through city parks at lunchtime, spraying perspiration over the rest of us. I never considered joining their ranks – until my GP told me that my bone density scans suggested I was at risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition in which bones lose mass, become brittle and are more likely to fracture.
““I didn’t even know if I could run. Sure, I would sometimes sprint to catch my morning train. But proper running was different, wasn’t it? And how would my knees cope?””
According to my doctor, if further bone density scans didn’t show improvement, medication might be the next step. If I wanted to avoid that – which I did – she recommended adding more calcium to my diet and ramping up my exercise, both of which help to build bone. She suggested running would be a good option.
I didn’t even know if I could run. Sure, I would sometimes sprint to catch my morning train. But proper running was different, wasn’t it? And how would my knees cope?
So I tried it. I ran around a suburban block. It was only about a kilometre but I ran the whole way, without stopping. The fact that I wasn’t doubled over and gasping for air at the end of it gave me the confidence to try a slightly longer run. And then to extend that distance even further.
That was three years ago. I now get out of bed and lumber along the streets three or four times a week – and while I can’t say I love it, it does give me a feeling of satisfaction, a sense of achievement. It’s free and I can fit it into my daily schedule. And, like Harukami, I enjoy the random thoughts that drift through my mind as I run: how to write this story, how to improve my diet, how to manage the day ahead.
I’m not likely to ever join Murakami in his marathons, but I am a better runner than I was when I started, and I plan to improve further. My next goal is to drop my PB for five kilometres – currently around 28 minutes 10 seconds – down to around 26.
And by the way, my knees are doing just fine.
If you are interested in running and want some support, Park Run operates free, timed 5km runs in parks in Australia and New Zealand. See parkrun.com.au
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