Why I value a 'body that can bounce back' more than personal records

Even in my 40s, I keep on running.


When asked why, it's not because I'm fast or because I'm stoic.
It's because when I run, I can properly return to myself.

When I was young,
・Records
・Rankings
・Winning and losing
were everything.


Since I specialized in middle-distance running, grueling training was a given.
I believed that if I pushed myself, I would improve.

But as you get older,
the more you push yourself, the harder it is for your body and mind to bounce back.

So, I changed my way of thinking.
What I value most now is
the feeling of 'Do I want to run again after I've finished running?'
It's okay if my times drop a little.

It's okay if the distance is shorter.
It's okay if my form isn't perfect.
More than that,


・My body moves the next day
・My mind feels settled
・My daily life isn't disrupted
I prioritize not breaking this state.


Strangely enough,
ever since I started valuing a 'body that can bounce back' like this,
the number of days I run hasn't decreased as a result.

If anything,
the hardest thing of all—'not quitting'—
has become something I can keep doing.


I feel that running in your 40s
is much more valuable
when you continue with care rather than pushing yourself.

In this note,
I intend to calmly record my daily training and the things I think about while running.
If there is anyone who feels the same way, I would be happy if you followed me.