It’s no fun getting older.

I enjoy competing in regional triathlons, open water swims, and running races. Prior to this year, I have enjoyed my hobbies relatively injury free. But this year started off strong, and ended with an Achilles tendon injury and plantar fasciitis. Initially, I was convinced that the source of my troubles was my shoes. Three pairs of running shoes later, and a thorough physical therapy program, it occured to me that I may be getting older.

 Here’s the problem with this: mentally, I’m still a collegiate athlete (aren’t we all?). I can still accomplish amazing athletic feats and turn in awe-inspiring performances. Physically, I’m a middle-aged athlete chasing her glory days.

There is much talk these days of the “mind/body connection”, but little talk on the “mind/body disconnection”. Here’s my point:

My mind says: Tomorrow would be a good day for a long run. After running Sage Hills, call Amy to see if she wants to lift weights.

My body says: After three cups of coffee, consider putting in a solid 20 minutes on the StairMaster- or until my foot gives out, followed by a nap.

My mind says: Enter the Trans-Tahoe relay swim next summer. An 11.5-mile open water swim would be epic.

My body says: Tahoe rarely reaches 70 degrees and that’s a VERY long way!

My mind says: Stretching is for old people.

My body says: You need to stretch.

Mentally, I’m still capable of training several hours each day and pushing my body to new limits. Physically, my body has been pushed, and it’s pushing back.

So how does a gal reconcile the two? For several years now, I have been trying to get my physical self match my mental self. I’ve attempted to contort my physical ability to equal what I believe I should be able to do. But, the older I get, the less of a reality this becomes. It has recently been suggested to me that perhaps I have this backward. Perhaps I should contort my mental ability to match my physical ability. That’s a pretty big slice of humble pie. But, maybe my arthritis-stricken and injury-plagued body needs a break.

As I ponder this, I realize that there’s no glory in sitting on the sidelines, so I’ll forge on. It will be an adventure to see what injury joins the club next. And, it’s good to support local physical therapists.

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