Maintaining Motivation
Do you lack motivation to even get out the door? You think why bother? The older I get the slower I run. I'll never run 14:11 for a 5K again. At age 54, my 10K PR of 29:51 is a good time for five miles now. My 15K PR of 45:12 will probably be my time for a 10K in future years.

So what motivates an older runner to get out the door? How has my training changed from twenty years ago? My biggest factor is to try to be competitive in my age group. I use a strength, speed, and endurance workout program. Just going out and running does not cut it anymore.

I use weight training three times a week to strengthen my body. Jumping rope, bounding, and stretching exercises also make up my program. Track workouts that build speed are run once a week. I cannot run 53 seconds for a 400 anymore, but I'll try to reach my 400 potential for my age.

The Florida Running & Triathlon magazine is also a big motivation for me with the presentation of the Fastest Times for the 5K, 10K, 15K, 21.1K, and marathon by age groups. Only certified courses are used in the listings. What better way to measure your progress. The data gives me times I can train for that are meaningful. A step up from there is the regional and national scene which are listed in National Masters News.

Many races in the Florida area also list their age group records along with the overall course records if you are 71- years-old; you can make a run at that record, and so on. Another big motivation for me is running with women who are 10 to 25 years younger than me because I want to set an example.

I'll never stand by a track and watch someone do a workout. I do it with them. I'm not as fast but I'm feeling the same pain they are. Teaching and coaching younger athletes is so rewarding. I watch their progress. To see their improvement is such a great joy.

Years ago there was very little research on running. Now, many books and coaches are there for the choosing. Thanks to my college degree in this field, I'm able to understand most of the material that is presented to runners. I try it out on myself, research it, then use it.

Runners of all ages are running fast times. A 2:08 is now the masters world record for the marathon. To keep up with the competition means being informed on any new research. Then all you have to do is find the right motivation to reach your full potential as a runner. Whatever works for you -- Just Do It!

Jeff Hlinka is 53 and was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Jeff graduated from Ashland College in Ashland, Ohio in 1972. In 1977 his parents retired and moved to Hillsboro Beach, Florida. Jeff has been visiting his folks, staying in Florida for extended periods to compete in races in the central and south Florida area for over twenty years. His PRs include: 1M--4:31; 5K--15:15; 5M--25:19; 10K--31:44; 15K--48:58; 21.1K--1:09; 42.2K--2:38.