Masters Runner

I turned 47 this month. I vividly remember the feeling I had when I heard this term as a 20-something and even 30-something runner. It sounded 'old,' like someone trying to stay relevant and chase competition that was no longer available. It didn't matter that in most of my trail races; I was still getting buried and handily beaten by women who were double my age. These women showed me that the competitive fire can still burn as bright as we want it to if we work with what we have and find ways not to fight a body that might need a little more rest and a different training style than in the earlier years. 

Four years ago, when I was 43 years old and in the sweet spot of my new category, I ran the Quad Rock 25-mile race trail race in Fort Collins, Colorado, which I had yet to experience in all my years of racing. It was the COVID-19 year of racing when race directors had to cancel, postpone, or run their events with new restrictions. After multiple years of racing the Boston Marathon every April, I also decided to do something new. I remember conversing with a friend and local trail running group leader in the days leading up to the race. Trying to encourage me, he said, "Christy, I looked up your competition, and it looks like you might have a good chance to win the Masters Category." I snapped something back to him about signing up to race in the Women's race, not the Masters category. I was annoyed with the limits he had put on me. Luckily, with enough fire from that conversation with my friend, I won the women's event that year and set the Masters course record. The fire worked this time. Fast forward four more years, and here I am, newly 47 years old, recovering from the most significant injury of my running career, and gratefully embracing my status as a Master. Whenever possible, I love to run races like the Moab Trail Marathon, which is often the USATF Trail Marathon championship race. While chasing other women through the desert canyon, I am excited to see the age of my competitors on the backs of their bibs. It is an honor to race these tough women as we all push each other to get the best out of ourselves in a sport we love. This year, I was invited to race in September at the Masters Marathon championship race in Sydney, Australia. Having surgery in May wiped out that chance. After sulking and pouting for a bit (which I still do from time to time and will likely do again on September 15th), I have decided that as soon as I can, I will chase another fast time to try to earn my spot back into my next opportunity.  

I still enjoy the chase and want to line up at my next race, ready to get the best of my body and mind for the day. If you're reading this and in the current trail running world, you also know that the times people today are running are off the charts and only getting faster. It is an exciting time to be in the sport. I welcome every birthday and am grateful to continue doing what I love. The phrase "masters runner" now excites me and encourages me to find the best ways to keep healthy as I live out my passion for exploring the roads and trails—having the opportunity to line up with women who are still doing what they love amidst life that's usually filled with other obligations that fight for our time and attention. Among some of our identities, we are often but not always mothers, partners, employees, and business owners. It is a privilege to get to do the thing I love, and yes, to even sometimes try to win. What are your experiences with aging into Masters running or cycling or whatever sport excites you?