by Jose Lorenzo Mina, Jr.
I may not be the proper authority on this, but I think my detailed observation of people through the years can help many runners, especially those over or approaching 40, belie their age. After all, many of us plunge into this sports primarily to look and feel younger. Beyond the rising blood pressure and fluctuating dial on the scales, the yearning to bring back lost years is what drives us to wake up at dawn to hit the pavement like there's no tomorrow.
Basically, runners already have the edge over their less active contemporaries whose idea of physical activity might be surfing (the net) and throwing rocks at angry birds. We generally, though not necessarily, have flatter abs, a better posture, and certain air of confidence about us (especially after finishing an ultrarace, though this can go overboard). but why do some runners not stand out in the crowd like other people their age who aren't even as physically fit? They already have the guns; it's just a matter of harnessing what they sans surgery or drugs. Here are some of my recommendations towards this end:
Basically, runners already have the edge over their less active contemporaries whose idea of physical activity might be surfing (the net) and throwing rocks at angry birds. We generally, though not necessarily, have flatter abs, a better posture, and certain air of confidence about us (especially after finishing an ultrarace, though this can go overboard). but why do some runners not stand out in the crowd like other people their age who aren't even as physically fit? They already have the guns; it's just a matter of harnessing what they sans surgery or drugs. Here are some of my recommendations towards this end:
Think young, look young. You don't have to sport the latest Justin Bieber hairstyle (if you still have some hair up there) to blend in with the younger generation. You don't even have to know the latest apps or single by Jason Mraz. Having a greater zest for life and an adventurous attitude helps. Avoid acting like the dictator father/uncle if one of the kids starts taking alcoholic drinks, but assert some authority when things go a little beyond control. In short, try to go with the flow and be more open-minded.
Mind the details. Sprouting nasal hair, a chipped tooth, gag-inducing breath or dirty fingernails - think how this could ruin someone's look; then you get the picture. Beyond just vanity, it's about good grooming and observing proper hygiene.
Less is more. During our time, the term minimalist was unheard of (though this did flourish in mid-century homes). Now it's everywhere-in architecture, furniture, fashion, running shoes, and clothes. So those who think that the flashy non shirt and pastel pants will still look cool, think again. It's time to update your wardrobe - the simpler, the better. Let go of your flamboyant, over-the-top 80's attitude. We're in the more practical, streamlined decade of the 21st century!
Fashion Forward. The indigo high waist jeans you've had for the last 20 years only reveals your age. Young people nowadays sport tighter jeans that sit low on, or below, the hips, affording others a glimpse of eternity. Get a good tailor to adjust your loose shirts and pants. I did when I lost the bulk in my arms and chest from running. I'm not suggesting you go for the skinny jeans + V-neck shirt + Chuck Taylors ensemble, but try to take it halfway without looking too fashionista; we're talking about looking fresh but still respectable. Naturally, you can also tuck in your shirt if you want to go for a more senior look - a convenient excuse to show of that giant Western States silver buckle.
Take care of your biggest organ -- the skin, that is! Runner are most prone to sunburn, all forms of skin discoloration, and dryness, so moisturize. If Rob Lowe does it, so should you. I know that supplemental sunblocks will hardly stick to your skin 12 kilometers after the first application, so better make up for the abuse when you're offthe road. If you're longing for the bleached (ghost-like) look, go ahead and spike the sales of glutathione and papaya soaps. But we are runners, so accept the fact that we can't get any fairer than we already are unless we take a hiatus and hibernate in the caves of Hoyop-Hoyopan. You've got to love the godly bronze look which you can easily achieve through heat training.
Keep the hairs in check. It's time to let go of your fantasies of looking like Barry Gibb (God bless his soul) or Kris Kristofferson. If you're going for that ahead; wear your hair long. You can also stop shaving for weeks if you want. Just don't complain if they refuse you entry to an upscale hotel. It's all about looking clean and decent - maintaining minimal body hair, clipping those curls in your ears, and yes, also that gorilla chest.
Accept your age. There are certain things we have to learn to accept, whether it's a fading vision, a weaker stamina, greying hair, a thinning hairline (keeping a bald pate is way cooler than brushing your last few strands towards your glinting forehead). A high school classmate who's a cosmetic surgeon once suggested that I get "botoxed" to hide the crow's feet when I smile. I responded that I didn't want to lose my signature acting style once I appeared expressionless on the big screen.
Seriously now, we can only do so much in reversing the hands of time. But we can relish our wisdom and experience that can only come with growing older. Besides, what we lack in the physical, we more than make up for in our mental toughness patience and perseverance in the marathon or ultramarathon.
So to the running men (and women) my age or older, learn to love what you've become- extraordinary human beings capable of outrunning and outwitting many individuals half your age, while enjoying a second wind in midlife.
(feature-frontRUNNER mag. vol.III issue 3-2012 pp.30)
Mind the details. Sprouting nasal hair, a chipped tooth, gag-inducing breath or dirty fingernails - think how this could ruin someone's look; then you get the picture. Beyond just vanity, it's about good grooming and observing proper hygiene.
Less is more. During our time, the term minimalist was unheard of (though this did flourish in mid-century homes). Now it's everywhere-in architecture, furniture, fashion, running shoes, and clothes. So those who think that the flashy non shirt and pastel pants will still look cool, think again. It's time to update your wardrobe - the simpler, the better. Let go of your flamboyant, over-the-top 80's attitude. We're in the more practical, streamlined decade of the 21st century!
Fashion Forward. The indigo high waist jeans you've had for the last 20 years only reveals your age. Young people nowadays sport tighter jeans that sit low on, or below, the hips, affording others a glimpse of eternity. Get a good tailor to adjust your loose shirts and pants. I did when I lost the bulk in my arms and chest from running. I'm not suggesting you go for the skinny jeans + V-neck shirt + Chuck Taylors ensemble, but try to take it halfway without looking too fashionista; we're talking about looking fresh but still respectable. Naturally, you can also tuck in your shirt if you want to go for a more senior look - a convenient excuse to show of that giant Western States silver buckle.
Take care of your biggest organ -- the skin, that is! Runner are most prone to sunburn, all forms of skin discoloration, and dryness, so moisturize. If Rob Lowe does it, so should you. I know that supplemental sunblocks will hardly stick to your skin 12 kilometers after the first application, so better make up for the abuse when you're offthe road. If you're longing for the bleached (ghost-like) look, go ahead and spike the sales of glutathione and papaya soaps. But we are runners, so accept the fact that we can't get any fairer than we already are unless we take a hiatus and hibernate in the caves of Hoyop-Hoyopan. You've got to love the godly bronze look which you can easily achieve through heat training.
Keep the hairs in check. It's time to let go of your fantasies of looking like Barry Gibb (God bless his soul) or Kris Kristofferson. If you're going for that ahead; wear your hair long. You can also stop shaving for weeks if you want. Just don't complain if they refuse you entry to an upscale hotel. It's all about looking clean and decent - maintaining minimal body hair, clipping those curls in your ears, and yes, also that gorilla chest.
Accept your age. There are certain things we have to learn to accept, whether it's a fading vision, a weaker stamina, greying hair, a thinning hairline (keeping a bald pate is way cooler than brushing your last few strands towards your glinting forehead). A high school classmate who's a cosmetic surgeon once suggested that I get "botoxed" to hide the crow's feet when I smile. I responded that I didn't want to lose my signature acting style once I appeared expressionless on the big screen.
Seriously now, we can only do so much in reversing the hands of time. But we can relish our wisdom and experience that can only come with growing older. Besides, what we lack in the physical, we more than make up for in our mental toughness patience and perseverance in the marathon or ultramarathon.
So to the running men (and women) my age or older, learn to love what you've become- extraordinary human beings capable of outrunning and outwitting many individuals half your age, while enjoying a second wind in midlife.
(feature-frontRUNNER mag. vol.III issue 3-2012 pp.30)