My Running Story

My Running Story

I first started running around this time four years ago.
By "first," I mean the first time since completing my military service in 1982.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to celebrate our move to a new home, I ran a 5K race with my children. The race was organized by the Rockaway Track Club.
If I recall correctly, I finished the race in just under 30 minutes.
That entire day, my whole body ached, and I was in pain.
That was the end of my running.

So, technically, calling my running history "four years old" is not entirely accurate.

Running Becomes a Part of Life

It was actually three years ago when running became a part of my daily life.

One cold February day, before winter had fully loosened its grip, my second daughter, Ji-young (Stella), shared her plan to run a half marathon on her birthday.
She was going through some tough times, and I wanted to support her in any way I could.
So, I decided to run alongside her.

However, I still vividly remembered the pain after my 5K race the previous year.
I wasn't sure if I could keep my promise to run with her, so I hesitated to share my plan right away.

Instead, I quietly began training.

On Ji-young's birthday that year, I ran a half marathon with her, from her home in downtown Brooklyn to our home in Rockaway.
At the finish line, my wife, children, and even my grandchildren were there to welcome and celebrate with us.
And just as the race ended, so too did the pain and struggles Ji-young had been facing.

Running Becomes Routine

After that, I joined the Rockaway Running Group.
Unless something comes up, I run 3 miles with the group every Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon.
I also run solo, usually covering 5K, with a 10K once a month.
Twice a year, I challenge myself to a solo half marathon.

Yesterday, the weather was finally nice after a long time, so I ran along the boardwalk.
I started from my house and ran 0.5 miles to 126th Street at a warm-up pace of 10 miles per hour.
From there, I ran 5K to 59th Street, maintaining an 8-minute-per-mile pace.
Then, I ran back home at a recovery pace of 10 miles per hour.
In total, I completed a 10K run.

For someone my age, being able to maintain an 8-minute-per-mile pace for a solid 3 miles feels like a blessing.

Running for Health

Many of my peers carry pill organizers, filled with daily doses of medication.
I assume these are for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and other age-related conditions.

After finishing my run yesterday, I checked my blood pressure: 120/77.
Before I started running regularly, my blood pressure used to be slightly high, which always worried me.
Now, it stays within the normal range.
And fortunately, I have no signs of other chronic illnesses.

I believe running plays a significant role in keeping me healthy.

Looking Ahead

In two years, I will turn 70.
Until then, I plan to run at least three times a week, covering at least 3 miles each time.
Running keeps my body strong and my mind happy—I don’t think I can give it up now.

Besides, the breathtaking view of the ocean as I run along Rockaway’s boardwalk is an added bonus—one of life’s simple but profound joys.