Masters running is alive and strong! and I’m glad to be still part of it. As I approach age 70 I’m happy that I still have some hair although like running the changes are subtle hardly distinguishable from day to day but a look in the mirror  – or at the stop watch – says it all. I’m undeniably different and what used to be easy and taken for granted is now the stuff of dreams. But dreams continue to shape my running and my healthy lifestyle. Like balding the ageing effect on your running is nothing to be ashamed of.  in fact in the last few years Iv learnt more about my body and what it is capable of than the last 40 years.  Yes I get fatigued and the thought of running over 50 mile a week is ridiculous and would probably injure me. Mileage aside I just feel older, I’ve still got the energy but I’m more aware of being tired and recovery is much more important in my planning than before. Last Sunday I ran the Folksworth 15m road race and recorded a time 0f 1.57.04 to win the Vet 65 category. The race is renowned for the six hills runners have to overcome and is an ideal build up for spring marathons. It was perfect conditions, dry, still with no wind and cold but crisp. My target was a sub 2hour run so i knew 7.45 miling would get me there in a comfortable state. Going through 5 mile in 37.30 feeling comfortable in a nice pack of runners certainly helped the mental confidence. Ive learnt over the past few years to break down the race in to segments more and this helps me build the mental strength to complete races stronger. At the 10mile mark we hit 77.45 and all that was needed was a controlled run up the second to last hill with a bit of tempo running over the last 2 mile. Caldecote Hill is the nail in the coffin, starting at 14 mile it’s a steep incline before the half mile turn for the finish.  I was glad to see the finish line but well satisfied with my performance and the knowledge that coach Dave would be chuffed with the time. The last few days it’s been about recovery, stretching, a bit of strength work in the gym, swimming and power running in water and easy recovery runs. My next target is the Brighton Half Marathon next month. So look out for future blogs on masters running and how we can still reach the heights of good running as we grow older.