LOLZLetter 315.5 Running as You Age Series
With Paige: Getting into running after baby number 8
Welcome,
Welcome to a short bonus Thursday newsletter. Instead of making the newsletter 4000 words on Monday, I decided to break it out into two shorter newsletters. As for me, it’s been a week. Do I say that every week because it really seems to in 2025.
The Los Angeles Marathon is on Sunday and I will be running. Training had gone really well until I got the stomach flu in the 11th hour. While I’m recovered from that, recovered and recovered to run a marathon are two different things.
I’m also looking for a few cyclist and swimmers to interview on https://runtrimag.com/. If that’s you, send me an email at fueledbylolz@gmail.com. All abilities welcome. :-)
This week, we are continuing the "Running as You Age" newsletters with Paige in their 40s.
If you are new this week,I'll start in the 20s and then each week go up the age groups. I'm still looking for those who are age 70 and above so if you have someone in mind, let me know.
In case you missed it:
Paige: A Journey Through Running and Growth
From navigating motherhood to conquering marathons, Paige' journey into running is one of resilience, learning, and passion. Now based in Calgary, Alberta, the 48-year-old runner has found joy in pushing her limits, embracing each season of life, and discovering what her body is capable of.
How did you start running?
It was a rocky start! I had eight babies over 16 years and was always reasonably fit, but I just knew that if I had the chance to try running, I would love it. I ran a 10K between babies six and seven and loved it! But then, on my very first walk-jog after baby number seven, I tripped, fell, and broke my kneecap. After that, running just hurt, and I kind of gave up.
At some point after baby eight, I still had a longing to run. I prayed about it and got to work. I did a bunch of hip and glute strengthening, my knees stopped hurting, and I decided to try again. Since then, I’ve run a ton of races, including a couple of backyard ultras, a 100K ultra, five marathons (which are currently my favorite), and many other races.
What kind of changes have you noticed since you started running…mentally and physically?
When I started running, my brain loved it and wanted more, more, more. It was peace, beauty, outdoors, fresh air, and sunshine, but my tendons and ligaments weren’t tough enough to keep up. I was always nursing some little injury. As I’ve doggedly kept at it, I’ve learned so much about my body and gotten stronger. Yes, I still get hurt, but I no longer feel ashamed of myself. I just do my best and try to learn from my mistakes.
I was already a masters runner when I started, so I didn’t know how much I could improve. My first marathon was a 3:34, and I was pretty happy with that. But it’s been fun to see how fast I can get as I move up in age brackets. Last year, I ran my PB of 3:08, and man, would I love to beat it this year. It’s kind of fun that I don’t have "peak" PBs to look back on and mourn…I can just approach each race with curiosity to see where I’m at now.
Do you train for the same things as when you started?
The past three years, I made my hometown marathon my A-goal race. Last year, I knew I was ready to break 90 in the half, so that was an exciting B-goal to chase down, too. Every year, I try to think of a goal that lights me up.
I really love marathon training…the long, gritty runs and workouts, the higher mileage, the sneaky fitness gains. The races are fun, but so many outside factors influence the outcome. My favorite part is the training and all the fitness and lessons you get to keep when it’s all over...no matter the outcome.
Any advice for people getting into running?
Don’t run if you hate it. There are so many fun ways to move, get strong, and stay fit. Find one you LOVE and do it.
If you are new to running and think you aren’t cut out for it because you keep getting hurt, don’t give up! Be kind to yourself and your body. It will get stronger and more resilient as you consistently show up.
If you’re in a season where you can’t run...that’s okay! There’s beauty in enjoying each season as it unfolds. I (obviously) loved having babies, but now that I’m done, I am loving being a nana, learning all about running, teaching piano and voice, and making new friends. Each season brings different obstacles and different opportunities. I’m so glad my 40s brought me running!
Paige's journey into running is a great reminder that there is a season of life for everything!
Thank you Paige for your time! You can follow her on instagram.
