Page 14 - Boca ViewPointe - September '24

Page 14, Viewpointe September 2024
Running, Not Walking At 94

By Robert W. Goldfarb My body, if it could, would begin pressing against my will continue to propel me. My legs might walk, but my
chest to slow me to a walk. My mind persists, ordering spirit will be running.
Doctors treating me sound more like mechanics when me to lengthen my stride. Once the closest of partners, Race directors, who until recently assumed no one older
they imply my body is a car whose parts are wearing my body and mind are now in frequent conflict. than 70 ran, are beginning to award medals to winning
down and need replacing. I notice the visible dents and It’s my body whose legs are now heavy at distances I contestants who are 80 and older. I’m often the only runner
scratches, but they hear subtle defects I don’t, as when once swept past. I approach the one-mile marker certain I in that group, but proudly wear the one medal awarded.
the engine in my chest misses a beat or two. had run two. I can visualize my body saying to my mind, It’s very likely someone else will soon be wearing
Age is mentioned or hinted at in almost everything doctors “You may want to run, but I’m the one doing the running.” that medal as the oldest Baby Boomers are now 78 and
tell me. I certainly hear it when they say, “That’s not a muscle Younger walkers often pass me while I’m running as much faster than I am. Hopefully kindly race directors
pull, Bob; it’s arthritis that’s expected when you’re 94.” They fast as I can. They and everyone else in the race would will institute a 90 and over competition.
never quite express it, but I leave their offices believing I’ve understand if I began walking a few paces slower than I I felt joy and freedom in a race I ran just weeks ago.
been told I’ve long exceeded my anticipated mileage. had been running. But, something deep inside me tells me Two veterans carrying American flags had been told I was
Doctors offer vague advice on coping with my body’s it’s not races my body and mind are disputing, it’s how I’m by far the oldest runner in the race and a veteran. They
gradual decline, telling me to “Keep exercising, but listen going to carry myself along the path I’ve been traveling began running alongside me.
to your body if it tells you you’re doing too much.” my entire life. Will I walk that path or will I run? As we neared the finish line, they insisted I have the
They leave it to me to either slow down or drive this old Walking is for confined spaces, for prisoners pacing honor of carrying the flag the final hundred yards. I raised
car slightly faster than the speed limit. I’ve made my choice. in their cells. Running demands freedom, distances the flag and carried it across the finish line, running as I
I’m going to press harder on the accelerator than on the brake unbounded by walls. Old age can feel like a prison, always do.
pedal, embracing the journey deeper into my nineties. chains of years manacling our legs. I’m already one of
I will run five three-mile races this summer. I’m certain the oldest old, but choose to run, not hobble, savoring Bob’s articles have appeared in The New York Times,
of two outcomes: I’ll finish last, but will run every step the fresh breeze on my face in both races and throughout The San Francisco Chronicle and in Next Avenue, the
of the way. In past races, walking was never a possibility. life’s journey. publication of the Public Broadcasting Service. His
I was a runner. But, my body has begun protesting that I foresee the day when my legs can no longer run. But, book, “What’s Stopping Me From Getting Ahead?” was
it’s time to walk, not run. the leap of joy that carried me across so many finish lines published by McGraw Hill and is in five languages. 
PBCFR Yellow Dot Program

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Current Events

Group

The Current Events Group meet every Monday from
10am-11:30am at the BPCA office. The members consist
of both men and women and all Boca Pointe residents are
invited to attend. If you would like more information or
to sign up, please call 516-835-2670. 

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Captain’s is committed to providing
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561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com