Going the Distance
Decisions made in our youth show up for reckoning as we enter our elder years. As I prepare for right hip replacement surgery in mid-December, I am reckoning with my life-long definition of myself as an athlete, including the wear-and-tear of training, the endurance and exhilaration of racing, the costs of being my age and being among the first women to accomplish some athletic feats before there was proper gear.
My history of running
Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, there were no girl’s high school sports teams in Minnesota. Thanks to a father who encouraged his four daughters to be physically active, I joined recreational swimming, tennis, and golf leagues throughout my school years. Title IX, legislation to eliminate sex discrimination in sports and athletics, wasn’t passed into law until 1972. I was 23 then, married, following my husband through his graduate school years, and living in Logan, Utah. That July, I overheard a sports caster announce, “Once again not a single woman entered the Deseret News Marathon.” I made up my mind to run it in 1973.
1978 bicycle race—before people were wearing helmets—came in third place behind my longtime friend Janelle Brown. I have no pbotos of running the 1973 marathon.
At the time, women’s running shoes were made using a man’s mold. (It was not until 1978 that Nike created the first women’s running shoe.) Since I have very narrow feet, the only shoe that fit me was a Penny’s tennis shoe. With no clue how to train for a 26.2-mile marathon I found other local women runners to train with.
Five women entered the Deseret News Marathon in 1973: three of us finished. I have no idea my placement, only remember I was staggering into the downtown celebration of Pioneer Days with three miles to go, ready to step out and call it enough. Cheering penetrated my exhaustion, getting louder and louder. “Oh my gosh,” I realized, “they are cheering for me!” So, riding on their confidence, I crossed the line.
Trails, streets, short races, long races: there is a freedom to running that I always cherished and still miss. I developed hairline fractures in my feet, bone spurs, and swollen knees. But I was always thin and loved the freedom of being outdoors at the edge of my own wildness.
Crossing the finish line for the 1978 30K Temple Peak race in Logan, Utah. Wooden skis and wool knickers. I actually skied more races than I ran, Finishing my last 50K race in 1990 with modern skate skis and skinny tights.
In 2005 when our dear grandson, Jaden, was born, I decided to trade walking for running. “Got to accompany this boy for a long time,” I told myself. And in this year, when he completed a backpacking trip with a college friend in northern California, I will be getting a hip replacement. Then he and I will do more hiking.
No pain, no gain
As an athlete who never experienced formal coaching, I was often guided by the adage, “No pain, no gain.” Perhaps coaches say that, but most certainly athletes say that to one another. That was a helpful phrase when it came to pushing to do things like finish that Deseret News Marathon. It was helpful on many days when I was exhausted paddling around Lake Superior and absolutely needed to keep going to be able to find a safe shore to land on. But as I have aged, the limitations of that phrase become more and more obvious. Pain is a legitimate warning that injury is not far behind—especially in older, less flexible, less strong bodies.
The phrase that aging athletes share is, “You’ve got to use it, or you lose it.” There is a tremendous amount of truth in that phrase. Become sedentary and you will have a hard time hiking, biking, swimming, or kayaking again. As I prepare for surgery and am dealing with a lot of pain, I find myself juggling between the athletic adage of my younger years and the adage of my elder years. Even if it hurts, get out there and hike at least a mile. Spend more time swimming because it does not hurt. Spend time every day in the garden weeding, planting bulbs, planting cover crop but not too much time. How much time is “too much?” Well, if I only did what did not cause pain, I probably would not spend any time in the garden. Every day is different. The choice of how long to do an activity changes each day, a balancing act between going into my surgery as strong as I am able and not injuring myself.
Moving dirt into the garden in preparation for planting garlic bulbs this fall.
Christina helping in the garden as we harvest carrots.
How surgery snuck up on me
I have had several surgeries related to my extreme athleticism—feet, one knee, and lumbar spine. And now another joint needs replacement. This one has taken me by surprise because it did not hurt until last July when goofing around with my sister doing jumping jacks. It was fun at the time, but 24 hours later it was not fun. My physical therapist treated me for a strained hip flexor. When it didn’t heal, he sent me to my primary care doctor for an x-ray “in case there is some underlying arthritis”.
Well, there is— I have serious osteoarthritis and bone on bone in the joint. So, the next step has been to find a surgeon and get scheduled as soon as I can—December 15 will be the date.
In our 70s all of us experience some aging effect after decades of wandering this earth in our bodies. Genetics, body type, usage, adjustments, and good fortune, all determine our state of health as we age. Denial or acceptance of health insurance determines what we do about it.
I don’t regret my choices to be a runner, a cross-country ski marathoner, and a long-distance kayaker. These athletic endeavors shaped who I am as a person. In training and achievement, athletics have grown my soul and expanded my sense of self. I also appreciate the fact that I have played a small part in opening up opportunities for other women to participate in athletics.
And to you, dear readers of this blog, blessings on your own health journeys. Whether you are lucky enough to be at a place of no calibration of activities because of pain, whether you deal with chronic aches and pains, whether you also face some medical intervention like surgery, take good care or yourselves. Carry on being a force for good in your families and communities. The world needs our presence right now.
Ann heading to her plane gate to visit her daughter and family with the aid of a hiking pole.
Dear Ann, I will be lighting a candle for your successful surgery on 12/15. You have been a tremendous role model for me to remain active and mobile. So far…so good! I keep joking that I want to phase out of this lifetime with all my original parts!! But who knows what lies ahead. Thank you for your posting. Sending lots of love to my questing mentors! DT
Thank you for your kind comments, Diane. May you indeed leave this life with all your original parts!
Ann…I will be thinking of you and sending strong healing vibes for your surgery and recovery. This is a conversation I (at 78, soon to be 79) had with my BIL (at 76, halfway to 77) this weekend as the two of us teamed up to put together my much needed but complicated new bed. We spent 4+ hours in positions meant for much younger people—floor contortions, lots of bending, too much standing in place)—and were both hobbled when done. We both went into this believing we were fit enough, smart enough and strong enough to do this alone. When done many hours later, and there was still the old box spring to cart from my apartment two floors down to his car, get it loaded atop the car and tie it down, we looked at each other and said, “Never again!” So your timing of theme strikes home. You’ll do this, of course, with your usual resolve and persistence, but I hope you’ll let Christina fuss over you and friends bring you flowers and yummy food!
What an excellent description, Meredith! You teach so much in your generous writing. Don’t you just hate it that we can’t easily do those “floor contortions, lots of bending, too much standing in place”? We live and learn and share our stories.
Good on you, darlin’!
I will be sending you tons of positive thoughts on December 15th…
😘 ❤️
Maybe I’ll see you at Eric’s play at WICA on the 14th? 🙏
Yes, hoping to be at Eric’s play!
Gotta tell you Ann, had my left hip replaced March 2020. The problem, besides the pandemic, I also needed a root canal two days prior. Never as athletic as you. Spend all exercising in a YMCA swimming pool.
Always good to hear from you, Larry. for sure glad my hip replacement did not fall during covid.
May your new hip bring new strength, Ann, reopening your life to new adventures — bionic and unstoppable! Blessings for a speedy recovery.
Thank you for your earlier email to me. Looking forward to following in your footsteps!
Dearest Ann
You have always been a model for us. May your preparation for your surgery help you sail through it. May your surgeon be rested and brilliant. And your body be ready to heal. I with many will be here for you on the other side of it.
With love
Diana
Bless you, dear Diana, I so appreciate your kind words.
Oh boy, can I ever identify with your post today. Though I was not an extreme athlete like yourself, I have always engaged in quite a lot of exercise. And at age 81, I had never broken a bone – until a few weeks ago, but did I ever do a good job at that time. I had a big fall – at home, classic – and sustained fractures to my left shoulder and three fractures to my left pelvis. So I am writing this, humbly, from a wheelchair at a rehab facility where I was transferred after a week at Harborview. Clearly, I needed to learn lessons about helplessness, about accepting limitations and assistance from everyone for everything. Suffering is indeed a great teacher, and I am learning as I recover gradually.
Thank you for sharing your story and your lessons. We are, indeed, all walking each other home… or hobbling together towards home as best we can.
So very sorry, Miriam! You write beautifully about what was and is so painful. Glad to know you are recovering. Yes, we are walking and hobbling our way home together—learning as we go.
I came late to running at age 48 as my way to help me stop smoking. 61 marathons later, I too have osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. But, I am seriously training for #62 next October. It is all the things you write about in the area of pain. However, I will train and run every marathon until I cannot, and then walk shorter distances. Thanks so much for the reminder of its importance. Being active impacts all of my life and a personal gift just to myself.
Oh my goodness, Karen! That is a lot of determination. Carry on, hopefully not in too much pain!
Dear Ann,
good luck for your surgery. My wife is fighting arthosis these days. Its quite a way to go, if you want to avoid a surgery.
All the best,
Stefan
So sorry to hear of your wife’s journey. Courage to you both.
Thanks for this wise counsel on the familiar aches and pains of aging. May your upcoming hip replacement go smoothly.
A salute to staying active.
At our ages we all have aches and pains. The journey is to hold them gracefully like hard earned gems.
Thank you Ann for this post… i am in good shape at this time ( i had both hips replaced in 2019- it was awesome).
But facing being 70 feels very daunting…. I am still very active in the community and here on our homestead…
I am also a Hospice Chaplain now and have trained a comfort therapy dog to be my team partner…Bodhi.
Thank you for reminding me to plant my garlic now….
Circle work is still a foundation of work. I do with groups. I caused my website down in January with a political scene happening… I’m working on choosing my direction ahead carefully.
Love to you and Christina
Barbara
Appreciate the kind words about the outcome of hip surgery!And bless you for your work as a hospice chaplain with your perfect partner Bodhi. Yes, we must choose our directions carefully on behalf of ourselves and our people.
This struck a chord! I’m now sporting a 2 inch scar on my face from skin cancer removal. A constant reminder of the sunscreen I didn’t wear as a young person and the need for it now. Sending you lots of healing energy for a speedy recovery. We make a path by walking!
Glad you caught the skin cancer! We do indeed make a path by walking and sharing our stories.
Your athletic dedication makes you part of women’s history! Women were aching to get involved even before Title IX was applied to sports. The only thing missing here is that you were the first woman to kayak around Lake Superior! Thank you for also showing courage here in aging, an inspiration to us all yet again.
Thank you, my dear sister. Your words mean a lot to me.
Thank you for these gentle reminders. Peace be with you. If anyone is in the Flow of Life it is you, remarkable woman, and your new hip is being blessed before it even goes in!
Appreciate your kind words, Jana. Peace be with you.
Ann, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have always admired you! I am turning 83 and in full blown kidney failure, but I do NOT WANT TO GIVE UP! I have always been athletic and find I have to push hard to participate now but the reward of kayaking in the BWCAW recently is keeping my flame burning. Plus, I recently joined Granny basketball and itis a hoot. It brings women over 60 together to share team spirit.
What a wonderful note, Janet! Kayaking in the BWCA and granny basketball! Keep on keeping on as long as we ever can! So much love to you, Ann
You’re my hero, Ann <3 Let me know if there is any way I can help you during/after your recovery!
Oh, Ashley, lovely to hear from you! Looking forward †o working with you on Land Trust projects when I am healed up. That will be my reward!
These bodies have taken us on so many journeys! Wishing you a smooth, successful surgery and a gentle, speedy recovery!
Thank you, Barbara JOY1 i know you know the importance of that wish. Ann
(It looks like my comment didn’t come through. I was #1 too!) You are such an inspiration. And I’m fascinated to read your history as an athlete. I read a memoir by a long-distance hiker not long ago, and the author said something like, “If I never hiked where their might be cougars, I would never hike. And that would be a buzzkill.” You do what you love, with appropriate cautions, and accept the consequences. I think your bionic hip will be just great! xoxo
Thank you Gretchen! Totally relate to the hiker/cougar comment. Yes, indeed, we do what we love and accept the consequences and do our best to be careful in the process.Definitely counting on my bionic hip to be great. Ann
Thank you for sharing your reflections on this journey. Your spirit — and the way you keep moving with life, even when the body asks for patience — is so inspiring.
I’ll be thinking of you on December 15 and wishing you steady hands, good care, and an easy recovery. May you be back outside, doing what you love, before long. Greetings from Slovenia (my last days before returning tio the East Coast).
Lovely to hear from you, dear Marjeta. Yes, the body does demand patience as we age.Thank you for the well wishes and safe travels back to the U.S. where we just got a whole bunch of good pos† election news!
Thank you for the encouragement to keep moving in our elder years Ann. It sounds like your body has been such a huge part of your life purpose and learning over the years. I can still garden though for only short periods…hip pain of my own my friend! May your surgery be another successful endeavor toward a pain free existence! Sending you love in this beautiful autumn season.
Thank you, Glenda! May your own beautiful garden be the reward for gentle tending. Ann
I loved settling into these stories Ann. Thank you.
While I was reading, I kept thinking, “I want to read this with Dana, my former athlete wife.”
And so I will, smiling to bring your stories to her and us.
A big hug.
Always lovely to hear from you, Tenneson! You can imagine the throngs of people at the Pioneer Days celebration that spurred me to the finish line! Ann
Ann,
I will be thinking of and praying for you and your caregivers on the 15th. May your recovery be speedy and complete. I had my first surgery, knee replacement, a year ago and have a new lease on life, so to speak. Greetings to Christina.
Blessings, Alice
Thank you, dear Alice! Sure hoping for that new lease on activity. Be well.Ann
Wow, Ann! What an impressive, active life you’ve lived. Time does have a way of humbling us but I notice, more and more, the benefits it brings too. Patience. Attentiveness. Appreciation. So many times I marvel at how grateful I am to have the experience of beautiful places now, as opposed to, forty years ago. Slowing down comes with a bounty of gifts. You’re going to feel like a new woman. Can hardly wait to see what you’ll do in a year! Sending white light on surgery day and always!
Thank you, Bonnie Rae. You are definitely right about slowing down and the benefits it is binging. Yesterday in one of our huge downpours I was watching our bird feeder while I was sitting under cover of the porch. I was amazed to see the juncos, chickadees and nuthatches feeding in that heavy rain. Made me ever more vigilant about keeping that feeder full!
Hi Dearest Ann! Having now 4 joint replacements, 3 hips and a shoulder, I really connect with your sourcing of activities that have led to this point in your upcoming hip surgery. I hope all goes well for you. We are gifted in having an evolved understanding of what it takes to successfully undertake our recoveries. Our Grandma Vendla was bedridden with a broken hip for half a year when our mothers were in high school.
I love water exercise as a way of developing my muscles for land based activity. Say goodbye to lots of yoga positions. My last replacements of hip and shoulder led me to some mystical/ spiritual places connected to bearing responsibilities and how they are embodied.
I could go on and on, and I guess I have… love, your cousin
Hello Sharry! It is so good to hear from you. You have a lot of wisdom based on lots of joint replacements. Thank you for sharing them here. I did not know that story for our Grandma Vendla and am sorry that she dealt with that kind of pain. One of my wilderness guiding friends is also preparing for a hip replacement and commented, “If we lived in a different era or place on the earth we would be screwed.” He is right. It is such a privilege to be able to have these join† replacements and genuine hope for future ac†ivity. Be well, dear cousin!
Dearest Ann, I’m saddened to read you’ll be having replacement surgery and truly wish you safe passage through the process. Injury-induced arthritis was most often what created the haunting image of Grandma relegated to a rocking chair on the periphery of life. No more! And certainly not for you, our capable sports hero! In your zeal to recover quickly, be super kind to your new joint❣️
Much love to you and your loving nurse Christina!
Thank you, Jane, for your good thoughts. You are the first one to mention my kind nurse, Christina. I am lucky, indeed—kind, capable, and good humored just when I will need it! You are right about the gift of modern day surgery. It has changed things for the prognosis of us elders.
Ann, thank you for sharing your athletic journey through your life! So much you have enjoyed through the years and experienced because you were willing to put your body to the test – maybe even at times when your mind was directing you toward temperance. I hear you. What I hope that you hold close to your thought as well,, is what you were willing to provide for other women through the years to challenge their abilities more than they/me even knew they could!!! Perhaps before you go into surgery, remember that your beloved Jaden has followed in your footsteps with the love of these athletic activities because he was lucky enough to have you, his grandma, be his well equipped teacher! Even this surgery will teach him something more in the care of himself as he explores for years his capabilities!
A candle will be lit on December 15th with wishes for a good surgery that will again bring you back to doing all that you love to do on this land you love.
Thank you, Jeanne, for your always thoughtful comments and for the support around my surgery. As the time for surgery draws nearer, I am feeling ever more ready in body, mind, and spirit. Blessings, Ann