Coming Last
I have really never in my life actually come last in anything. The thought that one day I might really find myself at the bottom of the pile has been a constant source of trepidation.
The good news is that it makes me leap out of bed at 4 am with a jolt, put on my running shoes, collect my I pod, safety devices ( read and dog and whip for other stray dogs) and head out the door into the cool darkness.
As the years caught up with me I have gotten slower despite my best efforts. It is a disheartening downward slide which never seems to let up.
In the DRHM 2014 I finally scaled that pinnacle.127 out of 127 women and 1501 out of 1507 total. (I did manage to beat 6 men!)
The I checked the results again. There was no senior or veteran category or even differently abled!
I was the oldest woman running. The next after me in age was 7 years younger!
In the races in other countries that I have run and/ or just checked my age group results the seniors, veterans and superveterans are given their due kudos.
Only in India we are ignored, relegated to the background and not encouraged.
I was even told “you run to compete with yourself!”
Okay, but everyone else is competing with each other!
To all you youngsters out there—
One day you will be as old as me!
If no one encourages you to exercise, you will be an unfit burden to your children!
So DO NOT FORGET THE OLDIES!
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