The Around the Bay race is only two weeks away. The countdown is on.

Today, I ran my last long run before the race. 26 km. Next week’s “long run” will be half that distance.

It was hard. I didn’t feel like running today. And I definitely didn’t feel like running 26 km.

But I did it.

I coaxed myself by saying that I would just “start” the run. I would go slow. It’s about the distance. Not how fast I can do it.

One of the thoughts that came up as I pounded the pavement: How much longer will I be able to run long distances?

I’m not the only person in their sixties running this race. But few of my friends run long distances. Most of my friends are amazed that my knees can handle the runs.

Knock on wood. I’m amazed too. I’m lucky.

But I won’t be able to do this forever. So, how much longer will I be able to run?

If I’m lucky, I could still be running in my eighties.

Will I still be running the Around the Bay? I don’t run it every year. This will be the ninth time that I’ve run it. The first time was 23 years ago.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend asked me if I was “excited” about the race.

Not really.

I’m intrigued to see how I will do. Will I finish? Will I take longer than last year or will I be a little faster?

And that question made me think of another. When will I stop improving? When will I start running slower and slower?

It doesn’t matter when.

It’s out of my control.

I can run now and challenge myself to run long distances. And as long as I can push myself, I will.