More Than Just Pacing: Finding Friendship on the Road
So you’re a person of a certain age and you want to lace up and return to running after a decade-long layoff? First off: welcome back. Second: breathe. And third: yes, you will question everything—why now, what do you actually want out of this, how much time will it steal from your Netflix queue, and—most important—what if you look like a complete ass?
Here’s the thing: coming back to running after a long break is nothing like chasing a goal solo the way you used to. When you were younger you could set a target and bulldoze toward it. Now the questions are bigger and weirder, and the answers require a little more honesty and a lot more patience. Anything worth doing takes perseverance and dedication—and now, I'm adding one more essential ingredient: the support of good friends.
I’ve spent my life coaching fitness and creating group camaraderie because joy and accountability make the journey sustainable. Yet asking for support for myself? Way harder. Insecurities creep in: you compare yourself to others, feel unworthy if you can’t keep up, or laugh awkwardly at how slowly you trot along (ha—snail-speed joke intended). Those thoughts are normal. They’re also negotiable.
How to start:
Set real, small goals. Forget the marathon plan on week one. Aim for consistency: three short runs or walk-runs a week beats one heroic 10K and then collapse.
Be kind to your body. Warm up, walk when you need to, and include strength or mobility work to prevent injury. You’ll thank yourself later.
Track progress in minutes or feelings, not just miles. Celebrate being able to breathe easier on the fourth lap or feeling less stiffness after a week.
Bring friends—or find them. The right group can turn fear into fun.
My coach, Doug Croft of Mile High Runners, leads a free, relaxed Saturday morning run that welcomes any pace. When I was deciding whether to come back to running, his gentle invitation convinced me to try it. At first I was terrified, but the group welcomed me with kindness and no judgment. The magic is in that support: people cheer each other on—whether you’re sprinting, jogging slowly, or just showing up—so you keep coming back because it feels good, not because you’re trying to be who you used to be. After a few months, I felt ready to do more focused training with Doug to prepare for races. He keeps me accountable and helps me train safely.
Now I roll out of bed and reach for my shoes without worrying whether my hair is perfect or my pace is impressive. I keep coming back because the group supports each of our running and life goals, and because laughing at my snail-speed is easier when someone else is laughing with me.
So tie those laces. Find your people. Start small. Keep the humor handy. You might be surprised how quickly “a certain age” becomes the best season to run.