Creed for the Ancient Marathoner

by Dr. Walter Bortz

1. Honour the run. Train enough, but not too much. Don’t rely on yesterday’s experience for today’s challenge. Be true to the task. Know that you are the torchbearer for those younger. You show them not just what you can do but what they will be able to do. You show them their future.

2. Don’t be surprised. Train in the heat and in the cold. Know how to drink and eat. Know where each step is taking you.

3. Don’t take any extra weight along with you; be spare.

4. Be rested, be fresh, and arrive at the start ready for a full go. Know that each part of you is ready to go the full course.

5. Age is not an excuse. It is an advantage. Each of us has been up our personal hill more often than the younger runners. We are older, we have experienced more, we have more to give—and we understand more.

6. Don’t make excuses. Don’t rely on someone else. You are in charge. You alone can crest the rise, fight the fatigue, master the moment.

7. Although you are in charge of yourself, you are not alone. Your number increases. You run in the footsteps you have made—but also in the paths of Emil, Frank, Johnny, Grete, Clarence, George, and others. You tie your shoes with their laces. You are one with the heroes and heroines.

8. Don’t compete with your yesterday. No one can defeat you. Be the best that you can be this day. Be being your best today, you will prepare for being your best tomorrow.

9. Listen to the wisdom of your body. It is older. It has been tested. It knows how. Pay respect and learn from its teachings.

10. Have fun, don’t take the run too seriously, be confident.