It’s time to face the fact that I am getting older. Today, after the Icebreaker Road Race in Great Falls, Montana on Sunday, I am feeling my age.

The annual Icebreaker road race in Great Falls is very well done. It is an annual event that I love to participate in with my kids. They give you a nice lunch after the race, a big honkin’ medal to wear to make you feel like a winner for participating and a shirt. I’ve participated in many races across the state and nation and the Icebreaker is one of the best organized.

In the race packet, officials also gave some free samples of Biofreeze (a pain relieving gel). It’s coming in pretty handy today…

I used to pride myself in being a decent runner, not an elite one, but one who could churn out a mile run under seven minutes in my thirties. I enjoyed running.

But, the walk back to the vehicle after the race this year was tough on the old guy…

Today as I sit with a swollen knee and after taking some doses of Aleve, I must face the fact that I am not a spring chicken any more. Maybe some day I can get my knee repaired and return to running, instead of walking for exercise. I normally walk on the treadmill 5 times a week for 30 minutes at a time.

My daughter completed the three-mile race with me (her first three mile race) and of course, she is fine this morning, bouncing around and wearing her 2007 Icebreaker shirt to school to show off. Oh, to be young again.

As we were leaving to head home from the 2007 Icebreaker, we had to take some side streets and alleys to get out of downtown. The one mile race had started and we came across some participates at the tail end of the pack for the one mile race. They were older people with walkers and some were being pushed in wheelchairs. I admire them. I hope when I reach their age, I will still be out there like they were having fun and enjoying the thrill of the race.

When we saw them, my daughter and I made a deal that we would try and participate in the race each year no matter what, even if she had to push me in a wheelchair or walk beside me as I pushed my walker to the finish line.

Maybe, in a few years, I can win my age division?