Category Archives: competition

Running recollections of a skinny young dad

Posted on March 31, 2020 by

My competitive career as a runner was coming to a close the time by the time I got married at the age of twenty-seven. We conceived our first child in December after a June wedding that year. By then, I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in 10K, 13.1, aging, aging is not for the weak of heart, anxiety, Christopher Cudworth, competition, healthy aging, healthy senior, marathon, marathon training, running | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Free at last and happy in the bright sunshine

Posted on March 4, 2020 by

For most of us, the early years of life were spent in classrooms looking out at the bright sunshine when spring came around. Those precious minutes of recess were never enough to satisfy anyone. Coming back inside with a fine … Continue reading →

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There is still some Wonder Left

Posted on March 3, 2020 by

One of the most difficult tasks in life is sustaining a sense of wonder about the world and daily experiences. So much of our existence is taken up by routine and obligations that finding a thrill can be tough as … Continue reading →

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Old School is New School. Never forget it.

Posted on February 20, 2020 by

This morning on the way to drop off our dog at daycare, I drove past the building that was the only high school in town back when I was a student in St. Charles, Illinois. By the time I was … Continue reading →

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Questions about being an elitist asshole

Posted on February 6, 2020 by

Back when I competed for every inch of advantage in the world of running, I was a bit merciless in my regard for other competitors. In the first mile of a five-mile race I would ultimately win while setting a … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, Christopher Cudworth, competition, cross country, cycling, Depression, healthy aging, mental health, running, swimming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The glory days are not always what you think they are

Posted on December 30, 2019 by

I got my gripe session about the travails of 2019 out of the way yesterday. Now it’s time to look ahead to 2020. Let’s spare each other the obvious cliches about “vision” and “seeing clearly.” I’m sure we’ll find plenty … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, aging is not for the weak of heart, Christopher Cudworth, competition, cycling, healthy aging, IRONMAN, swimming, Tarsnakes, track and field, triathlete, triathlon, triathlons, trolls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Catch you on the rebound

Posted on December 27, 2019 by

It’s funny what one decent speed workout can do to help you rebound from the malaise of low training or injury. It’s not all that fun to hit the track without much fitness in the tank, and it hurts like … Continue reading →

Posted in 10K, 400 meter intervals, 400 workouts, aging, aging is not for the weak of heart, Christopher Cudworth, competition, running | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

As to injury and healing, it often comes down to “What fur?”

Posted on December 11, 2019 by

Two weeks ago I was mowed down by a 100-lb yellow lab at the dog park. The large pup nailed the outside of my left knee, possibly the worst place I could have been struck. That knee went through an … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, aging is not for the weak of heart, bike accidents, bike crash, bike wobble, Christopher Cudworth, competition, cycling threats, Depression, healthy aging, healthy senior, mental health, running | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Good energy all around

Posted on December 8, 2019 by

The term “good energy” has been recruited to serve a number of purposes and connotations in this world. It substitutes for “clean energy” in the growing field of alternative fuels, and “good energy” means moral power in the realm of … Continue reading →

Posted in 10K, 13.1, aging, aging is not for the weak of heart, anxiety, Christopher Cudworth, competition, Depression, running, same sex adults, sex, Tarsnakes, triathlete, triathlon, triathlons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Self portrait of a determined young man

Posted on November 15, 2019 by

In November 1978 I was a senior at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Our team had just placed second in the NCAA National Cross Country Championships in Rock Island, Illinois. I was fifth man for the team that day after … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, aging is not for the weak of heart, Christopher Cudworth, competition, cross country | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment