I'm running and/or cycling outside every day during 2022. As of now, I'm three months into the routine and am feeling better as a result. Actually, to be turning 57 years of age and to not need any medications whatsoever is a blessing. My blood pressure is low; my cholesterol levels are good; my weight is where it should be; and, my energy is great. Statistics show that 75 percent of those between 50 and 64 need prescription meds. Not me!
My father is 88 years of age and doesn't require any prescription drugs. He is a strong and fit man at nearly 90 and even shovels the snow off of his own roof in Alaska. That's how I want to be 31 years from now! Since I completed my solo run across the Mojave Desert in 2011, I haven't focused much on being physically active. Over the past 11 years my life has been focused on other important areas. Following a separation and ultimate divorce after my Mojave run, I relocated to Indiana; began a new job with a law firm; met Kelley in 2015; became engaged to Kelley in 2017; and then in 2018 I purchased a home and got married. Since then, Kelley and I have been enjoying the journey of parenting two teenagers, making improvements to our home, and even launched our own business. Life was very busy for 11 straight years and the moments were few and far between when I would put on my running shoes or straddle a bicycle seat. That changed on January 1st of this year and my wife is supportive of my goal to get back into a healthier lifestyle. My ultimate goal is to simply stay healthy, strong and prolong my life so that I can have as many days as possible with my wife and to enjoy years of chasing after grandchildren. Will there be another endurance adventure down life's road? In my heart, I feel God prompting me to that and I've had discussions with Kelley about it. Again, she is such a blessing to me, supportive and loving. However, any future 'adventure' would not occur until I'm retired from working in law. For now, I'll just keep talking with God as I'm on the road running or cycling.
I don't believe a person has to feel 'old' at 50-plus. Age is just a number. I believe in goals, dreams, desire, ability, tenacity, conviction and faith. Age, like mileposts along the road, should be glanced at but not distract from the view on the horizon.
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
