Who Knew the National Senior Games Were So Much Fun!
Last year when I heard about the Michigan Senior Olympics (MSO) I thought it could be fun to see how I compared to other runners in my age group. Then when I investigated it more I learned that qualifiers in the MSO could attend the National Senior Games (NSG). That sounded interesting. Then when I learned the NSG would be held in Albuquerque NM, I though that could be fun. But I didn’t know how much fun.
From June 14-25, 2019, more than 13,500 athletes over the age of 50 came to ABQ to run, swim, play tennis, softball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis and many other Olympic sports. They competed hard but also reconnected with friends, made new friends, enjoyed the ABQ food (most with green chiles), explored the local landmarks and mostly just had fun.
Good Races. Tough Competition
I competed in the 5k on Friday morning of the NSG. It was held at Balloon Fiesta Park, a large field that usually has several hot air balloons lifting off in the mornings. It was a warm NM day with full sun plus a haze in the air from nearby fires that drifted smoke across the valley. That along with the 5,000 foot altitude, made for a slightly rough race. Although even on my best day I wasn’t going to beat the 6:00 minute pace of the leaders in my age group.
The 10k event was held two days later on Sunday. The course was a trail starting at the National Hispanic Cultural Center along the Rio Grande. The air had cleared of the smoke and haze but the altitude was still an issue. Two days after a hard race, I was happy to hold my pace and finish in the top half of my group.
Overall a very fun week and two tough races but decent performance. Not my best but not my worst. One of the best parts of the week at NSG was the inspiration of seeing 70, 75, 80, 90 and even 100 year old men and women out there competing. Moving, active, enjoying life.
The race isn’t always to the swift, but to those who keep running.