If You Can't Outplay the Competition, You May Be Able to Outlive Them

   Picture in your mind a patriotic parade, or event, celebrating the end of war. When the organizers present an honoree, you might see an older gentlemen, dressed in an old uniform, either in a wheel chair, or walking unsteadily on a cane. He may be the last surviving member of some outfit from the prior conflict. 

   These men and women (mostly men because the use of women in prior wars was limited to non-combatant roles) may not have been leaders back when, maybe not even have been well known, but they have outlived the ones who served with them, and are still alive to be honored.

   Back in the 1980s, I ran a lot of 5K and 10K races around the Chattanooga area, even a few half marathons and one marathon. I ran for fun, and just to try and improve my times in each of the distances. Even though there were age group categories, I could not hope to win any trophies. I was SLOW.

   Half jokingly, I confessed to my fellow-runner friend, Earl Marler, that the only way I could take home any hardware was to live longer than those in my age group. Earl, who had a closet full of age group trophies, and who knew my lack of speed, just laughed and agreed with the diagnosis.

   Forty or so years later, here we are in a new era, and perhaps my time has come.

   I'm still playing games for fun, different types of competitions for sure, but now, all of a sudden, there seem to be fewer people in my age group. The odds are better. Attrition has taken place in the ranks of participants.

   Return with me to the State Pickleball competition. Normally I am not State Finals material, but in those contests I was awarded one gold and one silver. Gold in the 85-89 singles event when the other competitor failed to show up for the finals, and one in the doubles where Jack Painter and I had a record of 2-1, having beaten two other teams and lost to one. We deserved that Silver.

   This coming Saturday, 9/11, I will journey to Strawberry Plains, TN to compete in the Tennessee Senior Olympics State Finals 20 Kilometer Road Race. There will be about 55 or so competitors in that race, and we are divided into age group categories. These are 5 year groupings beginning at 50-54 and extending to 85-89. There are quite a few in the lower levels, with the numbers diminishing as the ages in the groupings   rise.

   As you might guess, I will win the gold medal in the 85-89 as there are no other entrants.

   I am not comparing my honors at cycling and Pickleball with those veterans being honored for service in a war. There is no comparison in the deeds, but there is considerable difference in the importance of the honor.

   I am happy and blessed to be healthy and mobile, and I will gladly walk up and receive my gold medal, but know that my medal will not be for courage, but longevity.

   And hopefully, for not falling off my bike.