Page 8 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - July 2016 - 23-07

Page 8
Senior Times - July 2016
Featuring Ann Garlock
Senior Times
WHERE 50 IS A PLUS
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"Don't race other runners, race your- self and for your goals."
~ Ann Garlock
All of us are athletic by nature. Some are blessed with a bounty of raw ability while others just a morsel. Although athletic ability can create
a huge advantage when it comes to competition being the best athlete does not always equate to being the best player. Hard work is a require- ment for athletic success even for those who possess the most tal-
ent. Hall of fame basketball player, Michael Jordan offers the perfect example of the accomplishments
that can come from the combination of athletic ability and hard work. In my mind Michael Jordan is the best basketball player of my generation. There were dozens of basketball play- ers that were every bit as talented as Air Jordan during his prime, but what separated him from the rest was his work ethic and his mental tenacity
for perfection.
Although hard work can level the playing field in all sports, I would argue that the fruits of one's labor
can be seen more in running than any other sport. Although some of us are physically built to be better runners than others, our sport requires less athletic ability than most. Most of us can run at any age. Most of us see the greatest growth in speed and endur- ance the first few years of running, improvement can come at any time with hard work. This month's featured runner, Ann Garlock is a great exam- ple of the rare combination of athletic ability and diligence in training at any age. You don't have to be a teenager or young adult to excel in running.
Ann has always been an athlete but didn't dip her feet into running until she was nearly fifty years old. "I lost about 42 lbs. in 2011 by walking and using Weight Watchers. After a while, walking was still fun, but it wasn't enough of a challenge. I started run- ning in March of 2014; not sure why I waited until I was 49 but we all
start somewhere."
Although Ann had eagerly par- ticipated in athletics throughout the years, she never thought of herself as a runner. "I always said I didn't like
running, but I think it was because
I didn't build into the miles, I just tried to go out and run a mile or two then felt sore and defeated. Using the Couch to 5K app made getting started seem manageable. I had always par- ticipated in sports, softball, volley- ball, biking, and swimming, so I was athletic, but never considered running or myself capable of becoming a run- ner. After I completed the program, I ran the Cereal City Classic 5K in June 2014. I found out I was not bad at run- ning, which surprised me." Hard work and perseverance are important but it's amazing what confidence can do to one's performance. It can also make it easier to work a little harder.
Ann's quick success as a runner has fueled her passion for the sport allow- ing her to appreciate many aspects
of our sport. She particularly enjoys one of West Michigan's gems when
it comes to being active outdoors. "I love being outside and South Haven is my favorite place to run. The Kal-Ha- ven trail is so accessible and you can run in town, along the beach roads,
to the lighthouse, then the sand if you want."
She seems to love everything that running provides from the social con- nections to the alone time while also embracing the physical and mental challenge it offers. "I enjoy the cama- raderie of the running community. Ev- eryone is encouraging, friendly, will- ing to share experiences, triumphs, and challenges. I enjoy the physical challenge, pushing to improve, learn- ing to overcome injuries and adver- sity. I enjoy the time alone with my thoughts, ‘headphones on, world off’ as they say. It's a good break from the everyday challenges we all face."
Ann's early success has allowed her competitive side to shine as well. "I am competitive (just ask anyone) and racing meets that need. So yes, I like the medals and the prizes, but most
of all, I enjoy knowing that so many other people love to participate in run- ning and find joy in it as well."
Ann also found it difficult to find one specific negative about sport. "I think the worst thing about run- ning are expensive race fees and extreme weather; from way too hot, to extreme cold. I find that to be a
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