As a young girl, I enjoyed running.  I participated in all school events that had anything to do with running.  I dreamt of being a runner.  However, the instability in my life as a child made it difficult for me to enjoy any one thing for very long. 

Before I turned 30, I kept hearing how wonderful it felt to turn 30 and that turning 30 was liberating.  To a degree it was, but it wasn’t until I reached the age of 40 that I really felt liberated.  I can’t  explain the feeling – but this is when I felt so in control of my life.  Before I turned 40, it seemed that everything I did was for someone else.  Nothing was being done just for me.  Something clicked when I turned 40 and I haven’t looked back. 

When I was about 35 years old, I had a relative visit from Puerto Rico.  She was here to support a friend who was going to run the New York City marathon.  At that time, she encouraged me to join the a running club and to attempt to run the marathon.  My reply was, "at my age?"  I thought she was totally crazy.  I did not give it a second thought.  But then, my 40’s came and what was once a dream actually became my passion.  At age 47, I joined the a running club and began learning how to run like the pros.  My passion became a mission – i ran the More Magazine half marathon, and I plan on running the New York City marathon this year - I have become fixated on the idea of running the New York City marathon and I will not let it go until I have crossed the finish line. 

Also, at age 48 I decided to take another class – this time it was a pole dancing class.  I never imagined the fun I would have in such a class.  This class has made me more flexible and has helped me with endurance which has been very helpful with my running – these two classes are a perfect combination for me.  Who would have thunk that I would be doing these things in my 40’s? 

I feel that at the age of 48 I am more fit, healthier and happier than I have ever been in my entire life.  No one can stop me now.  There is no telling how far I will go, but one thing I do know, I am not done with all the things I want to accomplish in this life time.

If you give up on yourself, you give up on life!  After 40 rocks!

Marisol