I'm better physically and health-wise that I was when I was 38. But my body has gone through some rapid changes within this past year that I wasn't ready for. I'm not even sure if I was able to think about what 50 would be like, which I will be in January. When I look around at others my age, I don't feel as bad.
But either case the physical changes has been a hard adjustment. At 20 years old I made it a goal to be able to run the Grand canyon at 70 years old. I let go of it at 38 years old when I was diagnosed with systemic lupus nephritis. I never expected to be running again. I also am happy to have had my hair these past 8 years. Even though it's not what I would like, I'm happy to not have to wear a wig.
Although I'm out running because of an injury, I haven't lost hope that I could run at least some kind of distance in the future. My podiatrist has confidence in me and said let's get you back to running.
These last three years have given me a different perspective on running, endurance and longevity. Strength training will be my focus for my fifties. I will do the best with what the Lord has given me. The same with my time, as I have not been blessed with children or family, but I think that there's another purpose for that.