Name: Kenneth Hay
Age: 80
Hometown: Mesquite, Nevada
Occupation: Retired for 23 years
Time Running: 40 years
Reason For Running: I run for the physical and mental health benefits.
I initially started running to improve my health. It was also the beginning of a surge in running worldwide. At first, I could only run two blocks. However, each time, I was able to go farther. Soon, I wanted to enter a race. I registered for the local 1980 Bloomsday 12K race in Spokane, Washington. Although I did not prepare properly, I finished the race and became hooked on running and racing.
I was running mostly on weekends and joined the Spokane Roadrunners Club where I really got into racing. I started running in their events in 1983. Eventually, I ran three to four days a week, completing races at least once a month. Initially, I learned a lot about running by reading articles and following training plans from Runner’s World.
At the start of my running career, there weren’t any high-tech apps available, so I documented all my early races and running logs by hand. I still have almost all my original running logs from 1980 through 1999! Later, I advanced to the computer for all my record keeping. Now my records from the last 10 years of every run and race are in Runkeeper.
Over the years, I’ve competed in everything from marathons to 5Ks, and have enjoyed them all! In my 40 years of running, I’ve completed more than 500 races, most of them 10Ks.
I became hooked on how good it feels to run, especially races where I enjoy running with others who also enjoy the excitement and challenge of the competition.
My favorite race (which was the toughest) was a half marathon all uphill to Mt. Lemmon in Tucson, Arizona. I felt this was more difficult than any of my five previous full marathons, so it was the best feeling of accomplishment—a super runner’s high.
I just completed the 10K race at Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas this month. It was my third Rock ‘n’ Roll Run, and I have a better time each year. I completed Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona and Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle half marathons in the past.
However, Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas races are always the most exciting races. It’s like going to a big party on the Las Vegas Strip! The best part is the lively music and excited spectators all along the route.
My motivation for running for so long comes from improvements in my health and how much better I feel both mentally and physically after running. I have kept a record of all my laboratory test results since the 1980s that show I have maintained or improved my health, and maintained my weight.
At 80 years young, I am still able to travel, do yard work, play golf, and volunteer for neighborhood projects. I’m fortunate that I have no physical impairments or health issues. I feel as good as I did in my 60s! I run or workout at 5 a.m. daily, and average 15 miles a week of running, plus three hours of other exercises per week.
I still get a runner’s high after every race, and am motivated by the excitement and challenge of competing and doing my best. I’m also grateful for the friendships I’ve made over the years through running races and in clubs.
Unfortunately, there is no running club in the small southern Nevada town where I live. However, I enjoy my solo training runs just as much as being at races, as I love the peace and tranquility, and just being in the present moment that comes from running alone.
I plan to maintain my 40-year average of one race per month. I register for races six to 12 months in advance—this keeps me motivated so I am prepared.
I have a simple saying that inspires me when I am running: “Just keep going.” And for life in general it’s: “Do what you can, because you can’t do it all.”
If you are new to running, start out slowly. I know many who thought they could run several miles right away, only to get injured or disillusioned because they couldn’t. Mix running and walking, enjoy the scenery, and go with friends!
Always remember, as with any goal you set, it requires commitment and a desire to achieve it. I have been fortunate to have been able to continue my love and desire for running over a long period of time.
These tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Fuel properly and get plenty of rest
I experienced the dreaded “wall” only once and that was enough. A proper diet is essential, especially for long runs. Adequate rest is another necessity for top performance and preventing injuries.
2. Strength train and stretch regularly
Maintain an exercise regimen that enhances your running. Perform weight bearing exercises at home or in the gym regularly. Stretching is also very important.
3. Train properly for each race
Your training should prepare you for the distance and difficulty of your upcoming race, which will result in confidence on race day. I had my best races when I prepared by using training programs for a particular distance.
4. Join a running club
You can meet all kinds of people who enjoy running, or run/walking, receive good advice, and learn about running etiquette, proper running shoes, training runs, where to run, and race information. I have belonged to five different running clubs, which I believe has strengthened my abilities.
Kenneth’s Must-Have Gear
→ New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3: New Balance has always been my favorite running shoe. I love this pair for their perfect fit and weight. They were the lightest shoes I could find about four years ago. When I started wearing them for races, my times improved. The older I get, the lighter I want my shoes.
→ Gatorade: This drink is my favorite for hydrating before, during, and after runs.
→ ASICS Runkeeper App: I use this app to keep a log of all my runs, routes, times, distances, graphs, charts, and more.
