I turned 50 this year. Is fine. I love it. Last year I had a minor breakdown. A midlife funk? An existential crisis? I was down, is all. I felt like I hadn’t done anything important with my life. It was bad. I felt bad.

This year was different! For no particular reason! Although, a lot of good had happened this year. I proposed to Sydney. She said yes! I finished a big challenge and ran farther (further?) than I ever had before. It’s been a fun, fun year.

Celebrating was barely on my mind. I thought, far too late as usual, that I should do something. It’s 50 years after all. A big landmark age. True middle age. We should throw a big party! Sydney asked if I was going to do a big run. I had not thought of that. I’ve heard people do it, but I’ve never been one of those. It seems so…far! But after much hemming and hawing I decided yes. Yes I will! Run 50 for my 50th. 50 kilometers. Because 50 miles would take all dang day and I don’t like that.

We made an event through our hype group and invited all our friends. There was a good turnout with a few people doing multiple 6 mile loops.

I feel very lucky to be in such good shape at 50 years old. To have so many friends is a true blessing (not religious) and for those friends to be so enthusiastic about running this ridiculous route around the neighborhood is amazing.

I finished the final loop after about 7 hours. The final mileage was a little long at 33 and change. That has to be good luck, right?

The whole celebration was fantastic. I hope we do more things like this.

Happy holidays and seasons greetings!