What to Say to the 20-Year-Old Who Passes You

We’re talking about running—on your terms.
  • Maybe you’ve never called yourself a runner—until now.
  • Maybe you’re someone who walks more than runs, but shows up just the same.
  • Maybe you’ve run enough miles to earn a PhD in pavement.
  • Maybe you’re not chasing anyone—you just want to keep moving.
Whatever your pace, your presence matters. Let’s go.

 

The Pass Is Inevitable. But the Response Is Yours.
You hear it first—those quick, elastic footfalls closing in behind you.
Then, like a breeze on your shoulder, a younger runner glides past.
Fresh legs. Fast shoes. Probably hasn’t had a colonoscopy yet.
Here’s what you do:
Let them go.
Smile.
Keep your form.
And if you feel like it, say one of these:
“Enjoy it while it lasts.”
“I was you, once. Now I’m better.”
“I’m just out here making Medicare look good.”
Or say nothing at all.
Because here’s the truth:
They’re running now.
You’re still running after 50.
You’ve already won.

 

 

The Ego Trick
Ego will try to chase that kid.
Ego will tell you to surge, compete, prove something.
But wisdom knows better.
You don’t need to prove anything at mile 2,100.
You already did—back at mile 2.
This season of life isn’t about being the fastest guy on the trail.
It’s about being the guy who’s still on the trail.
Shift the Perspective
You’re not getting passed.
You’re passing through.
You’re moving through seasons, through years, through a body that still wants to work—even if it’s a little creaky.
And maybe, just maybe, that 20-something sees you and thinks:
“Damn. I hope I’m still doing this at his age.”
Because you’re not just a runner.
You’re a time traveler.
A quiet leader.
A moving example.

let’s run forever.

And let the young bucks pass.
We’ll still be out here tomorrow.

THE PERSONAL MILE

The Day I Accidentally Crushed a CEO

I remember being that thirtysomething-year-old—the guy who unintentionally humbled a neighbor in his prime… by pushing a toddler in a baby jogger during a Sunday 10K.

True story.

It was a crisp spring morning in Spokane. I didn’t even know there was a race happening. I was just heading out for a jog with my son Andy, who was about 3 and still loved riding shotgun in the jogger. As we rounded a few blocks, we stumbled onto a start line. A neighborhood fun run. Small crowd. No registration. Looked like a good time.

So I did what any dad in running shoes would do: slid into the very back and rolled with it.

We cruised along High Drive, passing folks slowly and steadily. I wasn’t pushing the pace—just jogging my usual rhythm. By mile three, things thinned out. We turned past the Rocket Bakery and I noticed… there weren’t many runners ahead.

And that’s when we saw him.

Just before the turn onto Hatch Road, our neighbor John glanced back. A good man. A successful bank CEO. A longtime runner. And that day, apparently, the unchallenged leader of the race.

Until Andy and I rolled past.

Andy waved and said, “Hi, Mr. Richards!”

John did not wave back.

Let’s just say the look he gave us could’ve snapped a shoelace. He finished behind us, likely stunned, maybe bruised, possibly furious. But, to be fair, we didn’t stop at the finish line—we kept running straight home.

We didn’t take a medal. We didn’t even have a bib.

John won that 10K. But I think he may still carry the emotional DNF of getting passed by a guy pushing a stroller.

Let this be a gentle reminder: you never know who’s coming up behind you. Or what size wheels they’re rolling on.

Footnotes

  • No race is ever truly “just a fun run” to a man over 50 who suddenly finds himself in the lead.
  • If you get passed by a baby jogger, just say “Nice pace,” not “You’re a good Dad!”
  • Humility: free with registration.

TOOLBOX

  • When someone younger, faster, or stroller-equipped breezes by, here’s how to keep your cool (and your dignity):

    1. Know Your Win


    Finishing, showing up, staying consistent after 50? That’s a win. Let the gazelles go.

  • 2. Rehearse a One-Liner


  • Keep a line in your back pocket:

    • “Go get ‘em, kid.”
    • “You’re only 30 years early.
    • “I’ll catch you in the next decade.

    3. Keep Your Form


  • Don’t speed up unless you want to. Stay tall, breathe easy, keep that stride steady. You’re running for life, not a photo finish.

    4. Don’t Count Medals. Count Years.


  • Longevity beats velocity. Running at 50+ is the prize. No bib or stopwatch required.

    5. Remember the Baby Jogger Rule

    If you get passed by one, you’re legally entitled to ice cream afterward. Or a beer. Or both.