Turning 60, Running Faster, and What It Taught Me About Resilience

In a few weeks, I’ll turn 60. That number used to sound far away, like a milestone reserved for other people. But yet, here I am. Approaching it with more gratitude than dread, and, surprisingly, running faster than I did a decade ago. Just yesterday, I ran six miles at a 7:53 pace, my fastest yet.

At nearly 60. I didn’t expect that. But it reminded me of something important: resilience isn’t about holding on to who you were at 40 or 50. It’s about discovering what’s still possible at 60, 70, and beyond.

John Huck running the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

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The Pace of Life Lessons

Running has taught me this lesson day after day. There are days when the pace feels effortless, and others when my legs feel heavy and the miles grind slowly. Both days matter.

The progress doesn’t come from the perfect runs; it comes from the consistency, the willingness to lace up and try again, even after setbacks.

In recent months, that lesson has been sharpened by loss. I’ve said goodbye to several close friends, including just this past Sunday, Ron Quinn, the President of the Board of Directors of AFAN, and a mentor and close friend of mine.

"Resilience isn’t just about how fast you can run or how well you can reinvent your career. It’s also about choosing to live fully, here and now."

Their passings reminded me that resilience isn’t just about how fast you can run or how well you can reinvent your career. It’s also about choosing to live fully, here and now.

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Running with Resilience

Ten-year roadmaps are valuable, but sometimes what matters most is the ten-week plan: the conversations you don’t put off, the people you show up for, the opportunities you say yes to. Life is measured in those moments, not just in the long-term goals.

As I step into this next decade, I’m carrying one truth with me: resilience isn’t about speed or age. It’s about refusing to stop moving forward and finding strength and purpose where you least expect it.

Here’s my question to you: when have you surprised yourself by discovering a new gear, even when you thought you were supposed to be slowing down? Shoot me an email, or connect with me to share your insights.