How many times have you said that you feel old, are getting old, are too old for something, etc.?Well, I’m about to [hopefully] change your perspective on things a little. And I’ll admit, I’m one of those I’m too old for this, that or the other types, but after my experience at the gym this morning, I’ll be thinking twice before even uttering the word old.
So, I headed to the gym this morning to complete a 3-3.5 mile run/walk workout on the treadmill. My desire to run this morning was not very high, but I dragged myself out of bed regardless. When I got to the gym, I picked a treadmill that was smack dab in the middle of the televisions, as I wanted to be able to watch several channels at once (low motivation, people!). About 10 minutes into my run, a familiar looking 80 something year old man gets on the treadmill to my left, and a few minutes later, a 40 something year old woman gets on the treadmill to his left. It was obvious that they’ve known one another for a long time.
As I was run/walking my way through my workout, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop overhear their conversation. The woman was talking about the 10k she’s training for, how she usually runs three miles every morning, and how training is different now that she’s older. She then asked the older gentleman about his running experiences (this is when the conversation caught my attention). He then proceeded to tell her about the FIVE marathons he ran between the ages of…are you ready for this??…66 and 72!!! Yes, you read that right! I couldn’t believe my ears, and I couldn’t stop stealing glances his way. Here I was huffing and puffing my way through mile number two while this man ran five freakin’ marathons. And here’s the real kicker, he still gets up between 5:30 and 6:00 every morning, goes to the gym, and walks 3-4 miles. He was familiar looking because he’s at the gym every morning!
After catching me looking at him one too many times, he engaged me in the conversation. I asked him how he did/does it. I also wanted to know how he stays motivated and finds the energy. He laughed a little at my questions and told me it was quite simple really…
…cook at home as much as possible,
…avoid fast food as much as possible,
…take one step, then take another,
…don’t let self-doubt get in the way, you really can do whatever you put your mind to,
…never forget that health is true wealth,
…and always remember, age is just a number!
And with those words of inspiration, I completed 4 miles this morning.
Are you an “I’m too old for this” kind of person like me?
Wow. I am blow away by that guy! Great advice he gave you. This make me want to go run a marathon!
Theres one more excuse which loses it’s validity! I truly believe we’re as old as we act! My grandmother just turned 80 and it amazes how active and self-sufficient she is! I hope when I’m that mans age, I am at least half as active- such an inspiration!
Aww, I love this! I have people of ALL ages take my spin classes- several are at least in their 60s. It makes me so happy!
My friend’s mom is 62 and goes mountain biking almost every day- and she is hardcore. I went trail running with her once and she left me in the DUST. It was humbling!
That’s so impressive! I love meeting people like that. Also, I have an addendum for the image/quote at the end of your post: “Age is of no importance unless you are a cheese OR A WINE!” 🙂
This is so me I am that girl…”I am to old” I’ve been working on it though, well kind of; my 20 yr old brother calls me old all the time lmao. I am taking swimming lessons that I was to chicken to complete when I was 6yrs old bc I was scared to drive back then. So you are never to old to do something you once gave up on.
Age is just a number indeed…still a work in progress for me, changing people views and my own. My grandma who is in her 70’s still gets up at 5:30 every morning as well, I don’t know how she does it.
I LOVE this – I’ve been reading a lot of books on ultramarathoners and it’s crazy how much MORE running some of them can do as they get older! It seems like it should be the opposite! I want that to be my reality!
what a great post Parita. Hell no, I am not too old for anything. I love that sometimes I still get carded and I’m in my early 30s… hehehehe.. I think it’s a positive attitude, taking good care of my skin, and eating the right foods MOST OF THE TIME, really helps. I agree, i don’t eat fast foods, except the occassional Taco Bell once a month or two. Chipotle and Subway don’t count as fast food. 🙂
Great post!
You’re awesome, I can barely do 1 mile, i just do elliptical which is about 2 miles.
Love him! That’s awesome advice 🙂 I’ve always thought that too and people always get surprised when I tell them how old I am hahaha (not that I AM old!).
I think that’s go-get-’em positive attitude that the ‘secret’ 🙂
How’s that for motivation??!
This man sounds so inspirational and just shows we are just as old as we feel. Tonight i was out with some friends and amonst the lot there was a 74 year old man (i was shocked thought he was max 60) but was so much, cracking jokes and if you didnt see him you’d think he was as young as us. He was even making chai for everyone at 4:30am!!! Hope i’m like that when I am that age.