10 years ago I did my first Olympic distance triathlon as a birthday present for myself – .9 mile swim, 26 mi. bike, and 6.2 mile run (I race walk). Back then for that particular event, the age groups were something like 15-19, 20-24, 25-29 and so on….then, 50 and up. There weren’t many over the age of 50 who participated back then and they grouped us all together. So, on the day before the race, I went to the transition area, found my section, and racked my bike. There were a few women around me doing the same and soon the conversation began.

It turned out that I was the baby of the group (not often you get to say that at 50) – they were 56, 62, 65, and 71. As the conversation developed, these ladies began to share their experiences, offering a few little tips here and there, plus talking about other tris they had done (sharing how to stay warm during Escape from Alcatraz bay swim). I was captivated. Energy seemed to flow from every pore of their bodies. They’re eyes danced with light and life. They were fun, they were funny…they were amazing!!

As I walked away, I looked back and saw something I hadn’t noticed when talking with them. All but one were wearing swim briefs and sports bras. Their skin was soft and wrinkled and incredibly tan, but hung on frames that were muscled, firm, and strong. I decided I wanted to be like them when I grew up. They were the most beautiful women I had ever seen or experienced.

Now I have Shar Pei thighs (see previous blog post) and Ive noticed that the skin on my arms is stretched and wrinkled when I do a 1-2 punch in cardio boxing, but I keep working to make sure those muscles are strong and firm. I have a few more surgical scars than I did 10 years ago and I’ve slowed down considerably. My joints don’t work exactly as I would like them to, but they’re still working and I keep moving.

I see people a number of years younger than myself, sometimes half my age, who move as though they’re 10 years older, and it inspires me to keep moving.

I see obesity that is robbing a life of longevity and quality and I keep moving.

Though I know there are reasons that I may have to adapt exercises to whatever world my body or those of my clients wakes in on a particular day, I don’t accept excuses. No matter what the circumstances, I or they can move. You don’t have to train for a triathlon, but at least train for your life.

I’m still working to be those ladies when I grow up, though I will NOT be doing Escape from Alcatraz….I went there a few years ago and saw that swim. Ain’t gonna happen.