Us "40 Something Girls," we're having fun with this stuff and hey, at least we're out there...some of us walking, some running, some competing, some doing it "just because." It doesn't matter...we're out there trying to go a little farther, a little faster.
This week I had a blast reading the blog by Mary at IRONMATRON . She quoted Dara Torres in a book by Mary's friend Liz called, Age Is Just a Number(I LOVE that title).
Dara Torres, via Liz, put it this way:
Lifestyle, not genetics, is the primary reason older athletes tend to slow down. Most people as they reach their thirties, place more priority on their jobs and families, as well they should. But as a result they downgrade their workout goals from achieving personal bests to staying in shape. This might be the right decision for many. This might even by the right decision for you. But if you still have athletic ambitions, if you still want to compete and win, there's no reason you have to give up. Your body can still perform if you put in the effort--if you still do that 10 mile run or that long, hard quality set. You just need to be smarter about training and more time-efficient. But chances are, if you're an older athlete, you're smarter and more time-efficient anyway.
So what that my thighs are rubbing together, my stomach skin is loose and waggly in places and my boobs are well, you know, non-existent and floating around some where between my neck and navel...sorry, bad visual. Still, so what?!
By the way, WHO HAS BEEN GNAWING ON MY GARMIN??? Boy Scout now must use a pen cap to help me see my splits. How and when did this happen???
13 comments:
Oh, I saw pics and you are looking great!!!! I loved Mary's post, too! Sorry about the Garmin. Looks like you have the good old 204, too!
Excellent insight! I'll have to keep that in mind. Thanks!
Great post! I tried a bit of tempo run today and got a glimpse into just how hard you're been working. Wow!
I think I need that book! Sounds like you had a great weekend! Who HAS been gnawing on your Garmin....
Great post Meg! Ummm, I have all those body issues and I haven't hit 40 yet (sigh). Hey, at least your Garmin works! Mine pooped out on me (again)!
One of the universal truths to aging is changes in our eyesight. Not only does it get harder to see images up close as clearly but our vision actually dims so we need more lighting to read signs, books and Garmin calculations on that watch. Just so you know, it's not just you. (Go into a CVS and you should start to see magnifying glasses at the ends of drug aisles too!)
Your poor Garmin!!
Body issues aside, your paces are awesome! If those paces come with saggy boobs, I'll take them! (Who am I kidding, my boobs sag anyway :))
What is up with your garmin? Hmmm time for a new one, right? ;-)
I try to remind myself of how the older age groups are usually even faster, so I can only improve from here right? Minus the fact how hard I am running and yet am slower than the 40+'s... Oh well
YAY!!!
Age IS just a number. Bring it!
Yup, parts-n-pieces are starting to droop. I notice it most on my skin - The Girls, not so much yet (like you, there's not too much to droop!) LOL! Just comes with being 40-something and getting out and enjoying life. Thank goodness we can! I shed a tear over your slobbered-on Garmin. Hopefully there is still life in it. I shed many tears when we dropped/lost our Garmin at a trailhead last year - yikes!
K
This is a great post for me to read on my birthday today! Cuz we all know...I ain't gettin any younger. I love Dana Torres; she's very inspiring.
What about us clowns who waited until we were 50 to start? At least two years later I'm able to see my feet in the shower again. But I really miss the little shelf about mid chest where I use to be able to rest my Carl's Jr. Super Star.
I began the fitness thing AFTER I turned 40. Other than last year's injury, I feel better than I did in my 30s. Lifestyle, for sure!
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