It finally happened. The big 5-0 found me. Well technically
it was a bounty hunter hired by Father Time. The big 5-0 is his nickname. His
mission is to make people succumb to the aging process. I was turning 50 and
was scheduled to be his next target. I had heard rumors that he had been seen
around town, asking people where to find me, conducting stakeouts waiting for
me to unsuspectingly cross his path. Yet, despite his best stalking efforts
I had managed to elude him. Until finally one day I woke up and there he was,
staring me in the face with a cocky, victorious smirk on his face. Upon
recognizing my acknowledgement of being captured he proceeded to read me my
rights;
You have the right to slow down.
You have the right to complain about aches and pains. If you
do not currently have any aches and pains, some will be provided to you by the
stress of life.
You have the right to throw in the towel.
You have the right to settle for status quo.
You have the right to get fat.
You have the right to join AAR…
That’s it, I had heard enough! Before the letter P could be
uttered I gave him a quick and powerful elbow thrust to the chest before
jumping out the closed window in front of me. As shards of glass rained down I
tucked and rolled, quickly springing to my feet. Realizing I had managed to avoid injury I turned
my head back to look at the Big 5-0. With a smug look on my face I shouted to
him, “Get some rest 5-0, you look tired!” Extreme Ways by Moby played as I speedily
fled off into the city.
Okay so this is how
it went down in my mind. In reality it was less dramatic. It didn’t play out
like a Jason Bourne movie. I did of course run because I am a runner, that’s
what I do. But its purpose was to clear my head of clutter and think about what
turning 50 means to me, not flee from some pursuing character. Although really
I guess in a sense I was. Running would hopefully allow me to flee from
negative thoughts and leave them far behind.
The Bourne Supremacy ending scene
The Bourne Ultimatum ending scene
Fifty is an often dreaded landmark age. An age associated with
reaching the top of “the hill” and beginning the descent down the other side.
But is it really? Does it have to be that way? These are questions that run
through my mind as I run through the neighborhoods near my home.
I’ve always viewed age as just a number, a number
representing how long I’ve been on this earth, but not dictating how I feel or
act. Yet, the stigma associated with 50 is hard to completely ignore.
Life can be bittersweet. In our youth we have enthusiasm and
energy on our side, but are lacking the knowledge and wisdom gained through
life experiences. As we live life and gain wisdom we typically become less
energetic and enthusiastic. It’s as if the universe is playing a cruel joke.
But I feel it doesn’t have to be this way. In my 17 years as a health and fitness
professional I’ve learned a great deal about the mind/body connection. How and
what we think has a tremendous affect on our physical health and quality of
life. In other words, if we think old and unable we become old and unable. If
we think young and vibrant thoughts we age more slowly and live without limits.
50 can and really
should be an ideal age. If you’ve led a healthy lifestyle and have a positive
mindset it contains a wonderful mix of maturity and youthfulness. You are old
enough to have gained wisdom yet are young enough to still have many new and
exciting experiences.
Personally, when factoring in both the physical and mental
components of health, I feel the best I ever have right now. The anxieties I
experienced throughout a great portion of my life have dramatically diminished,
enabling me to approach each day with a greater sense of calm. I have developed
a better understanding of how important it is (and how great it feels) to
contribute to the world by giving back, having compassion and spreading
positivity.
My experiences and accomplishments have elevated my
self-esteem, resulting in a greater passion for life. These two things feed off
each other. Having new experiences, taking on new challenges and learning new
things increases self esteem, which increases passion, which leads to a greater
desire to have new experiences. Passion is common characteristic in people who age
slowly. They, simply put, have more fun. This passion for life lights up the
brain leading to a healthy attitude and a healthy slowly aging body.
One’s ability to continue to perform at a high level
athletically is often brought into question starting as early as 40, but more
so at 50. However, despite common misconceptions, an endurance athlete (like me)
can in fact, still perform and compete at a very high level. Research shows
that if the 50 + athlete performs high intensity interval workouts on a regular
basis, any reductions in aerobic capacity will be extremely minimal.
One major reason why athletes experience a significant
decrease in performance after 50 is that they tend to drift towards focusing
primarily on long slow distance training (LSD). LSD training-while a necessity
because it builds endurance- doesn’t help maintain or improve aerobic capacity.
A higher aerobic capacity translates to being able to run, bike, swim etc...at
a faster pace.
Also, the 50+ athlete often doesn’t strength train, thereby
promoting the early onset of muscle fatigue. If the athlete is willing to do
interval training and strength training –while providing adequate recovery from
both-they can continue to perform well for years to come. I am totally willing to do this!!
With this acquired knowledge and optimum state of health why
should I waste it by just accepting the standard perceived limitations of
age? I decide I’m not going to. I am looking at 50 as a new beginning. My first 50 years involved building the
foundation of the person I am supposed to become. Now I will make my remaining
years my best in many ways and become the best person I can.
Life is a journey not
a destination (I heard that in an Aerosmith song although I’m sure it’s not an
original Steven Tyler quote). I will
continue to learn and grow. I will not
just exist but I will live. The only
limitations I will have will be those I place upon myself, which I don’t intend
to do.
I don’t know
everything the future holds but I do know it involves me never using age as an
excuse. It will also involve me working on my martial arts skills. Father time
can be ruthless. I will be prepared should his bounty hunters return.
