Exercise and Fitness
So what’s it like to get your butt kicked by your dad? Or even your MOM?!?
It’s amazing to see the level of fitness that some of the “older”
baby-boomers are achieving these days. I was recently at the Victoria International
Marathon and noticed a ton of participants in their late 40’s and even
50’s that would have trounced me! My uncle was a participant in this race
and managed a very respectable 3:39:20 which placed him 18th in the 55-59 age
group - very impressive.
Especially considering my personal best (at 33 years old) was 3:36:20 and I’m
an Ironman Triathlete for crying out loud. In any case, having participated
in quite a few races around the world, it is just amazing to see the participation
and involvement of the baby-boomer generation - and how darn fit they
are.
With today’s huge emphasis on fitness and exercise, and especially coming
from the West coast here in Vancouver, it is not uncommon anymore to see fathers
and sons or mothers and daughters participating in races - and I’m
not talking with their 5 year olds at sports day at school.
I’ve seen a full generation of grandfather, son, and granddaughter all
cross the finish line at Ironman and that nearly brought tears to my eyes. I
was lucky enough to run with my own father during the last mile before I finished
Ironman 2006 and that was something I will never forget.
So the next time you’re at the gym, or watching an athletic event -
don’t discount that 55 year old that doesn’t look like he can run
around the block. Chances are, he’ll kick your butt if given the chance
