Boomers Can Still Lead the Pack – Running Triathlons at 60!
If you were born in North America during the 1950s, you’re a baby boomer. And, you most-likely grew up without much talk about personal fitness and healthy eating.
Looking back, it was a different time, with different values. It was a time when Canada was just being seen as a united and prosperous country. Looking fit and lifestyle choices were not like they are today. Did we know of a better lifestyle, or were we following what was in vogue at the time? I’m not quite sure.
What I do remember is that my brother and I were in our early 30s when we lost our father to a heart-attach. At 30, I thought I was fit, but I indulged in some of the popular vices at the time like smoking. Yes, that’s hard to believe when you look at me now.
My younger brother, just 15 months behind me, somehow knew better. He made me take a hard look at myself one summer day when he told me I might be dead at 50, if I continued to smoke. Shocking words from a younger sibling. Kim and I had pushed each other along, in school and life, since we were old enough to wrestle.
It was a pivoting moment in my life, which sent me on a different path. I started competing in triathlons. Soon I had chalked up over a hundred events, of various lengths, to my name.
To mark my 60th birthday last year, I participated in the Penticton Ironman Triathlon. This was a new age class and there weren’t too many participants in my age group. Thinking back, any baby boomer would have needed a mind shift to be running in their 60s today.
For me, I push myself and take on my own leadership. It’s a great means to put away any stress of the day, and, most importantly, recharge the spirit.
Continuing to push each other, as we had in our young lives, I was sure to remind Kim when he was 59 last year that his 60th was coming up soon. I wanted to know if he going to do the Ironman, like his older brother?
Sure enough, I found myself on plane back to my stomping grounds to support Kim as he completed the Ironman Mont-Tremblant this August. We continue to push each other and hopefully inspire others that it’s never too late through physical fitness to give yourself a chance.
