Age is just a number

Imagine finishing an Ironman Triathlon Race. A full triathlon that includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 run all in one day. This is an accomplishment for any individual. Now imagine completing this at 82 years old. This is incredible that someone still at this age can complete one of the toughest events in my mind. In 2012 Buder broke the world record for being the oldest person to complete an Ironman Triathlon.

This past weekend I was lucky enough to go watch a Sprint triathlon in Hanna Park, Florida. I was impressed by how many older individuals there were and how well they performed. There is just something special about triathlons and age groups. In many sports, the top athletes are the younger individual and there is a steady decline in times in relation to age. In the world of triathlons, it is different. There is an increase in the speed of individuals with age for the first few age groups. One of the most difficult age groups in a triathlon is the 40-45 age group. These age groups are also growing is size with the older individuals in the 55-60 and 65-70 on the rise.

I love to see these older individuals competing at such a high level giving me hope that age is just a number. After speaking with many of these individuals I found a common theme even if many of them came from different paths. Some of them have been athletes their entire lives and others were out of shape and recently started exercising. The one common denominator was that all of them made a decision to dedicate themselves to health. They might not do the most number of miles on the bike, or longest runs but they make sure to keep their routines consistent. They make sure to get out there every day, even if it is a small walk or light bike ride they just don't give up and go out there. They really dedicate a portion of their day to health and after time it has become a routine that keeps them coming back for more. Seeing this gives me hope to stay active and live a long and healthy life.

Here is a link to the video I made for my Geriatrics class portfolio. This shows how age is just a number and you can do anything you want as long as you dedicate yourself and put your mind to it.