The New York Times is absolutely killing it lately with their health and fitness articles. My dad forwarded an article today about Kathy Martin, a woman in her 60's who found her passion and insane talent as a distance runner in her 30's. She now owns MANY world records and races distances from 800m to >30 miles. Originally I was like woohoo, another athletic phenomenon, nothing I haven't read about before. But as I read further into the article, page 3 section 'Overcoming Age', there were some really good assertions that I wanted to share:
#1 - "Distance running is more popular than ever." I think this is pretty awesome. Running, especially jogging for several miles, is basically the only activity you can do with zero gear in any location and any weather, as long as you bring along a pair of running shoes and appropriate gear. The minimalist nature of this sport makes it very accesible, inexpensive and flexible. With the incredible popularity and success of barefoot running footwear [Nike Frees, vibrams, etc...] more and more people are getting into distance running. What a WONDERFUL thing.
#2 - "...many of the ravages of aging are not so much inevitable as voluntary. Muscles do not have to shrivel, joints do not have to stiffen." The most important message here is that you have a CHOICE to age. Becoming old, senile and inactive is not a fatalistic curse, it is a choice. I think the best possible thing you can do for yourself is get into a healthy active lifestyle in your 20's. If you are well past your 20's, there is no reason not to start now. As my dad has always told me 'age is a mentality.' He has proven his statement year after year by conquering athletic feats that most people in their 20's wouldn't survive. Remaining ACTIVE is the key to staying young.
#3 - "People who continue to exercise intensively have a much slower rate of decline." I believe that this absolutely holds on a physical level. I also believe that 'intensively' is the key word here. Many people cease their intense workouts, long runs and heavy lifts as they age. They take up long walks and gentle yoga, assuming their bodies are unwilling or unable to continue the physical intensity. I think that is the moment that you give up on your body and physical strength. I resolve to maintain my physical intensity for, well, as long as I can use both of my legs. Another sidenote on this assertion is the effect on mental state. There has been loads of research linking intense physical activity to better mental health and memory. The more the better, for body AND mind.
#4 - "We're not destined to go from lean flank steak to rump roast, not if we invest in chronic, high-level exercise four to five times a week." I wish America was forced to read this sentence on a daily basis. WE ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO GET FAT. There is no biological disposition to getting fat as you age. Being lazy, sedentary and lacking motivation and discipline as you age make you fat. Not the simple fact of aging. Wrinkles happen, grey hair happens, but obesity doesn't just happen. Now this doesn't mean that you don't have to work to make sure you aren't among the majority of obese Americans. But I would put money on the fact that if you put in 4 to 5 intense workouts a week, in combination with a clean and healthy diet, obesity will not 'happen' to you as part of the aging process.
This entire article is full of great information and details a motivational athletic story. If you want to check it out, the full title is "After Late Start, Runner is Speeding Through Records." Main takeaway according to Shannon: Aging is a choice. Choose activity!
