My mind insists I'm 33 years of age. It fully expects my body to follow along with whatever shenanigans it dreams up. Unfortunately, I am not ageless and my body protests loudly.
At my age, it's not what hurts...it's what doesn't hurt. I'm not being gloomy or trying to depress you younger folk. It's the reality of a lifetime of demands placed upon my body. I admittedly have a extremely high tolerance for pain, but ageless I am not. I guess some people might choose to quit an activity once something becomes uncomfortable. Apparently, I do not.
Just as I refuse to suddenly call my lifelong freckles "age spots", I choose not to focus on aging and its associated aches and pains as a negative thing. My freckles? A life full of sunshine kisses. My aches and pains? Badges of honor, trophies, memories of adventures, and signs of accomplishment.
If you asked about water skiing, I'd tell you how happy it makes me and how I hope to continue forever! You wouldn't hear how lucky I was not to break my neck using the wrong ski (which would cause me to flip head over heels). Or, how saying "GO" because I was freezing in the water, but clearly not set, literally caused my butt to pull out of it's socket and resulted in still lingering glute and back pain. Or, how a lifetime of pulling against the boat has caused elbow tendonitis.
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| Our last snow skiing adventure. |
If you asked about snow skiing, you'd hear how I wished we lived closer to the slopes and how I'd like to improve...even at my age. I wouldn't mention the horrible Achilles tendonitis that lasted for months, perhaps even a year, after a trip to Colorado.
If you asked about my kids, you'd hear how I've enjoyed doing fun things with them at every age. But, I'd skip the story of tearing my ankle tendon at the waterpark and the necessary surgery, casts, crutches and rehab to correct it.
Finally if you asked about running, I'd tell you how much I love it and how much I miss it. I wouldn't mention the ankle stress fracture which developed after my first half. Or, the sprained ankle a few years later -- for no reason at all. Or, the IT band pain. Or, the cranky hips. Or, the current foot stress fracture (well OK, I may talk about that one).
My point is -- yes I do have one and thanks for staying with me -- these aches, pains and injuries are NOT THE POINT. Even though I am not ageless, I refuse to allow aging to be my focus -- only the by-product of a wonderful life filled with adventure.
What's your take on aging?
I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.
Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers. It's fun!
I love your take on aging and I agree!! My age does not define me but it certainly does shape me!
ReplyDeleteYes, the experiences we gain certainly do make us who we are. Being "old" is a choice.
DeleteAbsolutely! We have to approach training and activities differently as we age, but that doesn't mean we have to stop! And we can still make performance gains and skill gains in spite of the physiological limitations because we have the experience to train and race smarter! And wow, crazy story about the waterskiing butt dislocation!
ReplyDeleteYes, there are certainly times we have to step back and we learn how to manage those aches and pains. Why stop? Do something different if you have to, but don't stop.
DeleteHaha! As I sit here with my feet on the heating pad, I read this with a smile on my face! Who's old, Holly? Not us!
ReplyDeleteNot me! Not you! (I say as I limp around in my socks and flip flops.)
DeleteEven though I am far less adventurous than you (and ended up with elbow tendonitis from kickboxing of all things, and tendonitis in my wrist from bowling & playing the flute), I am like you in that for the things I enjoy, I am willing to put up with the sometimes inevitable aches and pains.
ReplyDeleteBut to keep on keeping on. Because that's what makes us young!
But you ARE as adventurous! You are on quest to run in the 50 states. How fun that is! Travel is the best adventure. I swear my elbow tendonitis is from the laundry, but you would think it should be from a life of water skiing. It sounds better, no?
DeleteThat's funny because I am 32 in my mind. I refuse to not do things because of my age. Age is just a number.
ReplyDeleteThen you are younger than me! LOL. Age should be an attitude, not a number.
DeleteIt is.
DeleteOn another note, have you seen this?
https://www.facebook.com/clarembee/photos/a.690989984268984.1073741829.688407977860518/1037820066252639/?type=3
What a story! That gave me chills. She's awesome! And beautiful! Thanks for sharing. PS. I haven't watched last night's episode yet.
DeleteI love this & your attitude... & aging is ALL about attitude!!!
ReplyDeleteNumbers shouldn't define us. I know plenty of people who decided they were OLD in their 20s and 30s. They do nothing. That's no fun.
DeleteAnd what a wonderful life filled with fun and adventure you've had! Keep staying young!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up!
I'm trying Deb, I'm trying.
DeleteI liked the thirties because you've sort of figured out life. You've had a little experience but you are still plenty young to do whatever you want. I used to say I was 29 so much when my kids were little, they thought it was true. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! What a FABULOUS take on being ageless. I've always believed that we are only as old as we feel. I still feel like I'm 27. My body tells me otherwise but whatever...I just keep on keeping on. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! You sound like me. My body is just trying keep up with the things my mind wants to do.
DeleteYou have such an awesome outlook on things!! I love it... If only more people had your outlook on life!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a choice to be OLD or not. I choose adventure, life and fun. As long as the old body can hold out. LOL.
DeleteI agree not letting my age define me either! It's my birthday this week so age is certainly on my mind. I feel like I am in better shape than I used to be and hope to keep on going as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'm also in the best shape of my life, sans foot injury. I vow to keep going until I simply can't. What else is there to do?
DeleteAt 35, I feel much older some days -- as I gingerly make my way out of bed and down the stairs. But I'm definitely young in my mind and not slowing down any time soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm gingerly walking down the steps right now myself. Once I'm healed from this injury, I plan to go go go. Age should be a state of mind, not a number.
DeleteAww I love this post! I often wonder if some of the problems I am having are from running or from getting older? I don't plan to give up running yet so I guess i'll never know! I do know that i've told myself that I am too old for skiing (and roller coasters).
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've always loved roller coasters, I've noticed they usually give me a headache now. I once would ride them over and over. Now, just once is enough. I'm sure I'll have to stick to the easier slopes the next time we go snow skiing too.
DeleteMy dad used to say, if you don't ever do anything then nothing ever happens to you. You've got the marks of a life well lived!
ReplyDeleteWow. I love that saying!! I must remember this.
DeleteI love your take on aging! The older we get, the more we get to experience in life.
ReplyDeleteExactly. I choose fun and adventure.
DeleteMy husband and I always joke that we still think we're 25 years old. Love your focus that aging is a just a byproduct of a life well-lived. Personally, I think life gets better the older I get, so here's to aging!
ReplyDeleteWe can't stop it, so we might as well enjoy all the adventures we can squeeze in! Here's to aging! {clink}
DeleteI agree. life is an adventure, let's live it! We should not be defined by a number!
ReplyDeleteI think most active people feel this way. It's those who choose to be OLD, even way before their time, that do not.
DeleteThis is great.
ReplyDeleteIt has taken me a while to accept the ageing process. That I will never be able to get rid of those wrinkles or the slight muffin top, but I will go down fighting and kicking ! I try to focus on what my body can do, what it does for me everyday... but yes, I spend a fortune on skin care products.... hoping I can keep those wrinkles at bay a little while longer.
I can't do without my Estee Lauder moisturizer and foundation! But, they are my only skin care splurge. I think if we are young on the inside, it shines through.
Delete"I choose not to focus on aging and its associated aches and pains as a negative thing." Ah love your perspective, so so true!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a choice. I know so many people who decided to be "OLD" when they were quite young.
DeleteDefinitely loved your take on this Wednesday Word! I agree with you, and feel that you should never let age keep you from the things you love and adventure! I feel a lot of what can make you feel ageless are things people tend to say the whole you can't do that cause of your age! But you should, sometimes that thrill or accomplishment of something like a race makes you feel unstoppable and ageless.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Age should be about an attitude, not a number. I love trying new things and going new places. I think it helps keep you young at heart.
DeleteYikes!! Your list of sports injuries gives me the heebie jeebies. I can't even image dealing with all of that and still persevering. I think I would be taking up underwater basket weaving or something.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd be all over that because it would be different and fun. And yes, quite the challenge! LOL.
DeleteAny amount of injuries or issues does not define who we are, I think in your case you used all of them as to kick life in the butt and say "You're not keeping me down!" Take that!!! Your an amazing person and live life to the fullest and I'm so very glad to be able to call you my friend! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's not that the aches and pains don't present challenges, it's just what do with it. Do what you can but still enjoy life. Even when I am unable to do the things I currently love, I will find other things.
DeleteLove it! Love your attitude! I agree! I refuse to allow aging to be my focus as well! Live life to the fullest and have great adventures! Seize the day! :)
ReplyDeleteWe all get one turn and it should not be wasted. There should be no "what ifs".
DeleteLove your take on aging. You're an inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteThat's very sweet Gretchen!
DeleteYou have great perspective on aging. Like you, I am considered an older runner, but I love the interactions with younger runners and especially the friendships I have made through running. You always have a positive spin and I look forward to following your next attempt at a marathon.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. We are only as old as our attitude about aging. The number is irrelevant.
DeleteFun post, and love your perspective on it! I always say the same thing about age, you are only as old as you tell yourself you are. People who complain that they are getting older, and they already know things are going to start hurting, well they will for them, and likely they will complain about it all the way and do nothing about it. Others, who feel young, act young will remain young for life!
ReplyDeleteI have a dad who is 70 and you would never guess he was a day over 50, not only that he runs around stays active and can compete with people in their 20's and sometimes he even has more stamina.. Age is just a number, we tell ourselves what age we really are! For myself, I never plan on ever feeling or acting any older than 25, LOL
I have a running buddy who is 70 and she still is also a competitive tennis player. I have a brother who decided he was old way back in is 20s. You will find extreme opposite ends of the spectrum. It is a choice. We can control our attitude and outlook on this subject.
DeleteWow! That is awesome!
DeleteGreat perspective! I love aging. Every year is just more fun logged into our life banks. I'm reading a book Older, Faster, Stronger and it's got me all invigorated! I know that someday, I will not say "I love aging" but this is not the time to think about that! Good luck with your foot!!
ReplyDeleteI love that phrase...fun logged into our life banks. That's great and I intend to steal it. LOL. The fun and adventure is by far superior to the blank pages!
DeleteYou're a daredevil compared to me with you water skiing and snow skiing adventures. I couldn't keep up with you!
ReplyDeleteNot a daredevil, I do have my limits. LOL. But fun seeker, yes! I'm guilty of twisting by daughter-in-law's arm a few times to do things she wouldn't have ordinarily. I'm just always looking for a cohort.
DeleteGreat perspective on again. For me, I feel older as I hit different milestones in life - not necessarily because of hitting a certain age.
ReplyDeleteI get to certain milestones and think I should feel old. But then I think, why should I?
DeleteI love your take on aging as the byproduct of a life well lived!
ReplyDeleteThanks. We should all hope for a long life of adventure. Aging means more time!
DeleteI love your attitude! I think people focus too much on aging. Yes it happens to all of us -- if we are lucky!
ReplyDeleteExactly. We should be appreciative we are still here and have MORE TIME to have the wonderful adventures.
DeleteI love getting older! I feel so much more experienced. My body definitely feels the 40s right now though, I just have to go with it ;)
ReplyDeleteYou might as well embrace it, because you can't change it. What's the saying? "You'll never be as young again as you are right now!"
DeletePeople may hate me for saying this, but I'm still at the point where I do enjoy getting older. I'm sure that will change in the next few years :) But right now I feel like each year brings new adventures and it's exciting. As far as the activities I love to do, I certainly don't plan to let aches, pains, and injuries keep me from doing what I love. I may have to scale back, sure, but hopefully I'll still get to be out there making forward progress.
ReplyDeleteI understand that! I think I liked my mid 30s best. I wouldn't want to be really young because you know have all that experience and knowledge under your belt yet.
Delete