On this, the day after America’s biggest sporting event (the Puppy Bowl… okay, the Super Bowl), I’m reflecting on my own competitive spirit. Or, more accurately, my competitive edginess.
Bet ya can't do this, Bitty!
I met Susie and Fred several years ago at our gym. They are a very nice retired couple twenty years my senior with energy levels twenty years my junior. As most of you know, I am a big proponent of both exercise and seniors, but please could you elders contain yourselves and quit making me look bad? (I’m starting to feel like Tom Brady against Eli Manning.) I have been a long distance runner for over thirty years, with several road races under my belt, and yet Susie and Fred could mop the floor with me between their snow skiing throughout the Pacific Northwest, high altitude biking in Moab, Utah, and hiking throughout Europe.
Yes, I know it is a character flaw — jealousy, envy, whatever you’d like to label it — but I am guilty as charged. When I hear of what these two have accomplished I just want to pull the sheets over my head, or hide underground like Punxsutawney Phil. I love that my friends are the poster children for an active retirement and the picture of longevity, but please slow down. I can’t stand being passed en route to the finish line.
I'll whip the floor with you, Whippersnapper!
Susie, Fred, and the rest of you elders who are kickin’ my butt, I salute you. We should all strive to achieve half of what you do. As the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” And to a certain friend my age who is training for the Stockholm Marathon, you’re killin’ me too, but I’m proud of you! Here’s to us all being MVPs!
Bitty (a.k.a. Linda Sussman-Swiller) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. You may view her credentials or contact her by clicking here…
Tried Zumba and figured that I’m too old and the knees hurt but the young one’s think that I’m doing a great job— for an old lady. LOL LOL LOL.
Woo hoo! You mentioned me, albeit anonymously, in your story. I’m honored! You underestimate your fitness abilities – you’re way above average for being 39. ;-)
You go my cousin! Zumba with the best of them. My body can only move in a straight line so I’m doomed. Although, I have been known to salsa dance at work.
And to Jodi, thank you for the 39 comment. I wish! You inspire me to get my sorry butt off the couch.
I too have tried Zumba and enjoyed it, so as soon as my knee is on the mend again, I will resume it. It’s lots of fun, and my class is made up of women of all ages which is nice.
Zumba? Is that a candy bar? No, wait, that’s Zagnut… Guess I’ll stick with walking the dog…
I love Zumba! But my ‘old heart’ can’t handle it. I’m not really old, but at 37 had to have a stress test and was to old my heart acts like I was an old couch potato. (I walk and ride my bike often and am always running up and down stairs because I always forget why I went up or downstairs in the first place. )
—– I found you while browsing on SITS, which always reminds me of someone with hemorrhoids.
gonna subscribe by email.
Thanks, Kimberly! I think you’ll enjoy us Aging Gals! (And, yes, SITS always makes me think of a sitz bath that one takes for hemorrhoids!)
Ran/walked today then ate a chocolate chip pizookie at BJ’s tonight. Is that counter-productive?
I got tired just thinking about that post!
Hey, Eva. Good to see you back! How are you?
I’m 35 and there are many who are older than me who put me to shame with their fitness (yes, you, marathon runners, you).
It’s true. We’ve been to races and there are 70 and 80 year olds going strong. Thanks for checking us out, Alison!