Run for your life

You are approaching the big 5 oh, or are already there. You feel that you are not at your best physically or you see that you have gone absolutely pear-shaped. You then ask yourself two things: (1) is it possible to get into the best shape of my life after 50, and, (2) should I even try?

I had written a post here about 50 being the new 30.

Let us look around and see how many people look to be and are in the best shape at 50 and over. There is of course Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, better known as Sting, who is 65. Google images of Sting and you will see that he is in great shape, watch him perform on stage and you will see that he still has the energetic style of his younger days.

Then there are Enrico Varella and his friend Davy Koh. Both Kona Ironman finishers. To see these guys, you would think they are 10-15 years younger than they actually are. In Enrico’s case, the silver mop of hair hints at the truth in an elegant and distinguished way. Enrico is a respected executive trainer and coach.

Ironman EV, aka Enrico

But you say to yourself, “these are special guys, one rock star and two triathletes. I am a normal guy, who hasn’t been exercising regularly, been sitting on my butt when I am not making myself a career. The closest thing to a work out I’ve done in recent memory is to wheel the loaded grocery cart to the car, oh, carrying my wife’s shopping in Milan, that was an intense workout. Can I? Should I even bother?”

I definitely think you can and you should bother. You can because it is doable, and you should bother because getting fit will do you a ton of good. A regular workout will make you feel better, you will gain health benefits and the best part is, you will have fun.

There are 2 issues that might prevent us from getting up and get exercising, and both are in the mind;  sustaining the discipline and staying motivated. Having a fitness goal in writing is a sure-fire way to deal with both. Having a written fitness goal will force you to plan all your workouts in detail. You will plan what you’re going to do and what time you’re going to do it. A workout will no longer be an afterthought.

Employing a personal coach to keep you on track to achieve your fitness goal is a smart thing to do. Not only will the personal coach keep you on track to achieve your goal, a good coach will devise a programme suited to your current shape and goal and show you how to perfect your form.

Being in great shape after 50 is easy when friends and family who want the same things, help to hold you accountable.

Last weekend, I took a group of friends from my army days on a trek in the Central Catchment Area. This company has the moniker ITD Class of 84. We are guys who enlisted for National Service in 1984 and had our Basic Military Training at the Infantry Training Depot in Tekong. All of us have passed the 5oh.

We met at the car park at Venus Drive with the plan of doing the Treetop walk to the Rifle Range Link and loop back. I had planned a 3 hour trek that would cover 10km.

the route

In the company, only one, Azhar, has a regular exercise program. Azhar plays a good game of golf too. So he is reasonably fit. The others confessed to not having a regular workout program. Although in our youths, all of us were super fit, excelling in our IPPT, force marching our men and charging up hills. For that was what infantrymen did back then. This was a social jaunt with a fitness spin. We started out well with everyone in good spirits.

When we got to the Ranger Station at the foot of the treetop walk some 2km and a decent climb later, all were sweating though still holding out. Water break and photo-op done, we climbed the little hill to the suspension bridge of the treetop walk. All still good, though breathing got a little heavier. Spirits were still high on the 250m long 25m high suspension bridge. However after negotiating the bridge and the climb down to Rifle Range Link, some of the company was feeling a little tired.

on the suspension bridge – HSBC Treetop Walk

On the banks of Upper Pierce Reservoir. Turn back point

I had planned several decision points where we were to decide whether to turn back or press on, depending on how everyone felt. Kudos to all as we had passed 2 decision points and we were still pressing on, although visibly knackered. We reached our turning point on the banks of Upper Pierce Reservoir at the point where the New Zealand river started. We had a photo shoot before turning back. The trek back was a little slower with more rest stops. All told this group took 2 hours 40 minutes to trek 8.5 km in the woods of the Central Catchment Area.

This group did a wonderful job of the trek, showing that with some effort, lots of determination and support from friends, we of the 5 oh cannot be described as physical fitness has beens. I hope to have inspired some in the company to take up a regular exercise program.

What I learned from this weekend’s social jaunt were:  (1) Not all of us are the same. We each need a tailored structured program to achieve our fitness goals. (2) As we age, the muscles are not as strong and as elastic as they were when we were younger. A slowly, slowly catch the monkey approach is the best way to sustain both the training program and the motivation. Getting injured can be a total bummer. (3) Support group is important. I could see that, though visibly knackered, the guys in the company goaded each other to complete the 8.5km trek. So get some friends together and get yourself fit.

Set your fitness goal here, I’ll help you achieve it.

Run or trek this route with me.