Fitness at Fifty (something)

It has taken me some time to believe in my ability to undertake and enjoy physical challenges. I had always considered myself to be 'hopeless' at such things, due in no small part to my short stature and 'chubbiness' as a child. It was not until my early fifties that things began to change. During the past month, I have bush walked, cycled, paddled and 'pumped iron.' I feel great! This change from sedentary to sporty has been a gradual process - one which has been a wonderful by-product of a good friendship. My first foray into stretching my physical boundaries was a 20km paddle on the Paterson River. Here I was exposed to people who were truly inspirational - an 80yr old man who paddled in the 100km Hawkesbury Classic every year, a 70yr old couple who blitzed the course and our friends for whom fitness and physical challenges are a part of their everyday lifestyle. Consequently, I began to change my thinking about aging and what that meant for me physically. I have been fortunate to enjoy good health all my life but I was beginning to see myself as 'over the hill' and therefore opt for ease and comfort in my recreational activities. If I was going to learn to enjoy being physical, two things needed to change - my self confidence and my fitness. So the kayakking began. Weekends became opportunities to enjoy the local rivers and lakes and each other's company. Change was beginning to happen. Then came the suggested cycling holiday - 300ks over 10days along the Mawson Trail. 'Impossible' I thought. 'I haven't ridden a bike since I was fifteen.' But maybe it was just a matter of preparation. The bike was bought and the training began. Cycling the Mawson was an absolute buzz! This year has seen the fitness levels challenged once again as we joined our friends walking the Jatbula Trail in the Northern Territory. It was so good to be able to enjoy God's beautiful creation in an 'up close and personal' manner! I am so grateful for our friends who have encouraged and challenged me to develop this previous dormant area of my life. My hope is that as I age, my fitness continues to grow so I am ready to embrace all of life's opportunities.