Monday, August 18, 2008

You're only as old as you think you are.

It's old news, I know, but can we just talk about the women's marathon for a minute?

As disappointed as I was for Deena Kastor (who broke her foot and dropped out a few miles in to the race), I was all kinds of impressed by Constantina Tomescu-Dita. I could really relate to her. After all, she's a 38 year old mom. So, basically, we're like the same person. Except that she's Romanian. And a world-class runner capable of cranking out 26.2 miles in less than 2-1/2 hours.

Right, so we're not all that similar.

But, she proved that a 38 year old mom can triumph, can be the Olympic champion. And I think that is awesome. You don't have to stop competing just because you get to be a certain age. Constantina, Dara Torres and Oksana Chusovitina have all shown that. I'm sure there are others, those are just the three I've watched and rooted for.

I've heard it said that you're only as old as you think you are. It is so true. When I'm out there running, I don't feel old. I feel like a kid. Sure, a kid with occasionally sore hamstrings and ITBs, but a kid nevertheless. OK, a young adult.

But, you get the point.

For me, running and being active keeps me feeling young. The "older" Olympic champions show me that, as Dara Torres said after the 4x100 free relay, "You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams."

Hear, hear.

10 comments:

Marcy said...

Amen!! Although I'm not so sure about myself. At 29 my body is already starting to breakdown LMAO! GAH!

tfh said...

Honestly, I was so disappointed when Deena dropped out, and I wasn't enjoying the marathon after that. But by the end, when Tomescu-Dita crossed the finish line, I was tearing up (in a happy way). So, so inspiring and beautiful!

E said...

I totally agree!

Aron said...

i LOVED the woman's marathon... so exciting and inspiring!

Andrew is getting fit said...

There's hope for us yet! London 2012!

carla said...

Im with you.
Im frequently at the gym thinking OOH LOOK AT THAT GIRL. SHE LOOKS GREAT AND SHE'S MY AGE----only to discover she's 20 years younger.

I need to git my head where my bod is----or not ;)

Miz.

Unknown said...

Hi!
loved your comments... inspiring! I turn 38 in October and run like a kid with new tennies! (but not near as fast!) Running is a beautiful thing!
www.spideewaite.blogspot.com
Cindy :)

ncrunner12 said...

You're right, and I love the title of your post. It seems that this olympics has proven that age is just a number between her that US swimmer and the German gymnist... it's without a doubt inspiring, I'm thinking I'll try out for the 100m in four years, I'll only be 33.

carla said...

Been pondering this and I think my wholehearted agreement hath made me.....judgemental?

I get so irritated when my sweet husband laments I FEEL OLD.

(He just turned 40)

As I also think the moment he gives that thought breath-----he does feel old.

Food for thought.

Miz.

Lily on the Road said...

I'm 55! I have a very good friend who qualified for Boston, he ran Boston at age 75....he's now 76 and still going....

Age is a number and if you have your health and wits about you...just do it!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...