I have to admit it… I’m not as fast as I used to be. My 5K is at least a minute per mile slower than it was just a few years ago. I no longer finish in the top five of most local triathlons. I take longer to recover after a race. My brain and body aren’t willing to push as hard as they used to. But you know what? That’s okay.
I could be bitter or sullen about the fact that my body is slowing. But then I consider that I’m still fitter and faster than maybe 98% of the population. I had some very good years racing, including a few stops at national championship events. I’ve learned many important lessons about health and fitness and life. I’ve met a lot of interesting and inspiring people. I’ve gained a lot of perspective. I’ve got nothing to feel bad about.
One bit of perspective that I’ve gained is that I want to age gracefully. Whether or not I keep competing, I want to continue to enjoy my fitness pursuits. There’s no need to fret about losing some spring in my step – that’s the way things naturally go. Some lose more speed than others, but we all lose at least a little. No matter what, you can still strive to be your best and strive to do it gracefully.
To me, aging gracefully means accepting the changes in my body and maintaining a positive perspective in the presence of diminishing returns. There are good reasons for age group competitions and Masters divisions, and they become clearer as you get older. Age group competition enables you to continue athletic challenges, rivalries, and rewards. You don’t have to give up as you get older, just change your frame of reference.
Aging gracefully is about respecting yourself. There’s no shame in getting slower or weaker. You have to accept it. Trying to push yourself beyond your body’s changing capabilities in the name of retaining your youth (psychologically, at least) can quickly lead to injury and further frustration. Respecting your body and yourself enables you to find a healthy balance between what was and what can still be.
Aging gracefully isn’t just about you, it’s about how you treat others, too. Again, the key word is respect. As your performance drops, you’ll find that more people are better than you. They should not become victims of scorn. You’re doing your best; they’re doing their best. Can’t we all just get along? Being graceful encourages you to appreciate and recognize the abilities and achievements of others – even if they’re younger, more skilled, and maybe even better looking.
You can extend your grace to others by being encouraging to them. You’ve gained wisdom and perspective over the years, and that has value. You can contribute to the development and success of the next generation by coaching. Share your knowledge and lessons learned to help others reach their potential. And even if you aren’t coaching material, you can always be a fan and keep the energy and spirit of fitness alive.
Aging gracefully isn’t just for those who have passed their peak, it’s also for those still on the way up. Athletes who are building toward or reaching the height of their performance are best served by not becoming arrogant or boastful. They may be the best at the moment, but they can show sportsmanship and class with a touch of humility and giving their predecessors their due. They could probably even learn a few things from us older folks – they don’t call us “masters” for nothing.
To this last point, I should mention that this column was inspired by a young runner/triathlete named Patrick. As he has developed over the past couple years, things have changed from me beating him, to him being evenly matched with me, to him disappearing in the distance ahead of me. Through it all, he has remained pleasant and respectful, even when I tease him. He has shown grace while on the rise, as I hope to show grace while on the other side of the hill.
Aging may mean slowing down, but it doesn’t mean giving up. Fitness is a life-long adventure, and as Einstein pointed out, everything is relative. You can be fit and healthy, and even competitive, throughout life. Sport is not just about winning, but about doing the best you can with what you have.
Regardless of your age or ability, you can be graceful in sport, and in life, by exhibiting a positive attitude and respect for yourself and others.