31 Comments
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David Baker's avatar

Welcome back. I just turned 78 this week. I do 5 mile runs 3 days a week and do strength and core workouts in the fitness center 2 days a week. There is a saying “there are those who can because they do versus those who can’t because they don’t”. Age doesn’t have to define or limit us. There are 80 year olds who are 40 and 40 year olds who are 80.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

LOVE that, David -- I'm going to remember that!!

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Chryl's avatar

WOW! David that is impressive, I hope to still be able to move as I get older.

Also, when I first saw your name I thought you were someone else, the age definitely confirmed, not the same person, but know that you have at least one name twin in this world. LOL!

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Jerry's avatar

whatever age you are at this moment, there is always an age just down the road that looks old. Rage indeed!

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Clark Rose's avatar

Fortunately for you, Terrell, writing is like riding a bicycle. You never forget how... nice piece of writing indeed ‼️

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you so much, my friend!!

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Nilima Srikantha's avatar

Still at rowing. . . day 11, 14 more to go. . . at least 5000 meters per day for March Mud Madness. I got my million meter pin and a (wow!) T-shirt! We then start the April Fools Challenge. April 1-15 (start at 1000 meters and up to 15000 at the end.) As to wrinkles, who cares. . .I just don't look in the mirror! Rowing is building not only all-over muscle, but respiratory strength, so I can now climb part-way up the hill without sticks! Turns out I was trying to take it to fast!

Age 11 was my favorite!! Yes, we did have TV for one year and had certain times that shows came on. With the two I have around here--both in their upper 30s, it is a total calamity when the power shuts off for an afternoon.

The trees are all blooming, I have catnip seed to get in the ground. Been out weeding a lot because the ground is damp and weeds come up easily. Tomorrow is PI day. . . coconut cream in the works. Who knows what comes afterwards. Around here, it might snow! I take it from day to day. . .What happens happens. . . I don't have much control over it anyway!

Have a good run. . .Keep me posted on what's happening for the meet-up! :)

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

I'd totally forgotten about Pi Day!!! That all sounds so lovely, Nilima.

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Nilima Srikantha's avatar

Better get at it! . . . I'm making a crust right now. . . SeriousEats has the best one. . .the easy pie crust made in the food processor! I use it all the time! :)

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Dave Weinstock's avatar

Pi Day is tomorrow … 52 weeks retired!

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Diana M. Wilson's avatar

There is a great article in the Ageist this week about a 90-year-old man who I'm in LOVE with. He is definitely NOT going gently into that good night! Nope. Burning Man and Marathons are things he did well past the age many of us might consider these as rational things to do. PLUS, he started a new company 5 years ago. (I think it was.) If I were to ever get a tattoo--a big piece of that poem (which I love) would be tattooed on my back. Thx for this, T!

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Laura Loving's avatar

Yes, fight for good health as long as you can. I remember my grandfather always telling me, "I wish I could still run." There will be a day when we can no longer run. Until then, keep going as long as you can (while respecting your body's changes of course). Also, Gravity Falls was Stella's favorite. She still enjoys from time to time and recently purchased "The Book of Bill" with her birthday money. If your son doesn't have this book yet, perhaps the Easter Bunny should make sure to pick one up. #billcipherrules #hopetheEastBunnystillvisits

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

I have to get that, Laura! (By the way, let's connect whenever you have time -- I loved your essay ideas!)

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Laura Loving's avatar

I've already got 2 different stories in the works. I had to take a quick break to do my taxes. I should have something to show you by Monday. I will dm you about a time to meet. Enjoy the rest of your spring break!

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Fr. Cathie Caimano's avatar

Welcome back!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Cathie!!

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Kay Parrish's avatar

David. Well put 👏👏👏

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Takeachanse's avatar

Small bit of irony, since I have been laid off I started a youtube show called MixtapeGeneration and today's episode we taste test fast food of the 80s. The irony of living better and I am eating fast food ha ha. Taco Bell won by the way. This group has really helped me, so thank you for all of your comments, encouragement etc.

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Dave Weinstock's avatar

Good luck in your new endeavors.

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Chryl's avatar

Terrell, what an awesome story and welcome back! I had not heard of Michelle prior to this, thank you. I watched and was completely enthralled in the video. I'll be 49 this year and I've had these thoughts. Getting older is not easy by any means, we deal with so much on every level. I do believe that if we do not let all the outside noise in (what society says aging is supposed to be) and just live on our own terms and do our part we can do this gracefully.

Having completed the 6 Majors last March 2024, and looking forward to Sydney in August, the doubts have already started to show up, but I've been able to stay focused and determined that this can be and will be done. Training will start in about another month or so, until then I'll keep taking it all in and moving to stay engaged. Thank you for this awesome piece.

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Marianne Rigby's avatar

This made me feel real good.........and at almost 76 .....I am starting to question my decision to run a Half Marathon in June......weather is just starting to allow for outside runs so.......however if this gal is questioning her self at 30.......I guess a little second guessing at my age is almost expected............I agree we are not defined by age it's a number........maybe we show wisdom to reduce injury or keep on just to keep muscle mass and a clear mind. My own vice is I want to compete with the 40, 50 and 60 year olds.......LOL.......and in some cases.....while placing in my age category.......I see where I would have finished in the younger age groups....I have friends my age that can do what I do and more and others that have not been healthy or active for years. I guess we need to set our own pace, encourage those around us and continue to be the very best version of ourselves. Thanks for the encouraging article and video!!! As always it makes me think about my training and outcome and the effect it has on life. : )

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Takeachanse's avatar

It has taken me years to realize the running is so personal, our own thoughts, my own feet, body etc. When I take it outside of that I am not joyfull. There is pain but joy as well. You can do it!!!!

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Byron Blake's avatar

I'm off the beach and now on the road, running south, getting closer and closer to the 1950 demarcation green line between Gaza and Israel. 25 Deg C today. 6 miles, absolutely gorgeous conditions. The cease fire has ended so things are back to a hot war, but that doesn't stop me and it shouldn't stop you. The trail is clean, the trail does take me through a power plant fuel oil storage tank area. There's limited bomb shelters in the area. Running is absolutely glorious. Byron, South District, South Ashkelon, Israel.

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Blue's avatar

Awesome post thank Terrell

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Fran Gardner's avatar

I am 75 and I’ve never felt less old! As you may recall, I’m in a power chair when I’m outside, so I’m not exactly running. I’d like to watch the video but 18 minutes! Who has that sort of time? It’s hard to keep up with Substacks, but I try to read yours because even though it’s ostensibly about running you have all sort of other interesting things to say.

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Nilima Srikantha's avatar

snow on 3/13 in Eugene

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