maybe it's in the water....
I just read most of this thread with a smile on my face. There must be something in the water here in Hawaii, or perhaps it is just a state of mind.
I'm 36. I did not expect to read that most of you are younger than me, however I do not view myself as being anywhere near the "hill", and at least 50 years away from being "over the hill".
My other passion is solo outrigger canoe racing. I have been at it for 8 years now. I am not a great champion paddler, but I'm not very far behind the leaders. I occasionally place in my age division and all I can say is thank God I'm not in the 50 year old division.
There are about a dozen guys 50-60years old known as the "Grumpy Old Men" that kick some serious butt. In five years of training along side them and inter-club racing against them, I have won a total of once! One time only! These guys got sponsored by "Viagra" for the Molokai to Oahu race. The team logo/slogan was "Longer, Stronger, and Better than Ever". Many of these guys are entering the 60 year old division now, and they haven't lost a beat.
Last note here is about two guys that I met last year at the races. The first guy is 71 years old and he is still racing on his canoe, I raced against him yesterday. The other old, yet not so old, guy who is still racing, started competing in paddling events in 1948 when he was 20 years old.
I am inspired by these people. I realize that I might not be able to be diving when I'm 70, but now I know a few people who have not let the number of their age slow them down. I have asked the "Grumpy's" if they ever feel older? The usual reply is "no", followed by a lot of laughing.
Thank you for letting me ramble off of the topic, on this fine Sunday morning.
Aloha All,
Matthew