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I was out running this morning at about 5 a.m. and I ran past an older lady in her early 70s. I've seen her out before. I wished her a good morning as I passed and the thought just popped into my head, "Growing old gracefully is not an accident."

 

How true is that? When we see people in our lives who are older and are just kicking hiney and taking names, they generally did not get to that place because they lived a sedentary lifestyle eating an unhealthy diet. They stay engaged mentally, physically, and emotionally to the world around them.

 

The first weekend in October I was priviliged to run my 26th marathon with two wonderful JF Runners, Megan and Erin. On the same route was an amazing man named Bob Dolphin who was not only celebrating his 80th birthday, but his 452nd marathon. This is a man who started...STARTED...running in his mid-50s and, on the date of his 80th birthday, ran his 452nd, and not by far his last, marathon. Did he get to the finish line of the Portland Marathon by accident? Of course not! Him and his lovely wife, Lorraine, have stayed mentally, physically, and emotionally active throughout their lives! I l have run at least 15 marathons with Bob, and look forward to many many more.

 

Sometimes when I drag Roy out for a run or long bike ride and he starts to complain I remind him, "This is part of our retirement plan!" You see, I want to be Bob Dolphin when I grow up. I want to be running marathons until I'm 99 years old. I want to be running when the sand runs out.

 

Share your thoughts on growing old gracefully on our forum. 

 

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