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Tim Bergsten created this Ning Network.

Age is just a state of mind

I was a spectator at the Pikes Peak ascent and marathon the weekend before last (alas, I am 3 months pregnant so could not do the race. Although I did do the Leadville marathon without knowing I was a couple weeks pregnant!)

Anywho, I was amazed by how many people did both events back to back. For those of you who do not know about this event, it is pretty extreme- a half marathon up Barr Trail all the way to the top of Pikes Peak on Saturday, and a marathon up and back along the same course on Sunday.

Grueling to say the least. But well worth the climb once you get to the top.

I am not done yet thought, because the other thing I noticed was that many of the people wearing the two different colors of wristbands denoting each event were probably over the age of 50. Many of them looked to be at least 70.

At the awards banquet Saturday night I was brought to tears by 81 year old Kenith Wood, who was brought on stage to be recognized for his amazing finish of the ascent in 4 hours, 44 minutes. After looking at the results, it looks like he beat about 50 people half his age.

So here is my question to all of you: when you are feeling tired, unmotivated to train, feeling like something feels too hard or painful, what gets you going?

I think for me it is knowing that there is someone like Kenith out there who could kick my butt in an event like this. Knowing that no matter how hard I think something is there is always someone out there doing more with greater barriers.

WOW!

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Comment by Allen Beauchamp on September 12, 2010 at 8:56am: Between all three of you with these testaments...it makes me so very glad that I chose not to leave this beautiful place a year+ ago, a place we all get the priveledge to call home. Making the most of it by being out, enjoying the gorgeous surroundings and riding/running/hiking/walking is just a treat. Here is to making it even better as the years go on for all of us!

Comment by Brian McCarrie on August 30, 2010 at 6:16pm: What gets me out the door is the fact that I want to be a better person. A better athlete, a better father and a better husband. I haven't found the formula where wishing and hoping will improve my life yet. So as far as I know, the only way to get better is to get out there and do it. Many mornings when I turn the alarm off I lay there. I know I've got a workout scheduled but sometimes I just don't feel like getting up. So I lay there and I ask myself, "Well, do you want to be better or not?", most times, that's when I get up. Sometimes I do roll over and go back to sleep but more times than not, I"m out the door. Another reason I get out is, it's just plain fun!

Comment by Tim Bergsten on August 30, 2010 at 6:05pm: Hey Lauren!
Good question. What gets me off the couch? Hmmmmm.
1. My health. I'm 51 and I want to climb mountains when I'm 80, just like Keith Wood. Plus I had a grandfather die of a heart attack at a pretty young age. I don't want to go there.
2. I figure you only get one shot at life here on earth (somehow I don't think I'm coming back as the next Matt Carpenter) so I'm going for it.
3. It feels good to run and ride. The morning light. Clear, cool air. Making the first tracks in fresh snow. Feeling as if I can go forever. The lights of Colorado Springs from the top of the Incline. The satisfaction of laying down a good workout
4. I live in Colorado, at the foot of a beautiful mountain. We have a trails network here that kicks ass. Running and riding? That's what we do. That gets me rolling...in fact, I'm headed for Sect. 16 trail right now.
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