I'm an old lady. But last May, when I crossed the finish line at my first-ever race—a 3.2 km fun run to raise money for my local YMCA—I didn't feel old: I felt jubilant. After the race there were strangers hugging and congratulating me. I suppose they don't often have an 83-year-old participating with them!
I've always been somewhat fit, and I used to belong to a gym near my home in Prescott, Arizona. But when the gym shut its doors 3 years ago, I had nowhere to exercise. I'd occasionally go for a hike with friends or my husband, but I was reluctant to do it on my own. There are mountain lions here, and encountering one might finally finish me off.
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Finally, I realised that the local YMCA was my best option if I was going to stay fit. I had avoided the Y for a long time because I thought it would be too crowded, but as soon as I walked in the doors I realised what a vibrant place it was. There were so many active seniors there, and I loved working out with my peers. Just as young mums or women in menopause have unique concerns when it comes to their health, so do the elderly. It was wonderful to be among people who understood that.
I soon began exercising through the Y's SilverSneakers, a program designed for older people recovering from surgery or working toward better movement. All the exercises are done with a chair rather than on the floor. Our class has all sorts of people, including one woman who is 94. She may not hop as high as the others, but she is there every class, and emotionally it is so great for the other participants to know that exercise and fitness really can be done at any age.
That class is the best. Everyone smiles and has fun. We dance to the music. If I ever have a wise crack, I know that class is the perfect place to bring it. I didn't realise how lucky we were until I took another class that wasn't just for seniors. It simply didn't have the same inspiring atmosphere.
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As much as I enjoyed the SilverSneakers class, I've also always loved walking. I'm originally from a small village in Germany that's in the middle of the forest. Everyone in my family walked, but not for exercise. They walked in the woods when they were upset or if they had something to think through, which is how I learned that walking can be as good for your mental health as it is for your physical health. So when the YMCA began working with the American Council on Exercise to promote walking last spring, I was eager to join in.
Up for a challenge
To motivate people to get walking, the YMCA announced a 3.2 km fun run/walk. Although 3.2 km may seem short to some, when you're 83 that's a significant distance. It was even more challenging because the first half of the course was uphill. But I was determined to cross that finish line.
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I thought it would be more fun to do the race with others from my SilverSneakers class, but no one was brave enough to join me. They thought I was silly to even consider it, but I've always been someone who gets over-enthusiastic. I was born that way, and will die that way. I decided that I didn't care if I was the only old lady in the race.
To motivate myself, I bought a pedometer to track my steps. I picked a cheap one because I didn't want to spend too much, but that device was worth every penny. I strapped it on and I felt like one of my grandchildren! It was invigorating.
In the months leading up to the race, the YMCA suggested that I walk a total of 8 kms each week—not to train, exactly, but to show myself that it was possible. I was determined to hit that goal. On my training walks, I'd smile and wave if I saw a friendly face, but I would never stop. And instead of just watching my dog play at the dog park, I started doing laps while he romped with the other pups.
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As I practised, I concentrated on moving continuously. I wanted to make each step the same size, one after the other. Even small steps will get you there eventually.
Ready, set, go
The day of the race I was nervous. I found a friend at the starting line, but I was a bit unsure because I knew I couldn't walk as fast as she does. However, I was determined to make it up that hill, and once I started the emotional support was unbelievable. There were mums pushing strollers and even a woman with a cane. Everyone was cheering each other on and having fun. I knew I just had to get to the top of the hill and the rest of the race would be easy. Before I knew it I was there.
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When I crossed the finish line and the organisers placed a medal around my neck, I felt as if I had come in first place at the Olympic games. I was on a cloud. I knew that I do not have to be 'just an old lady'. Yes, I'm old, but there is still so much to do in the world! Anything is possible.
Photographs courtesy of Gerda Samuels.
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