Fuck turning 50

[racer212]

I posted a good while ago about my goal to be in the best condition of my life when I turn 50 this November. At age 48 and flirting with 260lbs - I set myself some fitness and weight goals.

 

1- Being able to run a continuous mile in under 10 mins (I used to be a good long distance runner - but hadnt been able to run without serious pain in almost a decade)

2- Bench press my bodyweight

3- Be able to do pull up cold with good form

4- Squatting my body weight (sets of 5)

5- body weight under 200lbs

 

None of these are earth shattering Olympic level target - but when I set these bench marks more than 2 years ago I was a long way from being able to hit any of them. I still cant for the life of me get under 200lbs - I hover about 205 but body comp keeps moving - body fat coming down, muscle coming up. For reference I was wearing 38 jeans and might well have needed bigger. Now I'm wearing 34 inch jeans with a belt - and have bought some 32's.  I still struggle with the bench press - but more because of my shoulder rebuild than lack of strength. 

 

So with 50 fast approaching and my goals essentially achieved I decided to enter 3 events to celebrate.

 

1 - a "Lazyman" Triathlon. Its a full length triathlon but you get a whole month to do it. Thats happening right now (July). Again - not Olympic level but still a lot. This week I have done 50 mile bike ride, 10 miles running (sub 10 pace!) and 2000M swim - and I'm still keeping up my normal workout routines-ish.

 

2- In September my gym holds a challenge. Using a "Jacobs Ladder" aka mountain climber the competition is to climb the height of Mt Everest (29k feet). Technically just completing the climb in a month completes the challenge - but there is some bragging rights and prizes for the 1st 5 to complete it. I aim to be in that group. 

 

3-In November, just after my birthday, theres a 10k charity run I have entered. I'm setting myself the goal of running it - and doing it in less than an hour (6.2mph / 9:40 mile pace) 

 

Fuck turning 50. Lets do this!

 

Edited July 6, 2024 by racer212

[SwampNut]

Working on 60, and have one of those, don't understand one at all, and think I might have a third maybe.  I can hold a beer, a whisky, and a cigar and consume all of them at the pool without getting them wet however.  And I can take a shit without injuring myself by tripping on my underwear.  

[blackhawkxx]

Good stuff Scott.  I word of advise about weight lifting as you age, be sure to work up slowly.  Once I hit 60, had a warning sign trying to push more than I should have while bench pressing even though I have been doing it most of my life.  It scared me enough that I have become content with moderate weight.  

[racer212]

3 hours ago, blackhawkxx said:

Good stuff Scott.  I word of advise about weight lifting as you age, be sure to work up slowly.  Once I hit 60, had a warning sign trying to push more than I should have while bench pressing even though I have been doing it most of my life.  It scared me enough that I have become content with moderate weight.  

 

Yeah - I hear that. I really struggled with this on the bench press goal. Was not expecting that one to be the hardest. I did it to say I did it - but most chest days I do 155 or 175 and focus good form and clean reps.

[CALCXX]

It's not so bad turning fifty Scott. I did twenty years ago and continued drinking and look how good I turned out? 🤣🤣   Seriously, I quit drinking last Nov. Lost 63lbs in the past 1 1/2 years. Quit eating junk food and really don't exercise anything but my trigger finger. Good to hear welcome changes amoung the aging here.

[OMG]

I don't remember 50 clearly, I think I was in good shape. But that was 26 years ago.

Definitely keep lifting.

[ironmike]

Aside from one's general health, the two most significant issues with aging are gravity and inertia--and they're intrinsically related. The dichotomy is that they're both simultaneously detrimental and beneficial. It could be said that gravity will always win, but the consistent application of dynamic inertia puts up a helluva good fight--forestalling the inevitable. Remember, a body at rest tends to stay at rest; whereas, a body in motion tends to stay in motion. A lifestyle of smart dietary decisions bolstered by a persistent regimen of exercise--using gravity and inertia to your advantage--will unequivocally enhance the quality of life, for oneself and those who care about you.

It's never too late to start . . . but someday, it will be.   

[tomek]

On 7/6/2024 at 10:25 AM, racer212 said:

I posted a good while ago about my goal to be in the best condition of my life when I turn 50 this November. At age 48 and flirting with 260lbs - I set myself some fitness and weight goals.

 

1- Being able to run a continuous mile in under 10 mins (I used to be a good long distance runner - but hadnt been able to run without serious pain in almost a decade)

2- Bench press my bodyweight

3- Be able to do pull up cold with good form

4- Squatting my body weight (sets of 5)

5- body weight under 200lbs

 

None of these are earth shattering Olympic level target - but when I set these bench marks more than 2 years ago I was a long way from being able to hit any of them. I still cant for the life of me get under 200lbs - I hover about 205 but body comp keeps moving - body fat coming down, muscle coming up. For reference I was wearing 38 jeans and might well have needed bigger. Now I'm wearing 34 inch jeans with a belt - and have bought some 32's.  I still struggle with the bench press - but more because of my shoulder rebuild than lack of strength. 

 

So with 50 fast approaching and my goals essentially achieved I decided to enter 3 events to celebrate.

 

1 - a "Lazyman" Triathlon. Its a full length triathlon but you get a whole month to do it. Thats happening right now (July). Again - not Olympic level but still a lot. This week I have done 50 mile bike ride, 10 miles running (sub 10 pace!) and 2000M swim - and I'm still keeping up my normal workout routines-ish.

 

2- In September my gym holds a challenge. Using a "Jacobs Ladder" aka mountain climber the competition is to climb the height of Mt Everest (29k feet). Technically just completing the climb in a month completes the challenge - but there is some bragging rights and prizes for the 1st 5 to complete it. I aim to be in that group. 

 

3-In November, just after my birthday, theres a 10k charity run I have entered. I'm setting myself the goal of running it - and doing it in less than an hour (6.2mph / 9:40 mile pace) 

 

Fuck turning 50. Lets do this!

 

Fucking Awesome. Way to go. 

 

All physical health benefits of exercise aside, it is also huge mood enhancement. 

[TFT]

On 7/6/2024 at 7:25 AM, racer212 said:

I posted a good while ago about my goal to be in the best condition of my life when I turn 50 this November. At age 48 and flirting with 260lbs - I set myself some fitness and weight goals.

 

1- Being able to run a continuous mile in under 10 mins (I used to be a good long distance runner - but hadnt been able to run without serious pain in almost a decade)

2- Bench press my bodyweight

3- Be able to do pull up cold with good form

4- Squatting my body weight (sets of 5)

5- body weight under 200lbs

 

None of these are earth shattering Olympic level target - but when I set these bench marks more than 2 years ago I was a long way from being able to hit any of them. I still cant for the life of me get under 200lbs - I hover about 205 but body comp keeps moving - body fat coming down, muscle coming up. For reference I was wearing 38 jeans and might well have needed bigger. Now I'm wearing 34 inch jeans with a belt - and have bought some 32's.  I still struggle with the bench press - but more because of my shoulder rebuild than lack of strength. 

 

So with 50 fast approaching and my goals essentially achieved I decided to enter 3 events to celebrate.

 

1 - a "Lazyman" Triathlon. Its a full length triathlon but you get a whole month to do it. Thats happening right now (July). Again - not Olympic level but still a lot. This week I have done 50 mile bike ride, 10 miles running (sub 10 pace!) and 2000M swim - and I'm still keeping up my normal workout routines-ish.

 

2- In September my gym holds a challenge. Using a "Jacobs Ladder" aka mountain climber the competition is to climb the height of Mt Everest (29k feet). Technically just completing the climb in a month completes the challenge - but there is some bragging rights and prizes for the 1st 5 to complete it. I aim to be in that group. 

 

3-In November, just after my birthday, theres a 10k charity run I have entered. I'm setting myself the goal of running it - and doing it in less than an hour (6.2mph / 9:40 mile pace) 

 

Fuck turning 50. Lets do this!

 

 

Those are great goals. Good luck to you. 

The one thing I would be very careful about is pushing limits on lifting. I tore my rotator cuff about 4 years ago lifting too much. Your joints aren't as flexible as they used to be. I just turned 76 and though I work out 4-5 times a week, i don't try and push max weights anymore, I just try to maintain. Fortunately I was blessed with great parents, meaning great genetics. My sister says we hit the genetic jackpot. At 6'-2" I weigh between 185-190 for at least the last 40 years. 

[ironmike]

Smart, Tom . . . I'm 76 this year as well, and have also learned that moderation is like the secret sauce that can keep anyone stronger and healthier.

Pumping iron every other day has become more about lighter weights, a few more reps, and better form. I still do the pushups/sit-ups routine on alternate days; but somewhat ironically, those rep numbers have slowly increased (600/330 stacked in eleven sets within a 2.5hr session). Maintaining health, strength, & stamina are the goals; consistency and judicious moderation are the keys that I've found work for me. I gotta believe they'll work for anybody.  I realize my six-days-a-week routine might be too much for some folks, but I've been doing something almost every day for more than six decades so it's pretty much the norm for me. If I go more than two days in a row without some exercise, I feel sluggish and may not sleep as well.

It's true that we're all a little different (genetically, culturally, mentally/emotionally, etc.), but I believe we could all likely be a little healthier, too--in all respects.

[racer212]

Honestly and with respect this post is making me feel pretty good.

 

Some of you fuckers are OLD! 😁

 

 

[SwampNut]

Shit, we don't have a fuck you you fuckin fuck reaction emoji.

 

[racer212]

20 hours ago, SwampNut said:

Shit, we don't have a fuck you you fuckin fuck reaction emoji.

 

 

Lol. Maybe the admins can handle that

[SwampNut]

I've heard they are assholes.  I don't want to get banned.

[racer212]

6 minutes ago, SwampNut said:

I've heard they are assholes.  I don't want to get banned.

 

Chicken shit 😁

[SwampNut]

Well, remember what happened to the chicken around here...

 

[jon haney]

2 hours ago, SwampNut said:

Well, remember what happened to the chicken around here...

 

LOL. I think it got fucking old.

[ironmike]

Now, y'all best leave Grandma Precious outta this, y'hear?   😔

[superhawk996]

I now have the right bike, and my brother's the HNIC; talk shit about the chicken and you'll get what's commin to ya!

[superhawk996]

On 7/6/2024 at 8:25 AM, racer212 said:

I posted a good while ago about my goal to be in the best condition of my life when I turn 50 this November. At age 48 and flirting with 260lbs - I set myself some fitness and weight goals.

 

1- Being able to run a continuous mile in under 10 mins (I used to be a good long distance runner - but hadnt been able to run without serious pain in almost a decade)

2- Bench press my bodyweight

3- Be able to do pull up cold with good form

4- Squatting my body weight (sets of 5)

5- body weight under 200lbs

 

None of these are earth shattering Olympic level target - but when I set these bench marks more than 2 years ago I was a long way from being able to hit any of them. I still cant for the life of me get under 200lbs - I hover about 205 but body comp keeps moving - body fat coming down, muscle coming up. For reference I was wearing 38 jeans and might well have needed bigger. Now I'm wearing 34 inch jeans with a belt - and have bought some 32's.  I still struggle with the bench press - but more because of my shoulder rebuild than lack of strength. 

 

So with 50 fast approaching and my goals essentially achieved I decided to enter 3 events to celebrate.

 

1 - a "Lazyman" Triathlon. Its a full length triathlon but you get a whole month to do it. Thats happening right now (July). Again - not Olympic level but still a lot. This week I have done 50 mile bike ride, 10 miles running (sub 10 pace!) and 2000M swim - and I'm still keeping up my normal workout routines-ish.

 

2- In September my gym holds a challenge. Using a "Jacobs Ladder" aka mountain climber the competition is to climb the height of Mt Everest (29k feet). Technically just completing the climb in a month completes the challenge - but there is some bragging rights and prizes for the 1st 5 to complete it. I aim to be in that group. 

 

3-In November, just after my birthday, theres a 10k charity run I have entered. I'm setting myself the goal of running it - and doing it in less than an hour (6.2mph / 9:40 mile pace) 

 

Fuck turning 50. Lets do this!

 

I'm only a little older than you, but even at your age I'm pretty sure I couldn't achieve any of your goals other than I have my weight/fat content relatively in check....tho it's been creeping up lately.

[TFT]

When I was 50 I was capable of all your goals. I was running 5Ks in around 22 minutes. 

Today, at 76, that time would be at least doubled. 

[racer212]

Finished my “triathlon” today.