Appreciating Fitness

I watched a video today featuring a 98-year-old man who was a fighter pilot back in World War II. After the war, he spent much of his life as a professional dancer. His last show was just two years ago. He spoke about how flying and dancing made him feel. He noted how the years had whittled away at his abilities but still enjoyed dance.

This made me think about a few moments from over 30 years ago. I was about half my current age. One time, I went running during lunch. I ran about 5 miles throughout Hartford. At the time, it was no effort for me. I could run as far as I had time for. As I walked into the gym to shower, I felt superhuman. About a year later, I played pick-up basketball in a church gym. Being 5’7”, I wasn’t built for basketball but loved the sport. For one, basketball is free-flowing as the patterns evolve in real time. How you read, react, and execute determines your result. The other aspect is that you can read the game and determine how to apply yourself. On this particular night, I dominated the play despite being shorter than everyone. My endurance, strength, anticipation, and play were wreaking havoc.

Now, as an older athlete, I understand my limitations. That is important as it keeps me healthy. This morning, I skipped CrossFit because it was all rowing. Instead, I rode my bike to several beaches and walked up and down them, picking up plastic and other debris. Then, I rode home for a late breakfast. I can no longer run forever, but I appreciate that I once could and can still get out there and move.