WISHers in their late 40s and above, do you Dare To Dream

[windwalker]

If you could be the best in your age group, is that a lessor honor than being the best in the world?

We can't be 25 again, but we have a chance to earn a place in our own age group.

Walking Panda

 

[Steffwalks]

Well, Dear Encouraging Panda, I will be trying for Archery and Racewalking! I think I will try and qualify in Oklahoma, instead of Texas, their games are closer and then I will be seeing you in Houston!

 

[windwalker]

I feel for the Olympic athletes who are not Micheal Phelps. Yes he did something awesome but darn it that doesn't mean that he should get all the news coverage. It's like when Lance Armstrong ran the New York Marathon, he got all the news coverage and this guy named Dean just finished up doing 50 marathons in 50 days and the media could care less. And how about that Jamacian sprinter who was so much faster than the rest that he was able to beat his chest and wave 15 meters from the finish and still break the world record. What a shinning example of the spirit of sport.

Poor Deanna Caster had to drop out at 3 miles with a whacked foot. Training at that level is training on the edge between greatness and injury. Most of us who have trained for a long time have experienced the irony of training to injury just when we thought we were close to a break through in our performance.

Dreamer Panda

 

[escape]

I feel for the Olympic athletes who are not Micheal Phelps. Yes he did something awesome but darn it that doesn't mean that he should get all the news coverage. It's like when Lance Armstrong ran the New York Marathon, he got all the news coverage and this guy named Dean just finished up doing 50 marathons in 50 days and the media could care less. And how about that Jamacian sprinter who was so much faster than the rest that he was able to beat his chest and wave 15 meters from the finish and still break the world record. What a shinning example of the spirit of sport.

I agree!!!

As for my athletic abilities, I'm not sure where I could excel. I'll have to think about it. I would LOVE to take a class taught by the Panda. I think my DH might have a future in race walking. He really has good form in power walking. I know race walking is different but I would bet he could cross over fairly easily.

There is a guy in town who race walks. His pace is around 9:30 for 5Ks. I know he's done some half marathons at a little slower pace but still pretty darn fast. Steve always knows that he'll come in no higher than 2nd at our local races whenever this guy competes.

 

[funwalker]

I went in to join the local Senior Center (they have lots of free programs) last week. The nice lady told I could not as I needed to be 55 to join - with a very straight face I said but I am way over that at 63.

But on to the Senior Olympics - I am not a Race Walker soooooooo
It makes me sad about the coverage of a few that get so much press when so many have worked just as hard and often harder. Michael is a very gifted swimmer, born with many winning physical assets.

Oh, I am not a Lance Armstrong want a be...

I know I am not putting forth any where near the effort of that fantastic Race Walker who was sick crossing the finish line at the Olympics!

 

[Steffwalks]

There are so many athletes who never get a mention, much less a story or a thousand commercials. Who won the equestrian events? Are there archers and shooters?? We fielded a huge team!

 

[windwalker]

Susie, tell your hubby I feel his pain. I have beaten everyone around here except Jerry, he is about the same speed and your hubby's friend. He is the Tenn state senior champion and yes when he shows up I know I'm racing for second.

But over the year I've been getting a little closer each race and often we are way out front of the others. Here is the results of the race walk I did last Saturday. Jerry is far and away better and gives me a target. An athlete needs a Jerry out there in front to keep him/her hungry.

http://bgrr.com/results/results08GardenSpot.htm#walk

We have about 10 good racewalkers in the area, I have never beaten Jerry but if the others are not on their game I can take them. Race walking is like running some days you are awesome and some days you just stink.

Dreamer Panda