In my last post, I rode the New York Times yoga wave, which is now drowned out by opposing sides duking it out. Of course, I’m not anti-yoga. As my kids can attest to when we were skiing a few weeks ago, I’m just a lot more cautious with my body as I get older.
Did you know I won a Nastar ski race the year I turned 50? It was my first (and only) official wind in your face, slippery, downhill ski race. At the time, I was in pretty good physical shape. I won a gold medal and never had to don any spandex. Yay!
Fessing up…a friend told me there were no women over 50 that had entered the race that day and I would get a huge handicap if I signed up. I’ve never been so scared in my life. But I did finish the race (without falling and killing myself), and I cherish my little gold pin.
I thought I would never be in racing shape (ha!) again until I saw this video on the Lines Of Beauty blog. The video of a 95 year old ballet dancer, shot on Fire Island, captures the secret and beauty of staying fit.
My friend Maia from julia warr on Vimeo.
Photo: Vintage Ski Poster
Maryl // Jan 21, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Maia is so graceful, limber and active. So beautiful to watch. I too won a medal in my 50′s for a 5K race. I had no idea they gave prizes by age groups, which is why I got one. I’ve had to curtail my running because of my knees. Gotta watch our bodies!
Lori Popkewitz Alper // Jan 21, 2012 at 4:42 pm
I’m very impressed by your NSTAR win. Those courses are treacherous-at any age! What a beautiful video. As we age it’s so important to find a way to move and remain active. I’m hopeful that skiing and yoga will keep me going. I know running won’t last!
Ronnie // Jan 22, 2012 at 8:55 am
GO Meryl and Lori! I’m coming to realize this aging thing is all about attitude…and pushing yourself beyond “expected” boundaries.
Yesterday, I hiked up a mountain in snow shoes. My family members each received the gift of snow shoes (LOVE them-thank you, Howard and Carol). I started off with my usual complaining. “I don’t think I like this.”…”Why not just put on cross-country skis?”…”My legs are killing me.” Then something switched in my attitude and I started to “go with the flow.” Before I knew it, I was cruising in those planks and totally enjoying myself.
I highly recommend trying snow shoes next time we have a measurable “powder” day!
Ronnie // Jan 22, 2012 at 9:03 am
Ooops, almost forgot to urge my readers to check out Meryl and Lori’s blogs.
Follow these two bloggers closely, they are smart, terrific writers and have a fabulous niche:
Meryl and my friend, Carrie recently started a new blog:
SECOND LIVES CLUB: http://secondlivesclub.blogspot.com/
Lori is a seasoned green blogger who writes the popular blog:
GROOVY GREEN LIVING (love, love that blog title)
http://groovygreenlivin.com/
I highly recommend checking out these “FIT” women…you will not be disappointed. Enjoy! xoRonnie
Nana Sadie // Jan 23, 2012 at 10:23 am
I want to be Maia when I grow up! Just shared that lovely video myself, thank you!
Ronnie // Jan 23, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Nana Sadie…YES, we all want to be as agile as Maia. Thank you for your comment!
Melanie // Feb 20, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Just wonderful! Reminds me of 96 yr. old friend, a ballroom dancer.