Life Demonstrates Second Wind: The Case for Achieving Peak Fitness in Your Fifties
New and Improved Ride:
As a kid, I lived for cycling. Not just a casual jaunt to the park, but a full-blown fascination that had me hitching a ride on my Raleigh Grifter and making it dance. I owe this passion to Jean Francois Bernard, a French cyclist who captivated my young imagination during the late 80s. He was a fierce competitor, battling it out with Laurent Fignon to claim the throne once held by Bernard Hinault.
One of my fondest memories is watching Bernard storm up the infamous Mont Ventoux at the Tour de France in 1987. Though our little corner of Surrey didn't offer the dramatic landscapes of Provence, we had our own Mont Ventoux. It wasn't much more than a 100-meter incline with a 1.8% gradient, but it was our very own summit to conquer. Joined by my brother, neighbors, and fellow cyclists, we trained tirelessly, dreaming of joining the ranks of Sean Yates and Malcolm Elliott.
But then puberty hit, and I turned into a world-class drama king. Gone were the days of cycling with gusto, replaced with a constant state of brooding and a steady diet of Nirvana. For the next two decades, I was all about the booze and cigarettes – a strategic plan to lose as many brain cells as possible.
Fast forward to the arrival of my children, and I found myself awakening from a 20-year coma. As I gazed upon my newborns, I knew I wanted to be around for them. And so began my Uphill Battle to fitness.
My brother, who'd managed to navigate his teenage years without a hitch, hooked me up with a Gary Fisher mountain bike. I hopped on and didn't stop pedaling – my legs may have protested, but I didn't care. Cycling was my escape, my therapy, my salvation.
A few months into my new routine, I decided to tackle a daunting challenge: riding from Land's End to John o' Groats. Armed with a pair of trainers and a tracksuit, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. The distance was nothing compared to the journey I'd undergone in my personal life.
Months turned into years, and the cycling didn't stop. I didn't aim for speed or glory, just the simple satisfaction of being on my bike. That changed when I stumbled upon the Wattbike Atom and Zwift, a deadly combination that skyrocketed my fitness. By the time I was 48, I was breathing rare air with a 400+ watt FTP.
The results astounded even me. If I'd undergone the same fitness tests at 30, I would've been greeted with grim news. But my bone density was on point, body fat a lean 17%, and my lung function off the charts. I was a testament to the resilience of the human body, evidence that it's never too late to turn things around – no matter your age or circumstances.
So here I am, still pedaling, still striving to be the best version of myself. Each spin is a reminder of the journey I've come from and the lessons I've learned. And every time I crest the imaginary summit of our little Mont Ventoux, I can't help but think of Jean Francois Bernard – a man who showed me the power of dreams, the pursuit of passion, and the unbreakable spirit of human endeavor.
Insights:
The Deadly Duo:
Cigarettes and alcohol are infamous for causing a range of health issues, from cardiovascular disease to respiratory problems, impaired immune function, and cognitive decline. Quitting both can lead to significant improvements in physical and mental health.
The Power of Wattbike and Zwift:
Training with power can be a game-changer for cyclists, allowing them to compete against themselves and track their progress. It fosters a sense of competition and helps improve overall fitness levels.
Age is Just a Number:
No matter your age, it's never too late to get fit or achieve your goals. Consistent effort, a positive attitude, and a commitment to health can lead to impressive results.
The Human Body's Resilience:
The human body is incredibly resilient, able to heal and adapt in the face of adversity. By providing it with the necessary nutrients, exercise, and a supportive environment, it can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.
The Importance of Goals:
Setting achievable goals and challenging yourself can provide a powerful motivation to stick with your health journey. Whether it's cycling from Land's End to John o' Groats or reaching a certain cycling speed or power output, it's crucial to have something to strive for.
- Incorporating regular exercise, like cycling, into health-and-wellness routines can lead to significant improvements in physical and mental health, as seen in the speaker's own transformation.
- As people age, the pursuit of science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and even sports can help maintain optimal health, sustain physical abilities, and foster a sense of purpose, as demonstrated by the speaker's continued passion for cycling.
