THIS IS WHAT 65 LOOKS LIKE – TRAINING FOR A 60K WALK!

3 June 2010 675 views 3 Comments Tags: AGING, Boomer Women, Women 50+, WOMEN IN SECOND ADULTHOOD, Women’s Cancers, Women’s Fitness, Women’s Health

By Karin Lippert
Toronto, Canada

When I decided to sign up for the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers 60K two-day event in Toronto, I knew I would have to train. I hadn’t done very much about exercise in a long time. I had not been motivated. I thought all my little aches would just get bigger/worse. My damaged discs would rebel. I was wrong.

Two things happened that made me change my outlook. First, I decided that at 65 I had to do the walk to honor my mother who had died of cancer at 65. Second, I had read Suzanne’s chapter – “Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes” – many times. It applies to so many parts of our lives. I can’t count how many times I have said that phrase in my head. So I began my training.

I started walking and it just got easier and easier. The walks got longer and longer, and I realized after I had walked 37.5K with my group that could definitely do the 60K walk in September. I did not start fundraising until I made significant progress in the training. But, now I feel confident about that too.

Last Sunday, I completed my first Half Marathon race (3:13.24) and, I think I’m making progress in other aspects of life too. One woman I met during the race said, that her goal had been to do 12 half marathons by age 68. I was still feeling pretty good in the middle of the race – on what was a very hot day – so I decided maybe I can do 12 by the time I am 68!

Now, I can also start a new chapter in Suzanne’s book, “You Do Know What You Want to Do.”

*My Bib for the race has “Cindy” on it because I inherited her spot. She sprained her ankle on a visit to New York.

**Betsey, my best friend from college said, I look ebullient in both the “before” and “after” photo. Marty, my husband, is my official photographer.

Note – If you want to train for a race or really enjoy walking – join a group. It is so much more fun and empowering to walk with a group of women. I walk with the Running Room in Toronto.

For information on the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers, please visit: www.endcancer.ca

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3 Comments »

Eileen Williams said:

This IS what an ebullient 65-year-old looks like! Kudos to you for making a personal change that affects the lives of others in a big, big way. Your work has always been about supporting women and, now, your training for a fabulous cause. Here’s to making your 12 by 68–you go, Ms. woman!

# 14 June 2010 at 10:00 am

Karin Lippert said:

I sent a message to my team of supporters today….

June 21, 2010 – Message to MY Team!

Thanks to you, I am going to reach my fundraising goal for the 60K Walk!

I am excited to report that I am over the halfway mark toward my fundraising goal for the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers.

The journey has been wonderful so far and you are an important part of it.

Walking has been a time for me to reflect on family, friends and why this is such an important cause. It’s also interesting how one change sparks others. Walking acts as a catalyst for meditation and action. My hope is that this summer brings all of you a sense well-being and the freedom to embrace change.

I will keep you informed of my progress! And, of course, we will celebrate the big Weekend together online with stories, photos, videos and virtual hugs!

Karin

# 21 June 2010 at 12:49 pm

Karin Lippert said:

Hi everyone – Update – I have Planter Fasciitis – getting treatment so I can still do the walk Sept. 11-12. Need laser, orthotics, etc. This comes from rigorous training and also high – very high – arches.
I have turned the corner on this with a terrific woman chiropedist. Wish me luck!

# 5 August 2010 at 4:08 pm