I have three things going for me that have helped me to look, and more important, feel considerably younger than my age.
I quit alcohol and drugs when I was 22.
Almost immediately after sobering up I found that fitness vastly improved recovery.
I quit smoking shortly thereafter.
There’s no question my body doesn’t work as well as it used to, but knocking on the door of 50, I love how active I am at my age. I get the occasional ache and pain, of course, but to hear some people describe the pain they’re in at my age, and I simply can’t relate. And I’m infinitely thankful I can’t.
Some days it’s surprising how tired I am when I get home from work. Even so, I put on my cycling get-up and put my time in on the bike. After more than 50,000 miles I can count the number of times I felt worse after my ride on one hand – trainer or outdoor miles.
Fitness, extended youth, and happiness never happen by accident.
Ride hard, my friends.
Fit Recovery 
I would completely agree with u on this. Having had my 51st birthday last Saturday I feel and act fabulous! Heck I’m deadlifting for crying out loud in addition to running. So when I hear the ridiculous statement “you don’t look 50” or better yet “act 50” my first response to that is “so what exactly is someone at 50 supposed to look and act like?” Can you show me the book with the description please? That always gets the best looks because I know those statements are more of how they see themselves. I never refer to myself as old or “over the hill” and I quickly correct those who do. I know my lifestyle and better yet my attitude contributes to how I look and feel. Let me tell ya there are folks who are my age I’ve known since grade school and they look and act 20 years older. No thanks! Here’s to healthy living.
Amen! Thanks, Tammi.
hugs and grats brotha. have an epic day and thanks for sharing your life achievements with us. keep heading in this direction you got this! Ride On
The good news is that I’m fairly sure you’ll feel the same when you’re knocking on 60. The only times I’ve felt worse after a ride have catapulting off the bike. There have been times when I felt cooked after a ride, but I don’t mind being well done every now and then.
I like well done – especially on the weekends – it makes for a good nap time.
Age is just a number!
so, is a happy birthday appropriate? If so, happy birthday!!
Nah, I turned 48 in July. I’ll take it belated, though!
alrighty! But the words still hold, and it’s great that your fitness is so great… both for you but also those who appreciate your presence.
I can vouch that at 68 there are considerable more aches and pains, but they pale in comparison to people I know and see around town that don’t do things to improve themselves. The are always groaning and puff their cheeks at the slightest movements. Everyone in this group is doing the right things.
Thanks, man. I imagine it’ll get a little rougher with 20 years on me. As they say, move it or lose it.
Ouch, I must have clicked the following/unfollowing button by mistake. Corrected!
Great post, Jim. It is true. We cyclists feel a lot younger than we are. I am 56 and feel in my 20’s, especially when I’m on the bike and pass a whole bunch of 20 year old cyclists who think they are Lance Armstrong…lol. I try not to be competitive but I can’t help it if someone challenges me on my bike rides.
CONGRATULATIONS on your quitting alcohol and drugs at 22. Congratulations on your excellence in cycling and caring so much for your well-being and spreading it around with exemplary attitude.
It’s an inspiration to know you, Jim.
In the meantime I will keep on riding hard, like you say 🙂
Thank you, sincerely, Doctor. It never ceases to amaze me, for those of us lucky enough to be bitten by the cycling bug, what the sport can do for extending youth and improving life’s quality. We are truly fortunate, you and I.
And you should always crush the little Lances. Humility is an excellent quality, and who better to teach them?