It Has Nothing To Do With Age
Age is just a number and I have not picked the one I am as yet. I realize something very early on after I decided to turn thirty. Never tell anyone your real age and never allow anyone to make you feel old.
You can do anything at any age and I know that and never ever allow myself to feel that I can’t do what younger people can. I won’t admit how old I am but I will say that I am much smarter than I was ten years ago and I have learned some valuable lessons along the way.
One is keeping fit and having a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet. So, when I received this book to review I was really excited that I might learn some more ways to stay ahead of the aging game, learn about the author, read his stories and that of others over 65 years young and still kicking.
Set your pace at moving ahead, keep those racing shoes close by, pump yourself up for an energetic day and don’t’ let your age slow you down. Imagine competing in the Tevis Cup at age 60. Then how about a 100-mile endurance horse event over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and added to that at age 62 becoming a division winner in the 100 miles Western States Endurance Run. Think you have what it takes?
Frank Lieberman is a one-man inspiration that is setting the pace for everyone 65 and over. Keeping it moving, not slowing down and remembering one important point: 70 percent of how you age: YOU CONTROL! So, let’s go to the starting line-get ready-set and here we go. See if you can keep as Frank and this reviewer take you on a real-life journey to improving the quality of your life and proving once and for all: It Has Nothing To Do With Age.
Riding horse trails was Frank’s first start coming off at the starting gate joined by his wife, trainers and two Border Collies. He even learned while living on a ranch how to roundup cows that required branding and vaccinations. A real cowboy: Not so easy one might think! Finally, purchasing his own horses, learning how to ride and caring for them on his own. But, hard lessons were about to be learned even one that would haunt anyone for life. When an animal has to be euthanized that would be traumatic. Keep moving: The pace is about to pick up.
Describing his own experiences and some about those he met on he way his first entry is the Ride and Tie. Explaining the history behind the race, the excitement to prepare for it, his apprehension fears, and hopes really allow the reader to become part of the experience along with Frank as he relives each moment from the past. Life does not always run on an uphill path or trail, so when thing became out of whack or difficult it was his horses, his racing and his drive that kept him moving towards those finish lines.
Next we meet Russ Keirnan who won the Dipsea Race. Meeting Jack Kirk would help Russ, as he became his mentor and trainer. Using Jack’s techniques even after he passes away does much to help him when he competes in a Ride and Tie and 28 more competitions. Can you feel the energy? Next, the author tells the reader about his 2nd Ride and Tie: THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in 1998. What he does and the pain he endured just to enter was totally remarkable. In 1999 he and Steve Anderson his Ride and Tie partner entered together and ran a trail. Learning about the 3rd Annual Marathon was next. Never stopping and always looking for the next race and competition to enter. The history of the Tevis was really interesting first awarded in 1959.
His friend Jim Steere’s story was quite compelling and interesting. A vet for large animals, learning about his early life, his memories, the tough discipline invoked by his father and how his mother came to the rescue for him and his horse Lady, will definitely endear you to him. Jim spent time with his dad while in High School was impacted by December 7, 1941, and even joined the Air Corps. But, let’s get back to the important stuff: At 80 years young in 2008 this man became the oldest rider to compete and yes COMPLETE THE TEVIS! How cool is that! Jim was competitive and liked to finish his events and what he started. To learn more about him you need to read Chapter 7. You didn’t’ t think I was going to tell you everything and spoil your fun of reading it yourself. Read both Chapters 8 and 9 to learn more about the Tevis and how 9/11 impacted his life and others.
Dr. Ironman: Lew Hollander was born in 1930 and believe it or not at the young age of only 54 he completed the 100 mile Western States Run. At 65 believe it or not he was the oldest winner of an Ironman Competition in Japan. Read about him and his Navy career and you will be totally inspired. Now, get up, walk, and run, that couch has a huge dent in the middle where you have been sitting and watching too much TV. Move! Are you not inspired by what I have written? Okay: This should do it I hope!
Life after the Western States Run is Chapter 11, then the Third Hurdle the 100- mile Ride and Tie follows. One thing you have to admire about Frank he never lacks women or companionship. This man has more drive and energy than most 20-year-olds.
Meet Gypsy his horse. The turning point of his life happened in 2009 with a serious accident. Things would radically change for him but never his spirit. Thrown from his horse, seriously injured and learning through the many tests taken that he had Stenosis which is a narrowing of his spinal cord, Frank has to learn to deal with life in a different way. Wearing a brace all the time and hoping for a miracle it is no wonder that he managed to rid himself of it, go to rehab and rejuvenate himself. There are many more stories of older people overcoming the odds, like Jack Shool. Read the many stories in Chapters 14-16. The last two were my favorite: Paddler of the World and the Ultimate Caregiver.
Let’s sum up the journey: You can learn a lot from reading this book, those he meets along the way and the reasons behind writing this book. At 71 years of age he is out there running, riding, exercising, going to rehab and meeting great and inspired human beings. I have to agree with our young at heart author that genetics does not control what you can do and age means nothing. Parental models, guiding your children to want to play sports, compete and get out there is paramount. Walking, exercising and creating a framework for your child to want to develop and live a healthy life is so important. I agree that where you live and your environment often plays a part in how well you live. Playing with your kids, encouraging them to participate in sports and teams, understanding that competition is healthy and doing their best win or lose if really what it is all about. Competition is healthy, good and does influence you. Live longer, get out and find a sport of something that you can do and meet people, get off that couch and start today. You just might feel better, younger and those aches and pains might disappear.
Your life is not defined by your age. I know that. If these determined athletes our author tells us about can do it SO CAN YOU! I walk everyday, I try and run several times a week, I am in great shape and this book is a brain and energy booster for anyone who wants to live longer and realize: AGE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT! YOU DO!
Great book for seniors, even younger people to motivate them to get started before it is too late.