Help with 50
 

Guys,

I've got two weeks to go before I turn 50. I have been alright with it until now. Getting a little morose. Any words of wisdom to get me over the hill, so to speak, would be greatly appreciated. I just can't wrap my mind around 50. It simply can't be.

Thanks.

Complete some 50 mile bike rides.

Well, there's always the alternative. ;)

Brad

What kind of shape are you in?

I did this at 67 years.

http://s256.photobucket.com/albums/h...view=slideshow

darkest day of my life man SERIOUSLY! I was a mess, mostly cuz I wasn't with the person i wanted so desperately to be with. if you're having issues I suggest you surround yourself with friends and activities. throw yourself a party

Excellent shape. Same weight as in college and doing a little racing.

50 is the new 30. You got 20 years to go. Furgedaboutit,

You have no worries. Party on!

I'm 54. Thus far, my 50s beat the pants off both my 40s and 30s. Probably my 20s too (I was too drunk and stoned to remember them), and definitely my teens (see 20s).

You can now join The Fifty Plus Racers.

I am guessing that at age "almost 50" you are in better shape that many college age kids or mid-20 somethings. Seriously, has anyone really looked that people in this age group lately? Maybe the ones on the left coast are in better shape than their northeastern counterparts, but so many of them are overweight, and breath hard when going up stairs.
And does anyone have any guesses as to why so many college age people smoke?
To use an internet expression "WTF?"

I suspect there will be an increased demand for cardiologists before too long.

Dominae, I am 54. I ride a fixie. Brakes on both wheels. No cycle computer. Welcome to being a rebel.

I faced the same and felt the same just over a year ago. I didn't like it one bit. At 50 + a week or so, you will realize there was no change, you are just as capable, just as attractive to the opposite sex and kicking ass in your age group racing. I did take my RSP's (401K) a little more seriously though. Keep smiling, it isn't bad at all.

I am not a guy, but I am 50+. Aside from having my children in my 30's, the best things in my life have all happened after I turned 50. Once your panic subsides, you'll be fine! I love the feeling of thinking, "Hey! I'm 5_, I don't have to do that, go there, take that, wear that..." Relax and feel the power.

Well, I just turned 50 2 weeks ago, and I kind of understand where you're at. I can't believe there's really that much water over the bridge already (should be "water under the bridge", I know, but I've always said it "over"). I look back at things that happened when I was 20 and 30 with ease and then it terrifies me to realize that symmetry means that 70 and 80 are equidistant or, because of the way that time goes as you age, even closer.

There's no solution to the problem but to make the best of it. Tonight I was on a ride with a different group from normal - much younger than my regular crowd. We regrouped after the steepest hill in town (maybe 15%? Anybody from the Twin Cities know how steep Ramsey Hill is?) in which I had held my own. Two guys were talking about how they could still climb well, even though they had recently turned 30. I smiled and said, "I remember 30."

It's a number... just a sign in the road. The real curve sneaks up on you later.

I agree that our young people are in horrid shape. I live in a small city with a university attached to a football program, so I see a fair number of college students. It always depresses me to see what they have done to their bodies. The only saving grace for me is that I am not one of them. I would have found it depressing beyond my abilities to cope if the college women had looked like they do now back when I was in college.

Hey, hey....Watch your mouth! According to you I am running out of time!

So......What's the problem? From where I am, you're just a kid!

From what I see walking around the college in my town, the young women in Georgia are in much better shape than the ones where you live.

I turn 50 in a few months myself. I look at age this way, I am like wine, I just get better with time. If turning 50 is anything like the past 49 years, I am not worried about it. I have enjoyed the past 49, and look forward, and don't think turning 50 will be any different. It might also be I don't really celebrate my birthday like I used to, usually a good meal with the family, and a movie, some quiet time with the wife, and I am good. I am happy where I have been, learned more than I thought I would, and things that used to bother me don't anymore.
It might also be because 7 years ago I went in for a simple physical. Had not been to the Doctor in years, wife insisted I go. I ended up in a cardiac care unit for 2 days. I remember looking around the room, I was the youngest one in there, most folks were in their 70's and more. I didn't do much about the medical problem until about 3 months ago, was back in for a checkup and in cardiac care for the night. I decided it was time to do something about it, bought a bicycle and have lived everyday like it is the last. I hope the next 40 years will be just as fun as the last 49 have, I would not want to repeat them, maybe change a few things if I did it again, but am satisfied where I am, and happy with what life has given me.

Yes.

Check out the 50+ sticky racing thread - we have several podium racers in there. They are amazing. You are in great company.

It sux. Read Joe Friel's book, "Cycling Past 50". The first half is a detailed explanation of the physiology behind why getting old sux as far as riding goes. The second half of the book has the good new: If you work really hard and consistently at it, you can somewhat slow the inevitable decline.

Bottom line, as always: HTFU

50 is a number that gets out attention - half a century and all that. After a few weeks of being 50 I came to realize it is just a mile post on a journey. It may well be that the best part of the journey is yet to come so keep your eyes open so as not to miss it. It helps to maintain an 'appetite' for the journey so follow all the trite advice in Readers Digest or Ann Landers; plenty of sleep, eat your veggies, don't sweat the small stuff, and so on and so forth.

Colonoscopy! Wheeeeee
 

Seriously. Schedule it today.

You're at a crossroads in life where parents age and need our help, children fly away (and still need our help), and you re-assess your priorities. Be the same person you have always been, only wiser. Face each day's challenge with determination, humor, and grace. You'll be fine.

Phil