More Validation

Last week I entered another sprint race held by the Carolina Godiva Track Club (this time the 100m vs. the 200m I ran last week).  My goal was to break 15 seconds, and I did so, but barely, coming in at 14.8 seconds.  However, just like my result with 200m, I am thrilled as it is more validation that my sub-60 second 400m goal (sometime mid-to-late next year) is actually possible.

One of the things I like most about the Carolina Godiva Track Club is the diverse nature of the group.  There are men and women of all ages and abilities giving 100% effort each time they race.  My inspiration from last week came from a wonderful 66 year old man, Bobbie Perry.  Mr. Perry had recently competed in the USA Masters Track and Field Championships, taking a bronze medal in the 800m.  Last week he ran the 100m in 14.3 seconds (WOW).

Fitness: Inspiration and Humility

Regarded by many as the godfather of fitness, Jack LaLanne passed away last week at 96.  I have never seen any of the 3000 episodes of his television show, and before last week I didn’t know much about the man.  However, after a quick scan of the internet, I am pretty sure the “godfather of fitness” label is absolutely correct. 

At 42 he set the world record for pushups:  1033 in 23 minutes (on television).  At 45 he completed 1000 pushups and 1000 chin-ups in 1 hour 22 minutes.  At 54 he challenged the 21 year old Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwartzenegger, to a chin-up competition and terminated the Terminator! 

The picture above is Mr. LaLanne at age 90, an inspiration for us all.

As I mentioned in this previous post, I have been running sprints every week with my family.  I knew I hadn’t set any records, but I was happy with my improving times.  Curiosity got the best of me, so I looked up the USA Masters Track and Field Rankings for 2010.  Let’s just say the men’s 400 meter champ (age 80-84) has me beat, as does the women’s champ (age 70-74).  Ouch.  And Wow!

How do you stack up?

Age Group	400 Meter Men	400 Meter Women	100 Meter Men	100 Meter Women
40-44	50.28	57.26	10.99	12.67
45-49	49.77	59.97	10.86	12.29
50-54	49.85	1:06.77	11.39	13.11
55-59	54.80	1:07.76	11.57	13.77
60-64	55.37	1:14.98	12.29	14.49
65-69	58.01	1:21.89	12.48	14.70
70-74	1:04:80	1:20.44	13.24	14.60
75-79	1:13.47	1:25.40	14.27	16.15
80-84	1:19.23	2:37.19	15.49	21.45

 

I find it humbling that Jack LaLanne did more than 50x the number of pushups that I can do.  Equally humbling is the fact that several 80 year old men and 70 year old women can beat me in a lap around the track.  In spite of that, I am inspired by their accomplishments and even more motivated to keep improving.