It’s a month of birthdays here at DIStherapy. I hearken back to my very first post; my blog kick-off during the 2011 Ultimate Blog Party. Blogging to Go the Distance #UBP11 would end up being so much more than a metaphor for my life. I was attracted to this annual 5 Minutes for Mom blow out because its sense of community. As you get older, this is increasingly important and relevant. As children move off to college, and the soccer games, boy scout meetings and family dinners suddenly STOP, you find yourself needing more of a support system, not less, (as naturally happens). New mommies appreciate their “virtual sandbox” for tips on everything from cloth diapering to getting baby to sleep through the night. Old mommies? Nada. Zip. Despite being a predominant force in the consumer market, we are not wooed or enticed. Folks over the age of 50 are responsible for over half of all discretionary spending in the America. Yet, there are no “Boomer Twitter Parties” or blogger conferences geared to the gray generation. Not yet. The post-50 generation is charting new territory. With expected advances in genetic medicine and stem cell therapies, our life expectancy will be quickly approaching 100. So how will you spend the second half of life?!
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| That’s me in the pack with 69 year old Olympian Jeff Galloway. (Photo courtesy of runDisney.) |
It is up to our generation to REDEFINE the aging process.
Come April 10th, I am officially closer to 60 than 50, and I’ll be darned if I spend the next several decades looking backward. As DIStherapy turns 3, it is time to plan. It is time to be the change… In short, it is time to get busy!!! My goals?
– I am approved for my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel like Rodney Dangerfield. I’m going back to school!!! What better way to advance my interest in “Boomer Medicine”, and to teach my kids by example. Learning never ends; education is important. And you know what they say- “use it or lose it”. I’m hoping my brain will thank me.
– I intend to chronicle my journey and Top PT Tips with others here and in future blogging homes. After all, there are more 100 million of us oldsters in the US, and that number is expected to more than double in the next 20 years. So many new readers!
– When I penned “Blogging to Go the Distance” I had never, ever run a step, let alone race in an endurance event. I thought I was simply using an analogy. Later that year, I ran my first 5K; an attempt to buoy my struggling college student, and entice him with the perk of running through a Disney Park. (To be honest, it enticed me too!) I continued racing with Autism Speaks and Special Olympics; two nonprofits that I had personal and deep connections with. 5 half marathons, 1 10-miler, 2 10Ks and 2 5Ks later, I’ve come to the realization that I am a runner. What started out as a means of supporting others has turned into a way of life. And just in time. I was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and now I run for myself. As with most things in life, when you set out to do good for others, you inevitably end up getting more in return. Bingo.
On the road forward, I know I need to set a new goal. I also know I need to build up my general fitness level, continue to restructure my diet and lose weight before I take the next BIG step. What better way to work towards my next life milestone. Hold the 60 candles, I’ll take my very first marathon medal instead please. You are on notice runDisney. I’m giving you a couple of years lead time to decide exactly where your next destination marathon will be held. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa perhaps? ALOHA. Now, that will be a party!
What a wonderful post! So true about all the websites for young parents but few or none for those whose family are grown. I think you are on to something here! Like you, my running journey began as a way to support my sister and now I am anxious to see where it takes me! Good luck to you in your future adventures ( school and marathon). I hope to one day be running that one beside you!
Oh, I would love that Meranda. Life is indeed a journey!
You are an inspiration to us all…especially those of us in the "over 40" crowd. I look forward to seeing what you have to share in the year to come!
It's the Dory mentality Cindy; we all need to keep on swimming! 😉
Wonderful post :D!! As one of the over 50 crowd I know exactly what you mean about needing a support system. Like you, blogging has helped me find a wonderful online support system and I am so happy you're a part of it. Congratulations on being accepted into the Doctorate program, your winning spirit and zest for life are such an inspiration to me. I'll be training so that I can be by your side running that 26.2 with you. XOXO
This journey has been so enriched by the special friends met along the way. We hold each other up, and walk alongside one another. In our case, I sure am hoping it means crossing a runDisney finish line together!! <3
You're my hero! "Oldsters" . . . LOL! You're so hip and beautiful that nobody would ever guess your age, so shhhh!!!! You inspire me, and I'm so glad to know you. 🙂 Hope we get to meet in person one of these days!
We had better Heidi!!!
You're so awesome, Didi!!! I love your go-getter attitude! And an Aulani marathon?!? Yes please! Sign me up too 🙂 I thought I'd be a one and done with marathons. It was my huge goal after big weight loss – but I ended up doing two last year. They are somewhat addicting, especially for those of us who like to dream big 🙂
Well thanks for the warning Denise; I should know better after my one and done 5K experience…!
Even though I'm not a woman going through the things that you are, Donna, still I find great inspiration in reading your words! Thank you for showing me that life is by no means over when you hit a certain age, and that there is always some way to define who you are in this stage of your life! I know as I get older there are things that I am really looking forward to doing with my lovely wife, Cindy. I'm looking forward to the day that Sophie is in college — not because I want her out of the house, but because it will signal the completion of one stage of our lives and the start of the next stage. I'm looking forward to being able to travel more, and to choose when and where that doesn't revolve around ridiculous school calendars. But most of all, I'm looking forward to growing old with the woman I love, and doing so with the grace and style that you exhibit in both your life and your blogging! Thanks for such a great post!
Well, you've set off the water works once again Mike! Your Cindy is SUCH a lucky woman, and you all have so many happy, adventurous years ahead. The journey is so much sweeter when surrounded by family and those that cheer you on!! 😀
We are in this together! LOVE this post, you are so amazing. yeah, I would love an Aulani Marathon. Going for my first 26.2 next January myself….I will be 50.
A girl after my own heart Julie!! (And no surprise, I may add.) I can't wait to follow along and take copious notes. After all, it takes a village to run a marathon! <3
beautiful~ just like you! I love your attitude and outlook on life. you are inspirational! Thanks for all you bring to our community!
You nailed it Beth; it is because of community that I can even aspire to do this. There is beauty and strength in our numbers! Thank you for always being there; maybe you should consider segueing from "Youth Leader" to "Senior Leader"!!! 😀
You are such a beautiful person and an inspiration to us all. I admire your strength and perseverance as you approach the next phase of your life. Thanks for sharing your story with us. And by the way, you share the same birthday as my son.
Didi, you rock! Can I adopt you as my big sister? You are such an inspiration! I MIGHT consider running a marathon…but only in Hawaii!! So if that's a go, I will have to try it!!
Dr. Didi… I like it! Such exciting news, a big congratulations to you. It's never too late to start a new adventure, and I love how you always blaze the trail and live the truth of those words. Such a great way to live, indeed!!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: You're a beautiful and amazing gal! 🙂 I'll be here following along…
I'm a HUGE Disney fan too. 🙂 I make custom Disney Autograph Books on Etsy: ouata.etsy.com 🙂
I've been toying with taking up running, as I'm nearing 37 and soft and in all the wrong places. I'm following your site for inspiration!
http://she-read.blogspot.com/2014/04/ultimate-blog-party-welcome-post-ubp14.html
Hi Didi- Just stopping by from #UBP14. Nice to meet you…You are a true inspiration, congratulations. I am also part of the over 50 club and thinkig of doing the Avon walk for Cancer in NYC. I have never done it before so I have been training. I am a mom and I have my own business too. Check out my Blog (http://spaglo.blogspot.com/2014/04/join-me-for-this-years-ultimate-blog.html) and please like my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/spaglo) and website (http://www.spaglo.com) if you get a chance.
I played with all your social media icons and liked, followed, joined and posted all that was available to me. Thanks for sharing, I really only been blogging since Jan 14 but, I have really grown with knowledge from all the new blogs I have read. The experience of reading is part of my growth to being a good blogger. Wonderful to here the learning never ends. Keep up the good work and studies. Congrats from a UBP14 participant.
You blog is inspiring and well-written. Thank you for sharing your vision and goals. I love that youa re running and combining that with you love of Disney. I am a Leukemia and Lymphoma Team-in-Training team runner and I do all the Disney races. I love them and find them uplifting on so may levels. Congrats and I hope to see you on the racecourse and I look forward to following your blog.