For years, amid the bustle of everyday work and family life, you may have managed to squeeze in some regular exercise. But now that you're retired, you have more time to devote to a fitness program.
Unfortunately, even a good routine can become, well, routine. Consider adding a dollop of competition and social interaction by hooking up with a local or national group that sponsors competitive events for people your age. Competing could give you the extra motivation you need to stay sharp.
For example, if walking is the core of your program, how about injecting some race walking? Bill Moremen of Claremont, Calif., took up race walking 13 years ago, after he injured his Achilles tendon running. Soon, he and his wife, Grace, were hooked. Now Bill, 73, and Grace, 70, attend weekly practices. Over the years, they've accumulated friends and medals, and they attribute their good physical condition and upbeat mental outlook to their participation in the sport.
In 1968, 38-year-old Bob Beach was looking for an alternative to running. He chose swimming, and the sport set him on a path he never imagined. The St. Petersburg, Fla., resident not only became a competitive swimmer but also ended up working to develop and spread the U.S. Masters Swimming program across the country.
Thousands of athletes are training for the Huntsman World Senior Games, which will be held in St. George in October 2002. They'll compete for the gold in 20 different sports, including basketball, bowling, bridge, tennis, cycling, golf, horseshoes, table tennis, swimming, running and racquetball.
The following are ways to contact senior sports groups:
To find out about race-walking clubs and events sponsored by the North American Race Walking Foundation, call Elaine Ward at 1-626-441-5459.
For Masters swimming clinics and events, visit www.usms.org or call 1-800-550-7946. Masters also sponsors track-and-field events www.masterstrack.com.
The U.S. Tennis Association posts information about tournaments on its Web site at national.usta.com.
USA Triathlon, in association with AARP, has created a seven-city triathlon for those over age 50. For more information, call 1-866-812-2277.
Details on the Huntsman World Senior Games are posted at www.seniorgames.net or call 1-800-562-1268.
Those who use a rowing machine may be interested in the indoor racing events that are held from October to February each year. Go to www.concept2.com, press "enter" and click on "Race Calendar" for information.