The video below was sent to me by a proud daughter.  Within the clip, you’ll see her parents (who are also grandparents) training for the Tough Mudder obstacle course.

In the words of their daughter,

“One of the things I like the best is they do a lot of training together (even though they are very different sizes), and always have a fun and playful attitude. My mom just took her first parkour class a few weeks ago, and they are constantly looking for new challenges. They are great parents, grandparents, and role models.”

This brief compilation video is awesome on so many levels.  Not only are these grandparents in excellent shape, but it is also obvious that they have a great time together (while tackling difficult challenges).  I certainly hope to follow their example later in life.

Thanks to Kami for passing this video along, and thanks to Mark and Cathy for the inspiration.

It has been a week since Jack Denness finished his 12th Badwater ultramarathon.  His ability to complete this grueling race at age 75 is beyond incredible.  Jack isn’t alone however when it comes to older athletes who have defied the odds.

Below is a video that tells the story of two grandmothers who double as ultramarathon runners.  Barb Macklow (age 76) and Vicki Griffiths (age 67) have both completed 100 mile endurance runs.

Take a look as both women share some of their experiences and philosophies.

Thanks to Andy for sharing the video

On July 12th, Jack Denness will attempt to complete his 12th Badwater Ultramarathon race.  He is already the oldest person to ever complete the race at age 70. This year he’ll try to set a new record by completing the race at age 75.

As for what Badwater entails, below is a summary courtesy of Wikipedia:

The Badwater Ultramarathon describes itself as “the world’s toughest foot race”. It is a 135 mile (215 km) course starting at 282 feet (85 m) below sea level in the Badwater Basin, in California’s Death Valley, and ending at an elevation of 8360 feet (2548 m) at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney. It takes place annually in mid-July, when the weather conditions are most extreme and temperatures over 120 °F (49 °C), even in the shade, are not uncommon. Consequently, very few people—even among ultramarathoners—are capable of finishing this grueling race.

Jack Denness has run Badwater so many times that he’s earned the nickname Death Valley Jack.  His ability to complete the race at age 70 is beyond impressive.  Doing so again at age 75 will be even more incredible, particularly since he did not begin running until he quit smoking at age 45.  And while some may call him crazy, Jack’s running efforts have helped him raise over £100,000 for charity.

Below is a brief video where Jack discusses the upcoming challenge.

You can also catch a glimpse of the race through the video below (from the 1999 event).

Best of luck to Jack in his upcoming challenge!

Below is a video that showcases the ability of a 69 year old man who has recently begun training with several gymnastic exercises.   Based on the upload dates at his Youtube channel, it appears that he’s been training with these exercises for less than a year.

According to those who sent me this video, the man has been an active rower and climber for many years.  His interest in gymnastic training is new however (a matter of months, not years).  At age 69, this man not only looks, but performs like a man half his age.  At first glance, I would have estimated this man to be in his 40′s.  I would have never guessed that he was approaching age 70.

This man is a perfect example of George Bernard Shaw’s quote below…

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

It is obvious that this man has remained active and continues to find new ways to challenge his body and mind.   He continues to grow without growing old.  At only half his age, this man has inspired me at the possibilities that the future presents.  I can only imagine what new activities I’ll explore in my 40′s, 50′s, and 60′s.  Wherever my journey takes me, I’ll know that it’s never too late to try something new.

Thanks to Felipe and Ibrahim for passing the video along

Ernestine Shepherd is a 73 year old grandmother who has been married for over 50 years. She isn’t the typical grandmother however. Ernestine is up at 3AM each morning. She runs 80 miles a week and bench presses 150 pounds. Her physique and abilities are obviously impressive, but even more so considering that she did not begin exercising until age 56.

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Fortunately, Ernestine isn’t the only grandmother getting it done despite a late start. Wanja Sjödin began weight training at age 47.  She then ran her first marathon at age 50.  In the video below, you can see her cranking out pushups and dips with ease.  Not too shabby for a woman who was born in 1936.

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Lastly, below is yet another example of a high powered grandmother who knocks off pull-ups, dips, and pushups.   I couldn’t find any information on who she is, but she’s certainly impressive for a 63 year old grandmother.

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In summary, don’t use age as a crutch.  It is never too late to improve.    If these women can get it done, so can you.