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.

Tyler also recently took part in his first ever bodybuilding competition.  A related story can be found at the link below:

Ft. Collins bodybuilder without legs an inspiration

An accompanying video can also be seen:

I’ve never had any interest in bodybuilding, but I certainly tip my hat to Tyler for getting up on stage and competing.  While some people complain about how their feet hurt or that their legs are tired, Tyler gets by without either.  He’s gone on with life and has inspired many.

Thanks to Brian for passing along the story.

“We acquire the strength we have overcome.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

On an early February morning in 2009, Australian Navy Diver Paul de Gelder was mauled by a bull shark while performing a training exercise near the Australian naval base at Garden Island. The brutal attack nearly cost Paul his life.  Both his right hand and leg were amputated.

Yet despite such terrible circumstances, Paul refused to give up. In an interview shortly after the attack, he made the following statement:

I just try to go about my normal life. Training a lot is what I do, and I’m not going to let this get in the way of what I did before. You gotta look at the good things in your life and hold them close to your heart.

The video below highlights Paul’s progress just 12 months after the attack.  The words Never Ever Give Up appear in the final scene.  I couldn’t think of a better way to describe Paul’s resiliency.  His ability to bounce is beyond amazing.

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

I highly recommend taking the time to watch the two videos below. Matt Long’s story is as inspiring as any.  It certainly puts any problem or bad day that I’ve ever had into perspective. I’d be hard pressed to find a story more fitting for Winston Churchill’s quote below.

If you are going through hell, keep going.

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Part I

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Part II

A related story can also be found within the Ironman website:

A Second Chance at Life and Ironman

Based on my limited intro, you might assume that Craig is a typical hard working member of society.  This assumption couldn’t be less true however.  Craig Dietz is everything but ordinary.  In fact, his ability to operate in this challenging world is beyond extraordinary.

What makes Craig so special?  I won’t waste your time with an explanation.  Take a look at the video below and find out for yourself (thanks to Eric for passing it along).

“We acquire the strength we have overcome.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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!

If you are not familiar with Dick and Rick Hoyt, here is a quick summary from Wikipedia:

Team Hoyt is a father (Dick Hoyt, born June 1, 1940) and son (Rick Hoyt, born January 10, 1962) team from Holland, Massachusetts who have competed together in various athletic endeavors, including marathons and triathlons. Rick has cerebral palsy and during competition Dick pulls Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat in the front of a bicycle, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.

You can learn more about their efforts at the link below:

http://www.teamhoyt.com/

As a father to two amazing kids, I can’t express how powerful the Hoyt story is to me. It doesn’t matter how many times I watch it, it is never any less emotional. Hats off to the Hoyt family for their powerful example. We can all learn from them.

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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.