Maximizing Athletic Potential: Overcoming Financial Barriers as a Senior Citizen
I strive to maximize my athletic potential as a senior citizen. Although I am 66 years old, with a partial shoulder blade diet limitation and a few other physical impairments, I believe these obstacles have been advantageous, pushing me to explore new frontiers in my athletic journey.
After retirement, I devoted more time to physical training, and my efforts paid off. Now, my VO2max stands at an impressive Olympic level of 55, and my resting heart rate is a remarkably low 53. I have also achieved remarkable feats, covering 50 miles in 24 hours on five separate occasions. I accomplished all of this with no personal trainer, supplements, or a private gym. Time became my most valuable resource, and I managed to achieve these feats without any external aid.
Unfortunately, I often have to set aside my training regime to earn living expenses, which brings up the question: How much further could I have gone if money were not an issue? This lack of affordability has not dampened my spirit, and I view it as an incentive to defy the odds of what a senior citizen can physically achieve.
Most 66-year-olds would consider a 55 VO2max and five ultramarathons sufficient. However, I believe there is still potential for improvement. Knowing what I could achieve, even with financial constraints, is a powerful motivator. Despite the obstacles, I am confident that my constant effort to optimize my capabilities within my time restraints is a significant achievement in itself.
The Power of Perseverance
Perseverance and determination drive my journey, often leading to unexpected moments of triumph. One such instance involved a casual conversation with a fellow sales manager. During a heated discussion, he challenged me relentlessly. When I asked for a solution to change my personality to suit his standards, it quickly became apparent that his frustration was unwarranted.
Walking away from the conversation resolved the issue. It was a stark reminder that sometimes, standing firm and walking away can be the most effective solution. This incident underscores the importance of self-worth and self-confidence, attributes that only time and determination can build.
Despite all these achievements, I still face financial barriers. For instance, there is a 6 million dollar fully furnished mansion in my city that I would love to buy, but it is far beyond my current financial reach.
Desiring More: Ambitions Unhampered by Cost
In addition to the mansion, one of my greatest dreams is to become a Paramedic in South Africa. However, the costs associated with college make this dream unattainable for me. This aspiration reminds me that in life, we often dream of things that are beyond our immediate reach, but this does not diminish their importance or inspire us to set even greater goals.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the fact that I continue to strive and maximize my efforts within my constraints is an achievement in itself. The journey is more about knowing what I could have done, and it is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. While financial constraints are real and often limiting, they do not define the potential a person can achieve.
In this journey, every step forward is a victory, and every dream, no matter how distant, is a driving force. My story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a senior citizen who continues to push boundaries, and it serves as an inspiration to those who may be facing similar challenges.