A personal Browncoat observation at 50

POSTED BY: chrisisall
UPDATED: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 13:32
VIEWED: 9505
PAGE 1 of 1

CHRISISALL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 5:00 AM

So, at my fiftieth year I note that my splits are farther from the ground (8-9" un-warmed-up compared to nearly all the way to the ground at fourty), and that climbing a particularly difficult tree results in minor aches in places the next day. My punches have more power, but are somewhat more slowly executed (estimated speed loss of 5%). Blocking speed techniques remain fairly constant, comparable to years past. Dive rolls still effectively executed, but minor temporary lower back aches result almost immediately. Free weight training produces irritation in upper spinal region, but isometrics & resistance equipment activity still 100% safe & effective. Weight constant at 160-165 lbs (depending on the peanut butter cookies).
Endurance remains the same.

So, all in all, doing pretty good. Pizza, Tuna sandwiches, Kung Fu & veggies seem to be my friends.

I'd eat more, but I only got the two arms.

Just an old guy checking in to show that, like Harrison Ford & Jackie Chan, you ain't too old to keep movin'.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

HAKEN

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
Just an old guy checking in to show that, like Harrison Ford & Jackie Chan, you ain't too old to keep movin'.

A while before I get there, but the secret really is to just keep moving. So far all the things I used to do as a kid, I still do now.

Skateboarding as an example. One thing I've noticed with sports like that is if I stop for a period of time and then get back into it, even though my muscles remember, the fear level is up a notch or two and takes a while before it goes away. Probably has to do with adrenaline tolerance or something like that.

CHRISISALL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Haken:

Skateboarding as an example. One thing I've noticed with sports like that is if I stop for a period of time and then get back into it, even though my muscles remember, the fear level is up a notch or two and takes a while before it goes away.

It's the societal thing; we are trained to be sedentary. Take a physical break from what society calls "extreme," and we begin to revert.
Jump, climb, ride, fly- eff the trans-fatty blubberius complacent consumerist culture!

I *live* in my body! You too!

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

OLDGUY

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:08 AM

well happy one!

gotcha by a couple years but you're on track...limbs don't move as freely, joints ache more, speed really drops off from about 46 on for me..vision, hearing...everything is not what it was at 25 fer sure...but lessons learned in life allow me to see things coming a bit sooner so I tend to compensate.
My lil business still has me lifting guitar/bass amps, drum kit hardware cases, hammon B3 organs, etc..so very active and abusive on the old body.
I long ago retired my karate as a sport..got tired of getting beat up I guess (grin) but have switched to the basics of Krav..simpler, more about getting out of the way than engaging for points and I'm more likely to rely on a firearm than my fists or slow running if its something really serious...still have the home gym including a decent treadmill...mostly stay in shape as a means of helping to protect my body when I'm working...weight is 30lbs too much...used to hang around 190-195...don't look any bigger, but gravity seems to be stronger in the future...think Toby has it right "I ain't as good as I once was....but.."

anywho..welcome to 50!

THESOMNAMBULIST

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 12:28 PM

Ok so I'm assuming it was your 50th Birthday recently then Big 'C'? So Happy Birthday for that!

As for keeping trim and stuff. Yeah I hear you. I'm still snowboarding and karting at thirty nine but I must admit I wonder how much longer I can continue to do all those fun things. I'm obviously not as nibble as I was at twenty but I haven't noticed how it's manifesting itself.

I like to think like Indy:

"It aint the years it's the mileage"

CHRISISALL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 3:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
Ok so I'm assuming it was your 50th Birthday recently then Big 'C'? So Happy Birthday for that!

Thanks Ric!

Quote:

As for keeping trim and stuff. Yeah I hear you. I'm still snowboarding and karting at thirty nine but I must admit I wonder how much longer I can continue to do all those fun things. I'm obviously not as nibble as I was at twenty but I haven't noticed how it's manifesting itself.

39 eh? I found my absolute peak to be 35 - 45 my own self.
"I prefer something with a few miles on it."

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

AURAPTOR

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 5:47 PM

Thanks, grandpa.

You wear it well.

You're an inspiration to all us younger types.

Summer Glau can simply walk into Mordor

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

CHRISISALL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 5:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:
Thanks, grandpa.

You wear it well.

You're an inspiration to all us younger types.

Just remember son, if it hurts, keep moving.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

JONGSSTRAW

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:07 PM

I'm a few yahrens older than you, and I still haven't been able to snatch that pebble yet. That's life's lesson, you just gotta keep trying! Happy Birthday!

KAREL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:35 PM

I just turned 48.

At 39, I knew that I wasn't 20 anymore.
At 43, I knew that I wasn't 30 anymore.
At 48, I know that I'm not 39 anymore.

I am not liking this trend! *snort*

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
It's the societal thing; we are trained to be sedentary. Take a physical break from what society calls "extreme," and we begin to revert.
Jump, climb, ride, fly- eff the trans-fatty blubberius complacent consumerist culture!

Keep moving. Must. Buck. Trend.

"Whatever is wrong with you is so right for me." -- Marillion.

CHRISISALL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jongsstraw:
I'm a few yahrens older than you, and I still haven't been able to snatch that pebble yet.

Nice mixed reference there!

Quote:

That's life's lesson, you just gotta keep trying! Happy Birthday!

Thank you Jong.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

CYBERSNARK

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7:46 PM

Happy Birthday, Old Guy.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

CHRISISALL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cybersnark:
Happy Birthday, Old Guy.

Thank you, young punk.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

CHRISISALL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Karel:

I am not liking this trend! *snort*

Wisdom costs limberness, apparently.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

ISROUSRO

Thursday, March 11, 2010 2:56 AM

56 here, as long as the movements are not quick most everything is still working. Cannot run but I can put a backpack on and walk most into the ground.
Things hurt but I do not care that much. It is only pain and it goes away. There are plenty of things worse than a little pain. When parts do get injured they take longer to heal now. The extra days needed to get better seems to bug me the most.

passoniatetly indifferent

CHRISISALL

Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by isrousro:
56 here

Same age as Jackie Chan!

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

FREMDFIRMA

Thursday, March 11, 2010 4:52 AM

Ha, at least you're still built of OEM parts!

I'm likely to wind up a brain in a box some day.

Some folk treat their body as a temple, more power to em, I tend to consider mine an amusement park.

-F

CALHOUN

Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:16 AM

Do you get stressed by the fact that very probably there are less years ahead than have passed? Thats one that gets me..

DMI

Thursday, March 11, 2010 2:08 PM

It's interesting that most of you are saying you have the same strength but have lost quickness. I was recently visiting my 61 year old parents with my wife and my dad made a comment that he could still beat up my little brother (17 year old senior in high school) the way he used to handle me. My wife laughed like she didn't believe him and he promptly and with the usual speed stepped forward and whacked me in the arm.

I had no time to block, but I noticed it didn't hurt as much so I kinda figured the opposite: same speed, losing strength. Just for a little background, my dad is a retired army ranger and a recent cancer survivor.

I pray for one last landing,
on the globe that gave me birth.
Let me rest my eyes on the fleecy skies
and the cool, green hills of Earth.

SOULOFSERENITY

Thursday, March 11, 2010 2:19 PM

Happy birthday!!!

I find it kind of sad that there are quite a few here at twice my age more active and in shape than I am at 27. Inspiration!

______________________

Soul, Security Chief of the Sereni-Tree, Captain of Destiny.

Mantichorus: "So is there a reason they call you 'Soul'?"
Soul (after a long pause): "Yeah. Because I have one."

NAVYSEILS

Thursday, March 11, 2010 4:09 PM

Merry birthday to ye.

I think you're onto something with that keep on moving thing. I've not even left my early 20's and my knee went the other day and my back,neck and shoulders are frequently problematic and I can only think it's cause I stopped being so active. Used to play sports a few hours every day of the week and never felt better.

I keep meaning to get back into it, but it seems like so much work now. I'm just glad I don't gain weight so easily.

CHRISISALL

Thursday, March 11, 2010 8:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Calhoun:
Do you get stressed by the fact that very probably there are less years ahead than have passed? Thats one that gets me..

Nahh, like Ahnult said, I'll be back. I'm Buddhist that way.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

CHRISISALL

Thursday, March 11, 2010 8:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Navyseils:
I've not even left my early 20's and my knee went the other day and my back,neck and shoulders are frequently problematic and I can only think it's cause I stopped being so active. Used to play sports a few hours every day of the week and never felt better.

I keep meaning to get back into it, but it seems like so much work now.

I have one of these for indoor exercise:
http://www.exerciseequipmenta-z.com/Gazelle_Exercise_Equipment_Review.
html

Best equipment I ever purchased (and I've bought a lot). As hard or soft as you want to go- a drenching sweat can be worked up in minutes if you go hard. Especially excellent for peeps with impact-related joint problems (like me, and you too, I guess).

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

CHRISISALL

Thursday, March 11, 2010 8:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SoulOfSerenity:

I find it kind of sad that there are quite a few here at twice my age more active and in shape than I am at 27. Inspiration!

At 40, I could have kicked my 27 year old ass. I seem to get more motivated as I age.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

BORIS

Saturday, March 13, 2010 8:06 AM

I'm 40, people tell me I look like I'm in my 20's, some days I feel like I've been on the planet for about 100 years others I feel like I'm about 12. age really is relative.

OLDGUY

Saturday, March 13, 2010 10:46 AM

holy crap.. I had no idea the older demographics that haunted this verse!

I'm gonna have to change my handle ...maybe something like..Just Another Old Guy....

BORIS

Sunday, March 14, 2010 1:49 AM

for those that don't think you are active enough, I truly envy you. my body parts are constantly moving (due to tics and twitches), and while I do admit it keeps me fit,strong and youthful on some bizarre level, I could kinda do with a break from the exhaustion and injuries...also I have to motivate myself to exercise the bits that aren't in twitch mode so they keep up...I don't always do that so often have a weird physique (at the moment I have strong arms a sinewy neck, and abs of steel everything else is undertoned/flabby)...I'm thinking of marketing twitchy movements as a new exercise regimen...ha ha not really though I have heard of athletes (e.g. Bruce Lee for one) who have themselves hooked up to machines that make various muscle groups twitch to strengthen them. I really would like to get into some kind of marsal arts...any tips for what is suitable for beginners? It needs to be something I can engross myself in and that requires deep concentration.

CHRISISALL

Sunday, March 14, 2010 2:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by boris:
I really would like to get into some kind of marsal arts...any tips for what is suitable for beginners? It needs to be something I can engross myself in and that requires deep concentration.

Okay, we martial artists will always recommend the arts we're into, so, Wing Chun is what I'd go with. It's VERY physical, yet full of concentration.
But truthfully, the same could be said of any art from any good teacher.
Ba Gua (Pa Qua), or Hung Gar, or really any Chinese art that teaches fluid motion while stressing concentration on form would do.
Go for it!

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

PEULSAR5

Sunday, March 14, 2010 6:15 AM

How, oh how did I miss this thread? Happy Late Birthday, Oh Wise One!

SHINYGOODGUY

Sunday, March 14, 2010 8:41 AM

Hey Frem,

Some folk treat their body as a temple, more power to em, I tend to consider mine an amusement park.
--------------------------------------------------

LOL :-))

SGG

Tawabawho?

SHINYGOODGUY

Sunday, March 14, 2010 8:54 AM

Happy Birthday Chris,

I'm at plus 7 and I started feeling thatta way a couple years back. Peeing takes longer, the young girls annoy me more than they turn me on, and I appreciate a good night's sleep over a good meal.

But it's true that you gotta keep active to stay somewhat sane and lubricated in the right spots. I'm into basketball more now these days than baseball or football (as a participant), I'd rather watch those than play. But I still love a good rousing game of B-ball, it gets the heart pumping.

Recently I returned to the local gym to get in some weight training (my mid-life crisis is in full on effect) partially due to doctors orders. Plus I wanna be one of those guys you see walking around with a head full of gray hair (I'm getting there) and a fantastic physique. I'm trying to regain my lethal weapon status and drive the old biddies wild when I'm on beach patrol.

I'm aim to misbehave.

SGG

Flexing the pecs for your pleasure ladies! ;-))

Tawabawho?

BORIS

Sunday, March 14, 2010 1:05 PM

I'm gunna do it. though I think the area I live in only offers Tai kwan do or karate so it will have to be one of those for now.

CHRISISALL

Sunday, March 14, 2010 4:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by boris:
I'm gunna do it. though I think the area I live in only offers Tai kwan do or karate so it will have to be one of those for now.

If you have to go Japanese, Tai Kwon Do is fun, lots of cool kicking. I found Okinawan Karate to be good, and friends say Shotokan is excellent as well.
FWIW.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

CHRISISALL

Sunday, March 14, 2010 4:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:

That is SO not you.

Is it?

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

CHRISISALL

Sunday, March 14, 2010 4:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Peulsar5:
How, oh how did I miss this thread? Happy Late Birthday, Oh Wise One!

*looks behind him*

Wise one? Where?

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

SHINYGOODGUY

Monday, March 15, 2010 2:30 AM

It's what I see when I look in the mirror.

That counts, right?

The chortling SGGisall ;-)

(I crack me up! Yes, I do)

Tawabawho?

CHRISISALL

Monday, March 15, 2010 2:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:
It's what I see when I look in the mirror.

This is what I see...

I scare myself sometimes.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

WINDIE

Monday, March 15, 2010 6:52 PM

Never a truer word has been said, just keep moving that little bit of pain lets you know your alive.

Tripped up into my fourties a couple of years ago, still having a good laugh and giggle. I have never given much thought to my age and probably wouldn't know how old I was without having to work it out, if people didn't remind me.

Must admit I feel better now than when I turned thirty.

Why have they taken the sky from ME

CHRISISALL

Monday, March 15, 2010 9:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by windie:
didn't remind me.

Must admit I feel better now than when I turned thirty.

Cool!!

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

SHINYGOODGUY

Sunday, March 21, 2010 4:50 AM

Old and creepafying I could understand.........
afraid I'm getting there.....what's that old saying "you're only as young as you feel"

BTW Chris whatever pix u posted came up an "X" - just so ya know. But to answer the question as to whether that was me in the pix I posted - No, it's not even where I wanna be.

My recent workout regimen has lost me 6 pounds in about 2 weeks. I aiming to lose another 30 pounds to get back to my fightin' weight - 160.
Used to study Taekwando back in my 20s and it was great, the dojo was closed down after the first year though and I never went back.

But took up on, dare I say it, dancing lessons, even joined a Puerto Rican folkloric dance group for a while when I was in my 30s. Got me in the best shape of my life since karate. I actually could jump higher and had more stamina in 'other' places. Ahhhh, memories.

Good night folks.

SGG

Tawabawho?

SERGEANTX

Sunday, March 21, 2010 5:45 AM

Hey CIA!!!

I had no idea you were older than me (45). Congrats on the big 50. You're always one of the "good guys" in my book.

SergeantX

"It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah"

THESOMNAMBULIST

Sunday, March 21, 2010 9:11 AM

Shinygoodguy wrote:

Quote:
.....what's that old saying "you're only as young as you feel"

Nope. It's:

"You're only as young as the woman you feel." - GROUCHO MARX

CHRISISALL

Sunday, March 21, 2010 10:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:

BTW Chris whatever pix u posted came up an "X" -

Fixed it, thanks.

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

CHRISISALL

Sunday, March 21, 2010 10:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SergeantX:
Hey CIA!!!

Sarge!! Where ya been?

You little kid!

The laughing Chrisisall

"I only do it to to remind you that I'm right and that deep down, you know I'm right, you want me to be right, you need me to be right." - The Imperial Hero Strikes Back, 2010

PLAINJAYNE

Sunday, March 21, 2010 8:51 PM

I've enjoyed reading the conversation here--y'all are a trip! I'm officially in my forties now, at 41, and I have to say it takes its toll. Mentally, I'm still about 12 or 13. My self-image is about 22. My physical body is reminding me pretty consistently that I am not.

Earlier this week, I fell out of the trailer and sprained the hell out of both ankles. Three days later, I'm still gimped and limpy. Twenty years ago, I'd be running by now. The reserves definitely are not what they once were!

And what the hell are kids born the year I graduated high school doing buying alcohol? And having kids in middle school themselves? My baby neice, who was born a year after I graduated, is getting ready to give birth to her first baby! OMG! That makes me feel super old!

Thanks for making me feel somewhat better!

Day late an'a dollar short...Story of my ruttin' life!

SHINYGOODGUY

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 1:32 PM

LOL........Ha ha ha ha - You are correct sir! ;-)

SGG

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
Shinygoodguy wrote:

Quote:
.....what's that old saying "you're only as young as you feel"

Nope. It's:

"You're only as young as the woman you feel." - GROUCHO MARX

Tawabawho?