#126: Make Fitness a Habit, Like This 86-Yr-Old Triathlete Who Competed Worldwide

This 86-year-old (who turns 87 in December) just retired from doing triathlons after 130 races! He happens to be my uncle from Houston TX, and Jim Rosborough is this week's guest on the "Run The Race" podcast. He competed in the World Championships Triathlon in both Chicago and Cozumel. Later this week, don't miss my Friday podcast episode, recapping my latest marathon ran, in my 20th state. (3:01) We first talked about how Jim stays in great shape for his age, being in his 80s. He talks about the consistent training - running, swimming, and/or biking - he's done since the 1970's. Where and how does he find his motivation to just do it? He tells the story of how he (7:01) started running at age 35, thanks to a book about aerobics by an Air Force doctor. Fitness felt good to him! He moved on to marathons, running more than 25 of those, and enjoying the social aspects of running. (10:20) Tired of running so much? He was, and that was part of Uncle Jim's transition to triathlons. He breaks down the 3 distances: Ironman, half ironman, and Sprint. His favorite of the triathlon events is swimming, especially being in the water so much growing up in Aruba, where he also was a spear fisherman. But why retire now from triathlons? We also talk about (16:28) his training routine or weekly exercise rituals. Jim also discusses being mentally strong, through not only fitness challenges but surviving cancer. (22:08) Sharing the fitness journey with his wife is vital too. And he's got fans, including a standing ovation at the Triathlon Nationals. When he's now in the pool or on a bike, (26:05) my Uncle Jim mentors young boys, a rewarding thing he wish he had as a young man overseas. He did have an influential coach in Aruba. (33:50) He closes out the pod chat with a few favorite race stories like his rivalry with another 80-something competitor Boris at the World Championship, and missing a big turn at his final triathlon. After, i do some triathlon talk in "Food for Thought," some unique inspiration in "Parting Gift," and my closing prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which you should subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.