A highly unscientific search, with a sample size currently limited to one
I’m not claiming to be the planet’s fittest 64-year-old. I’m merely launching a highly unscientific search, with a sample size currently limited to one.
Over the years, I’ve been a nationally ranked tennis player, elite powerlifter and triathlete.
As I enter my 65th year, my goal isn’t to be the world’s fastest runner, strongest lifter or best swimmer. It’s to become one of the world’s fittest 64-year-old polyathletes—combining speed, endurance, strength and muscular stamina.It is to see how much speed, endurance, strength and muscular stamina can coexist, preferably without any important parts falling off.
Some current markers include swimming 400 meters in 6:30, biking 40 kilometers in 65 minutes, and completing 10 pull-ups with a 45-pound plate attached. Now I’m going public with the full challenge:
- Run one mile in under 6:30
- Swim 400 meters in under 6:30
- Bike 40 kilometers in under 65 minutes
- Bench press 1.5 times my body weight
- Squat 1.65 times my body weight
- Deadlift 2.5 times my body weight
- Complete 65 strict, full-range-of-motion pull-ups
THE BIG GOAL: Accomplish all seven within the same 30-day period.
None of these individual targets will rewrite the record books. The challenge is developing enough aerobic capacity, speed, strength and muscular endurance to do all of them at roughly the same tim without training for one while accidentally destroying the others.
Is this overly ambitious? Possibly. Could it result in fatigue, frustration or an awkward conversation with an orthopedic surgeon? Also possible.
But that is the point of a big goal. Even if you fall short, the pursuit forces you beyond what you assumed were your limits. At this stage of life, I’m less interested in “acting my age” than in finding out what my age is still capable of.
SO, THE SEARCH BEGINS.
If there is a fitter 64-year-old out there, I’d genuinely like to meet them
