17/08/2026
When my eldest stepson was little, I was always faster and stronger than him.
I could beat him in a race, lift the heavier things and generally enjoy my position as the physically superior member of the household. š
I always knew it wouldnāt last forever. One day, he would become faster and stronger than me.
I just thought that day would come when he was about 18ā¦
Not 13!! š
Itās funny watching children grow stronger while also noticing that, unless we actively work at it, our own strength can gradually start to head in the opposite direction.
Of course, I donāt need to be able to outrun a 13-year-old, Iām accepting defeat on that one. š
But Iād like to keep joining in, rather than automatically becoming the person who watches from the sidelines. I want to trust my body, say yes to opportunities and keep up with the people I love, even if they occasionally leave me standing in a race!
Thatās one of the reasons I strength train.
Not because Iām trying to turn back time or compete with teenagers, but because strength gives us options. It helps us keep doing the things we enjoy and living life on our own terms as we get older.
So perhaps the question isnāt:
āAm I as fit as I used to be?ā
Maybe itās:
āWhat do I want my body to keep allowing me to do in 10, 20 or even 30 years?ā