the mere act of writing

"It's very strange, but the mere act of writing anything is a help. It seems to speed one on one's way." -Katherine Mansfield, as quoted in Leaving a Trace

At the Huntsman World Senior Games this year

A man with white hair and a cane made his way from the locker room to the side of the pool. As other swimmers climbed up to the starting blocks, someone took his cane and he lowered himself into the water.

The starter advised “take your mark,” the strobe flashed, the buzzer sounded, and this 80-year-old athlete extended his arm, caught the water, rolled and pulled himself forward almost as if he grabbing hold of the rungs on an invisible ladder. And he did it again and again and again for 800 meters, 32 lengths of that pool. He reached and pulled long, smooth, strong--yet relaxed and steady.

He finished in 18 minutes, 59 seconds. Not the fastest in his group of 80-84 year old men, but good enough for a bronze medal. He finished to applause and cheers of many younger seniors including me. People helped him out of the pool. Someone handed him his cane. He again walked slowly, but his face glowed, his eyes twinkled.

Competing at the Senior Games is new for me. I’ve only done it twice. But I hope to go back year after year as long I can. One of the rewards is the perspective it provides. I see what others are doing and I’m inspired to follow them

From First Grade to the Senior Games

I remember being anxious and excited on my first day of first grade and feeling much the same when I swam for the first time at the Huntsman World Senior Games last October. After the games I set a goal to compete this year. Back then there seemed to be plenty of time to get ready. Well ready or not, the 2005 games start next week. I’ve paid my registration fees, made reservations and once again I’m anxious and excited.

I’m also grateful for family, friends, runners, bikers, swimmers, even blog readers who’ve encouraged me this year. So many Saturdays my wife’s said, “You’d better get your swim in today.” So many lunch hours I’ve enjoyed taking a swim-break on campus. So many spring, summer and fall afternoons I’ve cross-trained on mountaib bike in Salt Lake foothills.

In their own way, my kids also encourage me. Three in college provide an unparalleled motivation to stay healthy and productive. Sometimes they give me tips on proper attire for exercise, “Dad, you're not going to wear that are you?” And when dinner table conversations get too one sided, they bring me back to reality.

Last year when I wasn’t quite sure about going to the games, I asked some neighbors for advice. “Of course you should go,” said one without hesitation. Not everyone was so positive, but I'm glad for the encouragement I got. I hadn’t yet discovered Wayne Gretzky’s quotation, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take.”

I’m also grateful to live in a community that encourages recreation. Thanks to the Utah Masters Club I’ve had fun swimming in a couple of local meets in Park City and Salt Lake this year. Thanks to Salt Lake County I’ve competed in the Magnathon, my first mini-triathlon. Thanks to Davis County I’ve howled at the moon while biking the annual Antelope Island Moonlight Ride.

And thanks to an old friend from way back in first grade who spirited me off to lunch on his Harley today, I’ve been reminded of the kid I once was and still am--still anxious, still excited, still looking forward.

dry canyon in fall

dry canyon in fall
Originally uploaded by rfin.

A great lunch hour ride on September 21, 2005

Price, Utah 

I listened to the John Roberts hearing on a KUER translator as I took in this scenery near Price, Utah. I'm attending a librarians conference today at CEU, The College of Eastern Utah.