tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31631609256444005572024-02-19T01:00:27.652-08:00Surviving Turning 60Thoughts on how the aging process affects our lives.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-33894826824915540682011-06-02T17:10:00.000-07:002011-06-02T17:10:58.070-07:00Teaching a bird to flyThis wasn't on my bucket list, but I'm adding it to my life goals. I can now check off the item that says "Teach a bird to fly."<br />
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The almond tree in my backyard was overgrown and I decided to tackle it with a chain saw. I sort of bulled my way into the thick of the tree on a ladder with chain saw in hand. Unfortunately, one of the branches I cut held a dove's nest, and as the nest hit the ground, a tiny bird fell with it.<br />
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Amazingly, three cats quickly appeared on the fence and each was thinking that bird was lunch. The bird was scurrying around on the ground, flapping its wings, but not getting close to going airborne. The cats began to move in.<br />
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I grabbed the bird and told it to fly. . . Not a chance. For the next 20 minutes or so, I tossed the bird in the air, its wings would flap and it would hit the ground. Finally, though, the bird made some progress and went about 5 feet before hitting the ground. I grabbed it again and tossed it in the air a few more times.<br />
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Each time, the bird seemed to get stronger, until finally it flew to the fence and then away. I'm not sure if the bird survived the cats that day, but I figured I did what I could to give it a chance at life.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-61290408501041578932011-04-09T10:10:00.001-07:002011-04-09T22:41:07.638-07:00Watch out, I'm throwing the Black Star discus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXlTdB0VMP7mvS5fEHl2CQAOgtSy4b0fOjfRBv2W_WFuNfPNpeS0yPSr5Ln-p3KKpLMyVE1Kpj8yEnAgp5I3U6xPHi2fGFCLbjfz6P8uiWCdTHT2s2vOa8hSiE1yRSpOpxKjjTn3IFlE/s1600/DSC07819.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXlTdB0VMP7mvS5fEHl2CQAOgtSy4b0fOjfRBv2W_WFuNfPNpeS0yPSr5Ln-p3KKpLMyVE1Kpj8yEnAgp5I3U6xPHi2fGFCLbjfz6P8uiWCdTHT2s2vOa8hSiE1yRSpOpxKjjTn3IFlE/s320/DSC07819.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593633576993093858" /></a><br />I just bought a new discus that is an upgrade over the basic discus that I've been using in practice and meets. I don't know if better equipment will help me get better distance, but I couldn't pass up the Internet deal on the Black Star discus. The regular price was $75 and I got it for $25.<br /><br />I'm holding the Black Star in the accompanying photo. I think it looks very cool -- way cooler than the green discus that I have been using. I'm anxious to throw the Black Star, and I will have many opportunities as the weather gets better and there's more daylight after work.<br /><br />I'm looking to improve in both the discus and the shot put. I will have several senior division meets this summer. Those will be my opportunities to put up good marks. The first meet of the season a few weeks ago at Stanford was disappointing -- at least my performance was. I had a great time at the meet and met up with close friends who live in Moraga. But I thought I should have done better.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-73109491175724285112011-04-05T15:39:00.000-07:002011-04-05T22:24:14.655-07:00I survived turning 60, but will 61 be a bigger challenge?You been following my adventure as I turned 60, and I thank you for your encouragement along the way. Turning 60 was easy, but suddenly I'm 61 and pushing 62. Life moves quickly at this age. <br /><br />There are times when I long for the days of being 35 -- what I always thought of as an invincible age. Young, strong and dumb enough to think you know everything. But for the most part, I like my current age. The main exceptions are those daily trips to the medicine cabinet for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other age-related medications. I understand why pharmaceutical companies make so much money. Baby boomers have traded the illegal drugs of their youth for very expensive legal drugs.<br /><br />The job at the newspaper is still a wonderful challenge -- much more now that we have fewer resources. But I have been blessed being in a business that has allowed me to meet presidents and foreign leaders, and seeing firsthand what has been called the "first draft of history." I've covered tragedy and scandal. And I have been able to fight for the underdog, even as government at times has used all its resources to unfairly overwhelm the innocent. We won a few of those, and they represent proud moments in a 40-year newspaper career.<br /><br />I also know that when I get a letter from a state prison and the inmate says he's been framed, he probably hasn't been. I have received dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of those kind of letters over the years. But there are a few who are innocent, like the parents wrongly accused in the Bakersfield child molest debacle of the mid-1980s. The newspaper made a difference when it exposed the phony charges and drew a line against the hysteria.<br /><br />People ask me when I'm going to retire. I don't have an answer for them. I love my job and I think I can still have an impact. If I hit the Lotto, I might change my mind. But until then. . .Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-74465060114143569462011-03-28T15:39:00.000-07:002011-03-28T15:59:35.005-07:00First meet jittersI'm not sure why I couldn't hit my goals at Sunday's Bay Area Senior Games, but I had a lackluster performance at the Stanford University track. This was the first meet of the season, and I think I was not mentally prepared as I got into the throwing ring. This will be a learning experience for future meets.<br /><br />The meet, which doubled as the California Seniors State Championships, was held at Stanford's Cobb Track & Angell Field. This is a world-class facility that has hosted numerous NCAA Championships, the U.S. Open and U.S. Nationals. So I can't blame the facilities for my performance. <br /><br />My goal for the meet in the discus was 90 feet and I hit 76 feet. I was hitting 90 in practice and was looking forward to the competition. But I just couldn't seem to get a good release and 76 feet was my best of four throws.<br /><br />In the shot put, my goal was 26-6 and I could only toss it 25-4 -- more than a foot off my goal and 18 inches short of my best throw in competition.<br /><br />I understand the discus marks. You have to do so many things right in the discus so the throws can have varying degrees of success. Technique is crucial. But in the shot put, the margin for error is much smaller. Strength is the key, although your technique is important. But I'm so far off last year that I must be getting weaker as I get a year older. I need more time in the gym with heavier weights.<br /><br />At age 61, I'm competing in the 60-64 category, so I'm at the younger end of the age group. The one thing I will say is I never picked up a discus or shot put until last year. Most of the competitors have been throwing since high school and there techniques are much better than mine.<br /><br />I'm a beginner and on Sunday I sure threw like one.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-64156206854973759112011-03-24T22:04:00.000-07:002011-03-24T22:23:21.774-07:00Track season starts anewI'm starting the 2011 masters track season with the hope that I can compete in several meets and put up marks that show continual improvement in the discus and the shot put. My first competition is Sunday at Stanford for the Bay Area Senior Games. I hoped the meet doesn't get rained out.<br /><br />There is a possibility that the storms that have been drenching California will break on Sunday. Because you throw in a small concrete circle, the officials will not allow the event if the ring is wet. They almost called off the shot put last year at Stanford because a light rain made the throwing circle dangerous. <br /><br />I have been training especially hard for this meet, but the weather has slowed me down the past few days. I have not been able to throw since Tuesday, and I had hoped to throw every day through Friday. But I have been at the gym trying to get stronger. I need that in the shot put.<br /><br />My biggest challenge is working on my throwing technique. That takes practice in the ring. I'm not exact a Tiny Dancer in that small ring as I spin to throw the discus and glide to throw the shot.<br /><br />My goals for Sunday are 90 feet in the discus and 26 feet, six inches in the shot put. The discus goal would be a PR and the shot put goal is just under my best. For some reason, I've gone backwards from last year in the shot put so the 26-6 goal is a good one for the first meet. If I hit my goals, I'll likely finish in the middle of the pack. I'm not a threat for a medal.<br /><br />I'll try to throw tomorrow, even if I have to do it off my patio in my backyard. I need to get one more good practice in.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-71587452802281023592010-10-20T11:20:00.000-07:002010-10-20T11:34:11.946-07:00The birthdays keep comingThis blog started because I was about to turn 60 and it was my way of coping with this milestone event. On Monday, I hit 61 so I guess I survived turning 60, and I'm now well into this decade that I feared . . . So should I change the name of my blog?<br /><br />It's been an interesting year. Work has been extremely busy because of the election and I'm also continuing my venture into throwing the shot and discus. It's my way of staying in shape. I competed in three tracks meets this year -- Stanford in April, Manteca in May and Long Beach in September. I missed most of the summer meets because of my work schedule.<br /><br />Surprisingly, I won a second-place medal in the shot put at the masters track meet at Long Beach State in the 60-64 category. I didn't ask how many people competed in the shot. I was fourth in the discus, just out of the medal category. I threw better in both events in the two previous meets.<br /><br />My technique definitely needs improving. I learned this from the photos that a photographer took at the Long Beach meet. I can see that I'm not throwing either implement the way I'm suppose to throw, and that limits my distance. I'll post some of the photos when I get them scanned into the system.<br /><br />I also need to get stronger, which means more time in the gym with weights. So it's back to training.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-44276009418786274262010-07-26T13:26:00.000-07:002010-07-26T13:37:34.282-07:00It's so hotOver the weekend, I split up my training routine for the shot put and discus. I usually do both events at the same training session. But it was so hot this weekend that I decided to throw the shot put on Saturday and the discus on Sunday.<br /><br />It took a little extra time, but I got through both workouts without fainting from heat exhaustion. My performance was OK, but I noticed that I had "tired legs" when I was throwing the discus.<br /><br />The heat reminds me of a <a href="http://fresnobeehive.com/opinion/2010/07/its_so_hot_in_freswno_that.html">column</a> that ran in The Fresno Bee on Sunday from David Mas Masumoto, a San Joaquin Valley farmer/philosopher. Mas repeated one-liners, using the theme "It's so hot" to tiem them all together.<br /><br />Here are a few examples:<br /><br />It's so hot that ... <br /><br />-- You burn your hand opening the car door. <br /><br />-- You learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron. <br /><br />-- The AAA Rescue Team had to "unstick" you from your vinyl car seat. <br /><br />-- You discover that in July, it takes only two fingers to drive your car <br /><br />-- You find out too late that you can get a sunburn through your car window. <br /><br />-- The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance. This becomes a serious sport. <br /><br />-- Your car overheats before you drive it. <br /><br />-- You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-10200206868477799052010-06-14T15:27:00.000-07:002010-06-21T16:30:00.039-07:00The loneliness of a discus throwerI've found that I like the solitude of throwing the discus and shot put on our recent pleasant Fresno evenings. For about an hour, I'm locked in on my goal of doing better -- a few inches at a time.<br /><br />I relax as I throw each implement and then go fetch them. It's part of the learning process. I throw and then figure out what I need to do to get better as I walk back to the throwing circle. I think a lot during this process, although not quite enough judging by my incremental improvement. The shot put is about strength and explosiveness at launch and the discus is about strength and a bit of ballet as you try to get most out of the toss.<br /><br />The proper technique is crucial in both events. I've been watching the best in these events on YouTube videos. My technique leaves much to be desired.<br /><br />While I like the solitude of practice, on some days I wish I had someone to spot my marks and then help measure them. I usually eyeball my distance and then pace off the number of yards to where I think it landed. It's not very precise. The shot put is easy to mark because it makes a big dent in the pit. But the discus is a little tougher because the throw is longer and it lands on grass.<br /><br />It's time to throw the discus and the shot. Anyone out there want to catch them for me?Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-77736713807696760112010-05-16T17:07:00.000-07:002010-05-19T21:51:16.503-07:00Trekking up 99 for a seniors track meetI got up early Saturday morning for the two-hour drive to Manteca for my second seniors track meet. As I bounced along on the pockmarked pavement that poses as a 21st century freeway, I focused on my goal of getting better at every meet.<br /><br />I pulled into Manteca's Sierra High School, and the organizers were just beginning to set up. My first event, the discus, was at 9:30 a.m. and I wanted to make sure I got there in time to warm up at my own pace. I could have slept in another hour before heading up the 99. At age 60, I've wasted a lot of my life getting to places way too early.<br /><br />I finally found the official in charge of the field events, and he said he would have to measure my implements. Excuse me? "Your discus and shot put," he said. "They have to be weighed and measured to meet specs." What a relief. For a moment, I thought I was back in 7th-grade P.E. and dreading showering with the older kids. It's been awhile since my implements were measured.<br /><br />My 5K shot put (about 11 pounds) and my 1K discus (about 2.2 pounds) were certified as usable in my age group -- 60 to 64. Now for a little stretching, and then the wait for the first call for the discus. I brought my favorite newspaper and read until the public address announcer said it was first call for the discus. That gave me about 15 minutes to throw before the competition began.<br /><br />It was a good meet for me. I threw a PR (personal record in track parlance), with 87 feet on my first try. There were four rounds, and the best I could do on the next three tosses was 84 feet. My first meet last month at Stanford had a dismal best of 72 feet, so this was a big improvement. My goal was 90 feet. I was a bit short of that mark, but I'm pleased with 87 feet.<br /><br />The shot put competition was at 11:30 a.m. and my goal was 27 feet. I missed it by <em>this</em> much. I had a best toss of 26 feet, 10 inches. I was two inches short of my target. Not bad, though. But for the shot, I need more weight training, and more explosiveness across the 7-foot ring. I worry about fouling and that limits me.<br /><br />I didn't place in either of Saturday's event, but I had a strong personal performance. Right now I'm just competing against myself. Most of the competitors are very friendly, but the top throwers are somewhat aloof. They've been doing this for years so I wrote that off to them hanging with people they've known for awhile. I'm the newbie, and I need to prove I'm cool, just like in junior high.<br /><br />A couple of the mid-range throwers gave me some tips, and one suggested trying the Lake Tahoe meet in two weeks. "The air is thinner up there," he said with a wink. "Yeah, right," I responded. "I'll be Al Oerter at Lake Tahoe. . . the air is so thin." That even brought a chuckle from one of the top competitors.<br /><br />I said so long to everyone and walked to my car. Because there was a Bass Pro Shop in Manteca, I had to check it out before heading back to Fresno. I swung by this mother of all sporting goods stores and was impressed. A two-story indoor waterfall, a trout pond inside stocked with the biggest trout I ever seen, and row after row of merchandise. The place was packed and people were buying.<br /><br />I spent about an hour looking at the stuff. I bought a couple of things, including a Spider-Man fishing pole for my new great-nephew. Finally, it was time for this one to go home. Fresno was beckoning. I had a few sore muscles, but it was a good day, all things considered.<br /><br />Now, do you really think the discus will fly farther in the Lake Tahoe air?Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-39584960919199507662010-05-08T12:18:00.000-07:002010-05-08T13:08:49.571-07:00Maybe a little coaching would help this old guyWith a week away from the Manteca Seniors Meet, I need to make some progress in my performances in both the shot put and discus. I'm at the point where I'm not making significant gains in my distances, and that's frustrating.<br /><br />I went to the Fresno State track this morning to work on the shot put, and the Bulldogs "throwers" were practicing in the discus/hammer cage. I asked if the shot put pit was available and throwing coach Lisa Misipeka said it was wide open. Fresno State has been very generous with their track facilities.<br /><br />I began warming up, and a few minutes later one of the Fresno State athletes walked over to ask if I needed some tips. This wasn't just any athlete. It was Rosie Sanchez, one of the nation's top shot putters. Rosie will be in Ruston, La., next weekend to compete in the WAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Louisiana Tech. She has the second-best throw in the WAC this season and she said she's going to this weekend's meet to win the conference championship. I'm rooting for her.<br /><br />She gave me several suggestions, including pointing out that I don't launch the shot from the right spot. I act as if I'm trying to throw it, and I should have it closer to my chin and then push it. She also said I need to lead with my hips to get an explosive launch. I tend to start my glide in a strong position, and then lose momentum as I reach the toe board and push the ball.<br /><br />I have noticed that I can almost get as much distance without the glide, so it's clear that I'm not talking full advantage of the seven-foot ring.<br /><br />Rosie gave me several drills that should help (if my 60-year-old brain can remember them).<br /><br />I'm going to work on the discus this evening. Unfortunately, I'll be my own coach, and we've seen how far that's gotten me so far.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-61511811234599635902010-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:002010-05-04T12:28:16.878-07:00Practicing on a Sunday afternoonThe weather was perfect this afternoon so I headed over to Fresno State to practice the discus and the shot put. There were only a few people on the track and the discus cage and shot put pit were open. Sometimes when I go to Fresno State, the track team is practicing and the facilities are not available, and I have to drive to a high school looking for a place to throw.<br /><br />I was in luck this time. I started with the discus, my weakest of the two throwing events that I'm doing. I think that's because I just started throwing the discus and I'm still developing my technique. I'm not much of a dancer, and there's sort of a dance move to the discus spin just before launching it. But the discus is a fun event.<br /><br />I'm also trying to get used to my equipment. My practice discus is made of rubber and my competitive discus is a hard plastic with a metal rim. (I just got the competitive discus by UPS on Friday). Both are 1 kilogram (which is what's used in my age group), so you'd think they'd be the same. But I get a much better grip with the rubber discus, and better distance. The competitive discus slips out of my hand and the flight is very wobbly.<br /><br />One thing I've learned in my short discus career is that you must throw the discus so that it has a smooth flight for maximum distance. My tosses too often aren't very aerodynamic. I call them "Joe Kapp passes," if you are familiar with the old Cal and NFL quarterback who didn't throw many spirals.<br /><br />In my first meet at Stanford last month, I only threw the discus 72 feet. That's bad. Very bad. It was raining off and on, but the conditions didn't hurt my performance. I just needed more practice time. I'm consistently in the 90-foot range now, but I need to be in the 100s. So I'm in the vicinity of mediocre right now.<br /><br />But I hope to reach the 100-foot mark by the Manteca Senior Games on March 15. That won't get me among the top competitors, but at least it won't embarrass me, either.<br /><br />After practicing the discus Sunday afternoon, I headed over to the shot put pit. I felt good, and hit the 27-foot mark on a few tosses. But I need to throw the shot at least 30 feet to be competitive. I'm several months from achieving that mark. I need more weight training, especially lower body to become more explosive at the launch.<br /><br />Friends and family are a bit surprised I'm doing this. But I enjoy the competition, and it helps me relax. It's often difficult for me to unwind from the intense world of newspaper opinion writing, with its deadline pressures and dealing with the people who don't like my opinions. It's getting very nasty out there. Agreeing to disagree and respecting differing opinions are concepts that not many folks embrace these days. <br /><br />The throwing events also are helping me get into better physical shape -- always important when you're 60 years old. I might even decide to throw the hammer, although I think I could get hurt in that event.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-19344377129572473942010-04-11T19:33:00.001-07:002010-05-19T21:50:59.949-07:00Venturing into a competitive eventIt was not exactly the best weather for my first shot put competition, and there was the possibility that the event would be canceled because of heavy rain in the Bay Area. But the shot put officials squeezed in the competition this morning at Stanford University's track stadium. It was one of many events in the two-day Bay Area Senior Games at Stanford.<br /><br />The shot put circle is made of concrete and was very slippery as the rain came down. Most of the competitors were a bit tentative as they participated, not sure whether they would fall if the put all their effort into a toss.<br /><br />After a short warm-up period, we got four throws in competition. My first two attempts were from a standing position. I wasn't ready to glide across the ring in the rain. I just wanted to get a mark without fouling or falling on my rear end.<br /><br />My first two marks were in the 25-foot range. I had set a personal goal of 27 feet, and was not sure how the elements would affect me. I kept a towel over the shot put to keep it dry between tosses. With about 14 competitors, it took awhile for your turn to come around again, and I was not completely warmed up early in the event.<br /><br />On my third and fourth attempts, I decided to get some momentum behind the tosses. My third attempt was the best. It was recorded at 29 feet, 2 inches. I think it was much shorter because I have never thrown that far in practice. The rain pounded down on my fourth attempt, and I threw with my warmups still on and with a hooded sweatshirt over it all. It was not a good toss. I was fourth in the 60-64 age group, which sounds good until you find out there were only five competitors in that category.<br /><br />On Saturday, I competed in the discus. I had not thrown it before and decided to give it a try a couple of weeks ago. Since I was going to drive to Palo Alto, I might as well try a second event.<br /><br />My goal was 75 feet and I threw it 72 feet. I'll take it because I know I can improve with a little help on my technique. The discus competition was delayed about an hour because the soccer matches at the Senior Games were going on at the same time. Whoever laid out the field did not realize that the discus throwers would land their tosses well beyond the goalie. We were supposed to get six attempts, but they cut it back to four so we could get the competition completed more quickly. I could have used those two extra attempts.<br /><br />The weekend was a good first competition for me. Too bad the weather didn't cooperate. But I had fun, and I can't wait until I can compete again. There's a competition in Manteca next month and I will see if I can get into it.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-27334641691097503492010-03-22T22:12:00.000-07:002010-03-24T13:24:25.451-07:00The serious training beginsOn Saturday, I began training in the shot put at Fresno State's Warmerdam Field for a meet next month at Stanford. I have been putting off the actual competition because I'm not hitting the marks to be competitive. But decided to just jump in. So I'll be at a seniors meet at Stanford.<br /><br />I met Tom Marsella for the day's workout. Tom is the guy who last year talked me into competing in seniors track and field. He's done very well in the competition over the past several years. It was a beautiful morning, and the field was mostly empty. <br /><br />We had the good fortune to run into Bob Fraley, the former head track coach at Fresno State. Bob, always the teacher, began giving us tips on the shot put and discus. Bob even ran home to get some reading material for us. <br /><br />When he came back, he said every track "thrower" needs a stick of chalk during training. Then he took his chalk and marked a big "L" and "R" in the shot put ring and told us to put our feet on the marks and work on our technique.<br /><br />When you throw the shot, Bob said, you push it right through a 7-foot-11 guy standing in front of you. I'm starting to get the hang of it, and I'm improving my distance some, although still not in the range I want to be. I'm even thinking about throwing the discus. I bought a beginner's discus and I'm trying to perfect the spin coming off my hand. . . It seems I'm throwing a "wounded duck."Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-76053842894292069322010-03-17T22:36:00.000-07:002010-03-17T22:56:26.260-07:00I'm back and ready to throw the shot putAfter the winter layoff, I started again throwing the shot put this evening in my backyard. The change to Daylight Savings Time made this possible after work. I'm into intense training for a Seniors meet at Stanford University on April 11. <br /><br />That doesn't give me much time to train, but I figure I need to get accustomed to real competition in the 60-64 age group. I'm using this meet as a warmup for a June statewide meet in Pasadena. You don't really have to qualify. You pay your entry fees and you get three tosses in the preliminaries. And then on to the finals if you do well enough. We'll see.<br /><br />I threw the shot about 24 feet in my makeshift pit in my backyard. Not bad for the first tosses of the year. My best last fall was about 27 feet. I need to hit about 32feet to have any chance of placing in my age group. I'm not sure I can add eight feet in 27 days. Maybe I should call Mark McGwire to see if I can get some artificial help since he's through with the steroids.<br /><br />The backyard shot put pit was overgrown from all the weeds that sprouted from the heavy winter rains and the nurturing of the now sunny weather. I created a path to throw, and will have the backyard mowed tomorrow.<br /><br />Funny thing. The 12-pound shot put ball that was silver last fall, is now a reddish brown. Yep. Rusted over the winter. But a few evenings of tossing it should bring back the luster. If not, I'll take some steel wool to it.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-81780273441500377442009-10-25T11:19:00.000-07:002010-06-20T21:56:50.927-07:00Where do we go from here?It's been a week since I reached the milestone that spurred this blog, and I have been wondering if it makes sense to continue posting material. After all, I survived turning 60, and that's the name of the blog. But a few of you wanted me to continue to keep you updated on my shot put progress. I will do that, and maybe offer other observances as I figure out what 60 is all about.<br /><br />So to the shot put. The fall weather has cut into my training because it gets dark not too long after I get home and that's been when I have practiced in the back yard. But I have aimed the flood lights toward my backyard shot put pit, and I'll continue tossing that 12-pound ball and updating you on my progress.<br /><br />We go back to regular time early Sunday morning so my training will definitely be in the dark except on weekends. If I get motivated, I might try tossing the shot in the morning before I get ready for work.<br /><br />This evening, I worked out for about an hour, and could only hit about 24 feet. My best is 27 feet, 6 inches, so I'm not making progress. I attribute that to my lack of intense training on my just concluded birthday week. But I'm back and I'm locked into a training regimen.<br /><br />I know I must get stronger and that will take weight training at the gym. My technique is getting better, but I'm still a long way from a picture perfect shot putter.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-13241803511856810722009-10-18T10:04:00.000-07:002009-10-20T06:14:24.889-07:00I survived turning 60 -- now what?I made it to age 60 today, and I'm enjoying this first day of a new decade in Monterey looking at the Pacific Ocean and playing tourist. We had a great dinner last night at the Sardine Factory with close friends who made the occasion very special. The room at the Monterey Plaza was incredible.<br /><br />I'm not alone in turning 60 today. The U.S. Census Bureau says 7,918 Americans turn 60 every day. Wow. There are a lot of us, and every day there are more. Baby boomers -- those born between 1946 and 1964 -- are aging rapidly. But we're trying to stay fit. The Census Bureau also reports that there are 27,813 fitness and recreation centers nationwide, and most are catering to baby boomers. It's a good market for them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKx4nOAqdt0UcqFcOaxHQ-l6Lrq5DKqKYMkCxE7wcMEapBx6BWic1PC4twa3gquR8fvm036z4Bp_jXWqmuLA6nHiurDeIZ5_hTOF2QJgEEk4H2Wc2fuapYbz-VC3_Tt8oR8Qn17Wx5rg/s1600-h/jills+pics.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKx4nOAqdt0UcqFcOaxHQ-l6Lrq5DKqKYMkCxE7wcMEapBx6BWic1PC4twa3gquR8fvm036z4Bp_jXWqmuLA6nHiurDeIZ5_hTOF2QJgEEk4H2Wc2fuapYbz-VC3_Tt8oR8Qn17Wx5rg/s320/jills+pics.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393998848457567442" /></a><br /><br />I'll be spending more time at the gym, and working on staying healthy. I'm committed to keeping that promise, and this public proclamation puts that much more pressure on me to live up to this goal. I'll continue to train on the shot put, with a goal of competing in a seniors track meet.<br /><br />This morning, Jill bought me my "Old Guys Rule" T-shirt. That's also a public acknowledgement of accepting my age. This one is a John Wayne version. It says,"Old Guys Rule" and then has this quote from John Wayne: "When you come slam bang up against trouble, it never looks half as bad if you face up to it."<br /><br />Good advice for a 60-year-old. Good advice for all of us, as we confront our daily challenges.<br /><br />I also had my picture taken outside the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, just like thousands of other Cannery Row tourists do each day. Forrest Gump offered a great suggestion for living: "Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." <br /><br />I'll be sampling life's chocolates, as I move through my 60s. I'm not sure what is out there, but I'm ready for it. I hope.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-21745129332512510842009-10-16T20:17:00.000-07:002009-10-16T20:53:29.153-07:00Old Guys RuleWe're two days from 60 and I'm picking out my "Old Guys Rule" t-shirt, and scoping out the senior citizen discounts. Heck, I might even start going to restaurants early enough to get the Early Bird Special.<br /><br />Actually, I don't feel much different than I did in my mid-50s -- at least I don't think I'm different. I suppose everyone says that as they reach a milestone age such as 60. But time marches on and you have to accept it.<br /><br />If you think I'm old, consider that The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, turned 60 this year. So did actor Richard Gere, and singer Billy Joel. Now do they look that old? Well, Billy Joel does. Anyway, the other guys don't and I'm teaming with them on this 60s thing.<br /><br />I'm having fun sharing this march to 60 on this blog and I can't believe that it's almost here. Today, I'm 59 years, 363 days old. But who's counting?Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-76707918369165545812009-10-14T10:21:00.000-07:002009-10-14T10:46:33.352-07:00Four days to liftoffWhat can you do in four days? In my case, you can turn 60.<br /><br />I'm still a bit stunned that this milestone has come so quickly. But on Sunday, I'll say so long to my 50s and move into a new demographic. I'm getting a lot of razzing from my friends (the younger ones) and some cheering from others (the older friends) as I approach 60.<br /><br />During my self-examination through these blog postings over the past four months, I've committed to making several improvements in my life. So here's the 60s game plan:<br /><br />-- Continue to get healthier by sticking to my diet, doing physical activities and, of course, using lots of sunscreen.<br /><br />-- Try to find a reasonable balance between my work and my leisure time. The problem here is that I really like my work, and spend a lot of time at it. But I need to spend more time with friends and family.<br /><br />-- Volunteer more to help where I can be of assistance. We all have gifts and they can be used to help others if we are willing. I will let my faith guide me on where I can be used best.<br /><br />I'm sure I'll find many other things to improve upon, and I'll tackle them as I recall them. This blog could go on forever if I were to list all my faults. For now, though, I'm looking forward to the next four days and what my last moments of my 50s will bring.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-24714075494400969692009-10-11T19:51:00.000-07:002009-10-11T22:01:28.703-07:00Seven days to 60, and a party of nineIt's getting close, folks, and people are already celebrating my entry into the 60s. Hold on here. We've still got a week until it's official. But I'm accepting the earlybird birthday special. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYcsYrtKAw_SEyBHthhDXZ1YNxolVdIT1s0NqQWp51fC7_1izn0o86T21GviltmXMQTsCOVxYs6M-IrLCMsRE0SqqvLke0G_ZFGbnok0winSfMZQt3OuPY_1sF-nsNtjTCqg-C-j_lZM/s1600-h/DSC04497.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYcsYrtKAw_SEyBHthhDXZ1YNxolVdIT1s0NqQWp51fC7_1izn0o86T21GviltmXMQTsCOVxYs6M-IrLCMsRE0SqqvLke0G_ZFGbnok0winSfMZQt3OuPY_1sF-nsNtjTCqg-C-j_lZM/s320/DSC04497.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391573921538545634" /></a><br />Some members of my family threw me a small party last night, and I'm so grateful for the work they put into this gathering to usher in my 60th birthday. My mother, my brothers and my sister, as well as their spouses and significant others, were there. That made it a party of nine, including me and Jill.<br /><br />The menu was incredible, steak and lobster, and the meal was topped off with German chocolate cake. We ate, drank and told stories all evening. There was a lot of laughing and a lot of reminiscing. This party went late (considering my age) and we didn't leave Eddie's and Linda's house until 1 a.m. I had a great time.<br /><br />But I'm not used to partying that late, and when the alarm went off this morning for church. I was very tired. But I made the 9:15 a.m. service and got my usual seat -- fourth row from the back on the right. The seats in the back go first, as Pastor Tim is fond of pointing out.<br /><br />It was nice having this small gathering with my brothers and sister and my mom. My mother earned sainthood long ago raising five children, including four boys. I'm the oldest child and over the next few years my siblings will be turning 60, too. But right now, turning 60 is all about me.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-79363442570410365012009-10-06T19:30:00.001-07:002009-10-11T20:26:18.795-07:00Is it too late to get a life?My friend Kathy, who turned 60 today, gave me a great book by Anna Quindlen, the author and Pulitzer-winning columnist. It's called "A Short Guide to a Happy Life," and I devoured it as soon as I opened it. It's only 50 pages, so it was a very quick read. It was an early birthday present. Kathy is the one who I kid about being much older than me -- 12 days. But those 12 days are huge right now. She is in her 60s and I'm still in my 50s.<br /><br />The book by Quindlen offered a lot of wisdom that she gathered from her own life experiences, and from those who influenced her. I've been feeling very philosophical on this road to 60 so this fit my mood perfectly. I'm 12 days away and I'm trying to make sense of it all.<br /><br />As my family and friends know all too well, I'm a workaholic who has desperately tried to find a balance. It keeps tipping toward the job, especially as I get older. Isn't that supposed to change as you age?<br /><br />It makes me recall my 41st birthday in 1990. My family was going to meet me at a Fresno restaurant to celebrate my birthday. The problem was that I had to finish a crucial news story about a very tight congressional race. There were high-profile charges and counter-charges between the two candidates and it took all evening to sort them out. I told my family members to go to the restaurant and I'd meet them there. The hours slipped by and I couldn't get away from the newspaper until the story was done. There was always one more detail to check.<br /><br />That news story was a solid piece of reporting, and I was praised for it. Meanwhile, my family had finished dinner and headed home without the guest of honor showing up. They boxed up my steak dinner. About 11 p.m., I got to my parents' house to pick up my daughter, and claim my birthday meal. My family understood, but that memory has stayed with me 19 years later.<br /><br />That's one reason the Quindlen book struck such a chord. She offered this bit of wisdom: "No man on his deathbed said he wished he'd spent more time at the office."<br /><br />She also suggested that you consider your thoughts if you just had a aneurysm. What would be important then? Getting that last bit of work done at the office, or spending as much time as possible with the ones you love?<br /><br />"Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on a breeze over the dunes, a life in which you stop and watch how a red-tailed hawk circles over a pond and a stand of pines. Get a life in which you pay attention to a baby as she scowls with concentration as she tries to pick up a Cheerio with her thumb and first finger."<br /><br />I think part of my journey to 60 is about getting a life. I surely don't have it figured out yet. In a highly competitive job, you are expected to perform at your highest level all the time. But I'm trying to find the proper balance, and that gives me hope.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-25917848964582165082009-10-05T06:49:00.000-07:002009-10-11T20:26:38.859-07:00Countdown to 60 is now in a sprintIt's coming fast. The milestone of turning 60 seemed so far away in June when I started this blog and now we are inside two weeks. I don't feel any different, but saying you're 60 sounds so very old to me. I suppose it's too late to lie and tell people I'm 59 when they ask my age. That's the downside of putting your birthday details on the Internet.<br /><br />I didn't make my goal of throwing the shot put 36 feet by Oct. 4. I'm stuck on 27 feet, 6 inches as a personal best. But I'm stepping up my training and hope to get close to my original goal in the next two weeks. I'll keep you informed on my progress. I missed two seniors meets -- one in San Diego on Sept. 12 and one in Las Vegas this past weekend -- so I may have to wait until next year for formal competition. I just wasn't ready to compete.<br /><br />This diary of my thoughts, fears and bits of wisdom that I've picked up over my almost 60 years has been an interesting way of marking this important milestone in my life. I never would have thought that so many of you would be checking in. My original belief was that this blog wouldn't be read by many people. But a little radio publicity on Alan Autry's KYNO talk show helped get the word out that I was writing this blog.<br /><br />Thank you for participating, especially all of you who have added great comments to my entries. You have offered wisdom and wit, and made this a better blog with your comments.<br /><br />So I'm 13 days away from 60, which means I'm 59 years, 11 months and 352 days old. But who's counting?Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-43540441059123837922009-10-01T06:41:00.000-07:002009-10-11T20:28:01.401-07:00It's October -- the birthday monthThis is the month that I turn 60 -- 17 days from now. But October is a big birthday month for my entire family. My Mom's birthday is Oct. 27, my brother's is Oct. 8 and my sister's is Oct. 6.<br /><br />Then there's my dear friend Kathy, who also turns 60 this month. She reaches that magic milestone on Oct. 6. Yes, she is older than me -- by 12 days -- and I never let her forget it. In fact, in five days, she will be in her 60s and I'll still be in my 50s.<br /><br />On Saturday, Kathy's daughter is throwing a big birthday bash for her. It'll be fun. There's a group of our friends who have birthdays this time of the year, and we've had some great celebrations.<br /><br />This occasion reminds me of a wonderful list of the most important things invented in the past 2,000 years. The entry that I like the most is reading glasses, which was suggested by a New York professor. His reasoning was simple: Reading glasses have been crucial to our development and "prevented the world from being ruled by people under 40."<br /><br />So I raise my glass -- and my reading glasses -- in salute to the month of October. It is where this journey to 60 ends, and where another one begins. Cheers.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-91303255913836278062009-09-29T06:31:00.000-07:002009-10-11T20:27:29.834-07:00So what have I learned on this road to 60?Well, here's something tangible. In a <a href="http://surviving60.blogspot.com/2009/06/did-she-mention-sun-screen.html">blog post </a>in June, I discovered I wasn't using enough sunscreen. Columnist Debra Bass said these are the five most important rules for skin care:<br /><br />Buy sun protection; don't forget to use sun protection; apply more sun protection than you think you need; don't forget to reapply sun protection; do not underestimate the power of sun protection.<br /><br />So at age 59 and 11 months, I've been using enough sunscreen to keep Neutrogena in business.<br /><br />There are other things I've learned. It's difficult for me to write in such a personal way so I think I've learned to be more introspective during this exercise about my journey to 60. That's been good for me.<br /><br />I also learned that a lot of people feel the same way as I do about getting older and they have identified with this blog. That's very cool.<br /><br />They've told me they are OK with getting older but have some of my fears -- remaining in good health as they get older, wondering if those increasing memory lapses are the beginning of Alzheimer's, hoping they have planned well enough for a financially secure retirement. To that latter point, I say don't retire and keep buying lottery tickets.<br /><br />Looking at the calendar, I see I'm now 20 days from my 60th birthday. I was asked the other day about what will happen to this blog when I actually turn 60. To tell you the truth, I don't know. I'm having fun writing this. But if it's about turning 60, it seems a bit foolish to continue it after I hit 60.<br /><br />So the jury is still out on the question of this blog's future.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-57302973827870481492009-09-28T17:48:00.000-07:002009-09-29T16:32:48.033-07:00Your brain and creativityI was fascinated by a <a href="http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/masumoto/story/1651829.html">column</a> on Sunday in The Fresno Bee by farmer/philosopher David Mas Masumoto. He talked about the brain and the many ways the creative process works.<br /><br />As I've written a few times in this blog, my brain sometimes goes on vacation to the Bahamas at the exact time I'm trying to remember a name or a fact that should be easy to recall. I'm not even talking about the creative process. I'm searching my brain for basic facts. It's like a Rolodex keeps spinning in my brain, but the card with the name I want won't fall into the right slot. Now that's frustrating.<br /><br />Mas used the research of Mark Jung-Beeman, a cognitive neuroscientist, as a basis for his column on Sunday about how the brain works during the creative process. Here's part of Mas' column:<br /><br /><blockquote>Imagine the left side of the brain desperately searching for an answer, trusting logic over randomness, reason over emotion. Precision is asked for as we focus.<br /><br />We repeat the question over and over in our minds, tightening our muscles, squinting, grimacing, clenching our fists, gritting our teeth. We believe that if we concentrate hard enough, somehow the right solution will fly out of our mouths.<br /><br />But then we struggle. We incorrectly assume our focus helps us cut distractions and pay attention only to relevant details. Instead, we suppress options and inhibit creative connections that can lead to a break through.<br /><br />Finally exhausted, just at the verge of quitting, we pause and take a break. In a resting state, we generate greater right brain activity; the right hemisphere is allowed to join in. Then new brain communication occurs between regions that are not ordinarily connected. A broader, general search party begins, the whole brain hunts for options. Then and only then, Jung-Beeman concludes, can the mental balancing act unfold and creative insight occur.</blockquote><br /><br />In these cases, the brain just needs to relax, Mas writes. "We give ourselves time and space to think. In Zen, they call this focusing on not being focused."<br /><br />So it's really very simple. We just need to relax. Wow, that Rolodex card just dropped into the right slot.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3163160925644400557.post-37103603253721005782009-09-27T21:42:00.000-07:002009-09-28T15:30:59.303-07:00Oh, those aches and painsMy shot put training slowed down a bit after I tweaked a calf muscle while tossing the shot in my backyard this afternoon. I evidently didn't warm up properly and it became so sore that I couldn't continue. One more hazard of almost being 60.<br /><br />But while this is a minor setback, I'm still pushing to reach my goal of tossing the shot 36 feet in a seniors track meet. I'm just over 27 feet now, and my progress toward my goal has been much slower than I had anticipated. I'm throwing a 12-pound ball and the meet calls for an 11-pound ball in the 60-65 category. So I may have a bit more distance from the 11-pound ball.<br /><br />I've noticed that it takes me a long time to warm up with the shot put and I think I get impatient. My arm is ready, but my legs are much slower to warm up. That may have contributed to my injury by throwing the shot too hard too soon.<br /><br />I'm going to stretch it out a bit after work on Monday and see if I can toss a few without too much pain. As they say, "No pain, no gain." But as a former athlete, I know the risk of coming back too soon and aggravating a minor injury into a full-fledged one.Opinionmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12961414642374562447noreply@blogger.com2