So, on March 2, 2017 my chronological age will be 40: "DelMo 4.0", but this message is NOT for other 40 year olds. No, it's for the kids in high school and college
The year was 1988...
I vividly remember my father's 40th birthday party. I remember the gag gifts people bought him. The theme was, "Over the Hill." I was 11 years old, and I thought, "That'll never happen to me."
If you would have approached me in 1999 (the year I graduated college) and said, "Hey kid, take a look into your life at 40... this is who you will be and what you'll be doing," I would never, ever, cadaver in a million years said, "Yeah, that looks about right!"
Why am I bringing this up? Because of the thousands and thousands of athletes that cross our finish lines every year, their average age is... 40!
So, on March 2, 2017 my chronological age will be 40: "DelMo 4.0", but this message is NOT for other 40 year olds. No, it's for the kids in high school and college, the young adults just out of college and living it up. I want them to realize this will happen... one day at a time.
I have laughed, loved, and cried. I have made money, I have lost money, I have experienced success, I have had major learning experiences. I have seen what can happen when you believe in yourself and what can happen when you don't. I don't feel 40, I simply feel ALIVE.
What does 40 mean anyway?
I'll tell you what 40 means to me: 40 means, I'm just starting to realize my potential. 40 means I can be healthier today than I was 20 years ago. 40 means I know who I am and I could care less about what anyone else thinks. 40 means I know when I'm wrong and I admit it... immediately. 40 means I sound more like my parents every day and that's ok. 40 means I am happier today than I've ever been in my entire life.
So, I am 40… what am I going to do that I've never done before? Easy. I'm going to get better. I've decided that 2017 will have a theme, "40, Faster, and Happier!" and it will be filmed! I'm going to race faster than I ever have in my life. I will swim, bike, and run at a level like never before. Do you know why this is possible? It's because I know what is important in my life, and it's not racing, rather it's life itself. I remember the pressure I used to place on myself to perform and being so tense that I couldn't smile. Those days are past. Now, because I'm 40 and experience a few things, I know each race is a gift to be enjoyed, a moment to celebrate your life, a day to be grateful for the gifts that have been bestowed upon us. That's it really.
ps. I'm going to work my butt off. But now, I'm going to do it with a smile.
pss. My Race Schedule in 2017
- Bassman Tri May 21
- Eagleman 70.3 June 11
- Avalon Islandman June 24
- Stone Harbor Tri July 16
- NJ State Tri July 22
- Autumn Lake Tri Aug 11
- Tim Kerr 7 Miler Sept 3
- The Fall will be TBD...but I plan on another 70.3!