Hello, and welcome to Not a Sprint! I'm thrilled you've found your way here. Whether you're in your fifties like me, approaching this milestone, or well beyond it, you're in the right place if you're ready to make positive changes in your life – at your own pace.
Let me share a little secret: I didn't have it all figured out when I turned 50. That milestone birthday was a wake-up call. I looked at my fitness level and financial situation and realized I needed to change. But here's the kicker – I didn't want another "get fit quick" scheme or a "double your money in 30 days" plan. I wanted sustainable change. That's when the concept of "Not A Sprint" was born. I realized that the path to better health and financial security isn't a mad dash to the finish line. It's a marathon – or a lifelong journey of small, consistent steps.
Here's what I've learned and what I want to share with you: success in fitness and finance isn't about making giant leaps. It's about taking small, manageable steps every single day. It's about making choices that you can sustain over the long haul. When I started strength training again, I was bench pressing 70 pounds less than when I stopped lifting weights years prior. My retirement savings needed some serious attention. But instead of getting overwhelmed, I focused on what I could do today, tomorrow, and the day after. I set aside a small amount from each paycheck for savings – even if it was just $100 initially and I started lifting weights four days per week for at least 20 minutes. These weren't earth-shattering changes, but I could commit to them.
A few years into my fifties, I'm amazed at how far I've come. That bench press grew by 85 pounds, and I lift more now than in my 30s. That small savings? It's grown into a robust retirement fund that gives me peace of mind. But here's the best part: I don't feel like I've sacrificed or struggled. Because each step was small and manageable, it never felt overwhelming. I've built new habits slowly but surely; they're just part of who I am now.
So, why am I sharing this with you? Because I want you to know that it's never too late to start. Your fifties (or sixties or seventies!) can be the beginning of your best chapter yet. This blog will explore ways to make small, impactful changes in your fitness and finances. We'll set achievable goals, celebrate small victories, and build momentum together. Remember, we're not sprinting – we're building a lifestyle that will carry us through our golden years with health and financial security. Are you ready to start your "Not A Sprint" journey? Leave a comment below sharing one small change you're committing to this week. Remember, it doesn't have to be big – it just has to be a start. Welcome to the community. I'm excited to take this journey with you, one step at a time.