\n\u201cMr. Whitlock?\u201d He graciously shook my hand, eyes filled with kindness, voice as gentle as his calm manner.
\nThis was surprising, since we were in the starting area of the London marathon.
\nInspired, I was honoured to shake his hand. He sparkled.
\n\u201cAre you racing today?\u201d I asked. Laughing, he responded \u201cprobably not race, but participate \u201d.
\nParticipating is an understatement.
\n Ed Whitlock<\/a> is one of Canada\u2019s greatest runners of all time.
\n He holds world records in the marathon, setting a blazing 3:41 at the age of 82, and achieving the world record title in the 4x 800 relay last year.
\nHe can run a 6:44 mile.
\nWhen we parted ways, Ed called me \u2018dear\u2019 wishing me well in the marathon. His sparkle was infectious.<\/p>\n
Sister Madonna Buder<\/a> also called me dear. We met in the midst of a secluded climb in the bike segment of Ironman Canada 2006. With so many baby boomers approaching senior years, longevity is a hot topic for discussion among scientists, youth seekers and bloggers alike.<\/p>\n It has been the inspiration behind a recent book by Bruce Grierson \u201cWhat makes Olga Run?\u201d<\/a> Their theory? How we live our life, Nurture vs. Nature makes up for 75% in determining our longevity. I firmly believe if we aren\u2019t at our best, we won’t deliver our best. Peddling up a mountain last week, and painting the spot later in the fresh air was amazing. My guess is none of them were named Olga. With stars in my eyes I approached him, despite my internal debate about being intrusive. Sometimes a person is just that compelled. His shock of white hair, long \u2018floating\u2019 gait, easily recognizable, I fell into step beside him. \u201cMr. Whitlock?\u201d … Continue reading
\nAfter a brief introduction, I wished the Iron Nun a great day, expressing my delight in meeting her.
\nWe both agreed it was a beautiful day. Surrounded by mountains, and ponderosa pine, how could it not be? She beamed.
\nIt occurred to me, at nearly half her age, it had taken me a good chunk of the 180k bike distance to catch her.
\nAt 80 she took the world record title, the oldest person to complete an Ironman in 2012 on that same course.<\/p>\n
\nA story of the 95 year old Canadian Masters Track and Field World Champion.
\nScientists have been studying what makes Olga tick for years, from genetic, physical, physiological, to psychological testing.
\nThey delved into her life experience, and stress responses.
\nOlga is wired with resilience, brimming with positive attitude.
\nShe paints. She gardens.
\nShe rarely sits idle. A key scientists say, to living a long healthy life. <\/p>\n
\nChoices, it ends up, matter.
\nBig time.
\nWe don\u2019t have to set records, but there are a few key ingredients scientists agree on.
\nThe surprising factor uncovered is that it is never too late to start.
\n![\"DSC07371\"](\"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/DSC07371-300x197.jpg\")
<\/a> New 24×36 Original Oil<\/p>\n
\nHealth transcends to everything in our lives, our work, relationships, prevention of disease, endurance and happiness.
\nTaking care of my physical, mental, & emotional health, allows me to be of service to others, to weather storms of life and relish the bright days.
\nLaugh often. Start something today, and don\u2019t stop, Olga says.
\n![\"20140520_105800_resized\"](\"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/20140520_105800_resized-168x300.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"DSC07297\"](\"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/DSC07297-167x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe lookout stop nearby, many cars paused just long enough to roll down the window, and click photo on their phones,without leaving the confines of their car. Cigarette smoke lingered in their wake.<\/p>\n
\n![\"DSC07256\"](\"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/DSC07256-300x104.jpg\")
<\/a> Sketching the blue mountains.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"