There are many benefits to living a healthy lifestyle throughout your golden years. For Russ and Susan Sagret, pursuing track and field is the same thing.
QUEBEC CITY – Living a healthy lifestyle into your golden years has all kinds of benefits. For Russ and Susan Sagret, pursuing track and field is the same thing.
Canmore athletes competed at the Canada 55+ Summer Games in Quebec City at the end of August, with Russ (over 60) winning gold in the javelin and discus, and bronze in the 50-meter and 100-meter dashes. , Susan (over 60 years old) won silver medals in the javelin throw and 50 meter dash.
Training in the mountainous surroundings of Canmore, an athlete’s dream playground, the pair enjoy being around like-minded people who are committed to a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. , said it has been an important motivator in his fitness journey.
“I have my own motivation, but I also look forward to the team aspect,” Russ said in an email. “And I get excited about rooting for people from other zones and states.”
If you plan to continue playing the sport beyond the Masters level, there are even more variables to consider. For example, if you get injured, it may take a long time to recover.
Susan tore her hamstring in the 100-meter dash at the state meet last year at Brooks, and came back from injury to win a medal.
“I have to admit that competing on a national level in your 60s requires a lot more training and dedication than it did in your 20s,” Russ said. “You always have to stay in shape to prepare for the summer competitions.”
Russ added that access to chiropractic, physical therapists, nutritionists and other services has allowed him to continue doing more of the things he loves outside of the track.
“We’re doing a lot of different things right now to stay healthy because you can’t focus on one thing like a sprint,” Russ said. “Wear and tear affects you too, and Canmore is the best place in the world for that. All four seasons are just outside your front door.”
