How old are you?
53
Where do you live?
We split our time between Tacoma, WA and Tucson, AZ USA
Website
What is your history with sports and athletics?
I have always turned to exercise to deal with the stresses of life. 
Of course, when the kids were young and busy and I was working full time, exercise took a backseat. As our family matured (and me along with it!) I had a little more free time. I was also beginning my midlife crisis. A crisis in the form of hot flashes, empty nesting and retirement. I found myself lonely, isolated and on fire. 
That was the year I signed up for my first half marathon-prior to that, I had never run farther than 4 miles! I started rock climbing, yoga and would soon add kickboxing and paddle boarding to the mix.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Fitness saved my sanity! Working out gives me clarity and manages my stress. Thanks to blogging, and social media, I have been lucky enough to connect with others who are either going through similar stages of life or (as in the case of climbing) met young people who keep me feeling connected to my kids’ generation. I am very grateful for the time I have of spent at the crag with my kids 
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Getting older has been my biggest challenge! Injuries take forever to heal when you are an older athlete 
I find that minor issues that used to take a couple weeks, just hang on for months! I am also not great at taking those rest days. 
What is your “why?”
I am happiest when I am moving around. I do read, cook and occasionally write, but each day needs to have a workout session. I think I am able to focus on those other activities when I have moved around first! It may just be a a walk around the block but it does need to happen.
What’s next?
My hubby and I have been doing more “fitcations.” When we plan a trip there has to be an exercise component. For example, we went to Greece last fall for the first time. We went for a yoga retreat and were able to add a few days of climbing. Yes, we did some sightseeing (we did a bike tour of Athens 
) but that was not the focus of the vacation. Some of our friends were not impressed by our lack of cultural investigation! Once Covid is over and travel is an option again, we will be out exploring again.
Any fun facts about yourself?
One fun fact about our family is that our son is an AMGA trained alpine and rock guide. He got me into the sport and we have had some amazing adventures together. Our next big goal is to do some big wall climbing and we will see if mother and son can survive on a portaledge together! 
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
My advice is find something you truly love to do! Don’t stop looking until you find those activities that make you happy. And don’t focus on weight loss!! Perhaps getting healthier is a goal and that’s great, but don’t choose a sport because you think it is what others have done to reach a health goal. If you love what you are doing and look forward to it, then the rest will come in time 
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
Thank you for inviting me to participate in this discussion! Midlife is a wonderful time to reconnect with yourself. You have earned the right to do what makes you happy. It is never too late to try new things or do something you have always wished you had done. Get our there and grab it 