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I’ve never been a complainer, believe that personal power and accountability are cornerstones to good health, and understand that challenges and adversity are simply part of life. Nobody gets to ride for free, and even though some may appear charmed or like they have it easy, adversity doesn’t always exist above the water line. We all face challenges and have to deal with adversity from time to time. In my opinion, how people deal with adversity is a key differentiator when it comes to overall health and happiness.
A little tip to those of you in your teens, twenties, or early thirties. No matter how nutritious and balanced your diet, or how effective your training routine, it’s a fact that the the older you get the more aches and pains you’ll have the pleasure of dealing with on a daily basis. Since I’ve been in my 40’s it seems like I’ve always had some ache, throb, stab, tingle or twinge to deal with, and it seems that more recently my average has increased 
to two or three things I’m dealing with at any given time. Sore knee, strained shoulder, tired arches, the list goes on. So, is my point middle-age sucks? No. On the contrary, I think this is a great age, and one that can be the most active and rewarding in your life. The challenge is that the natural adversity that comes with middle age in the form of sore, tired and hurting, creates a real barrier to good health for many.
In a sense the somewhat constant undercurrent of stiff, tired and sore creates a very legitimate set of excuses to move your body less. To say “no thank you” to running in the park with your kids, to working out, to dancing at the club with your significant other. I believe how you deal with this dilemma in your late twenties and early thirties sets the tone to your health and fitness for the rest of your life. If you give in and let the aches and pains dictate your mobility, you’re giving up a lot. You can feel sorry for your self and play into this sedentary tractor beam, but I think that’s just an incredibly easy and convenient excuse. After my knee surgery, when I was cleared to snow ski, I was taking my first few runs of the season at Mammoth Mountain. My leg didn’t feel very good and I was getting really frustrated and disheartened. Not terrible acute pain that needed attention, but enough to weigh on my mind most of the day. At my lowest moment, 
when thoughts like, “Man, am I going to become one of those people that just takes it easy on the mellow runs for the rest of my life?” were going through my mind, a person with one leg blew past me, cut through the trees and shot down an expert run. I had no excuse to do anything but enjoy my day of skiing. It was just what I needed. Personal accountability, passion and determination can overcome any challenge.
Taking on the aches and pains that come with aging doesn’t mean things will be easy, or that you’ll be able to do things the exact way you always have. It may require a little extra drive along with some adapting and creativity. So if you like running and you’re having issues with your knees, you may have to find another way to get your cardio fix. The important thing is that you get your cardio fix, not how you get it.
I’m relatively new to the “Middle Age Man” thing, and it’s definitely a learning experience. Thus, I don’t have this mastered, and frankly I have some things to work through. My right knee (the one where I had meniscus surgery in October) still feels like it needs healing/strengthening, my left (formerly referred to as “good”) knee has actually felt a bit strained recently, and I tweaked my right shoulder during weight training last week. I’ve basically felt a bit old, tired and injured. I’ve seen my doctor to ensure I don’t do anything that can cause a more significant injury, I’m resting what needs to be rested (remember RICE), and I’m finding ways to keep training and moving. Broken, but not beaten.
Find your way, don’t give up and just do it.
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Small steps add up!
smallsteps2health 
I needed to hear this today. I did a number on myself falling on the ice the other day. Not bad, just bruised, but defintely not the same rebound time it would have been even 5 years ago. I cannot imagine recovery from surgery, but even with your small steps it sounds like you are making huge strides. Keep on keeping on!
Thank you! Ice can be so dangerous, I’m just thankful that you’re OK.
Welcome to the club. I am 46, on most days I don’t feel any different than I did at 26 but there are those moments when you realize that your body is not the same instrument it used to be. I still try to stay active and exercise and I built a strong base for that in my 30’s, but now recovery time is not what it used to be. Play catch, feel it for three days. Perform a physical movement that you are not used to that involves squatting or lunging and you can feel it for a week. Such is life I guess, but activity now is the key for activity levels in the next 20-30 years, and even perhaps how much of that time a person will be around to enjoy. Thanks for the great post today.
Thanks Jonathan. Just remember that Jack Lalanne swam pulling dozens of row boats to celebrate birthdays from into his 70’s, although I’m sure he was sore. Keep it up, and know you have a friend who also get’s the “Jelly leg” syndrome after doing squats. Keep that 26 year old mind set, because that’s the real key. “You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.” Cheers!
Enjoyed reading this Mark. I’ve been playing hockey for some time now and the aches and pains don’t go away as quickly as they use to. Right now I’m facing hip replacement and fear the future will find me limited to hiking or water aerobics. After consulting with a few doctors they tell me I might be able to return to the beer league someday.
Thanks Brian. Any chance some titanium can help you check better?
I’ll ask.