Master’s Athlete of the Year 2009

Master's Athlete of the Year, Rita Hanscom
Master's Athlete of the Year, Rita Hanscom

Rita Hanscom was selected as Master’s Track and Field Athlete of the Year for 2009.

Rita Hanscom (San Diego, Calif.): Named World Masters Athlete of 2009 by the IAAF and World Masters Athletics after winning five gold medals in Lahti and setting a world record in the W55 heptathlon. She’s a deputy attorney general for the state of California.

The photo above is from the 2009 Master’s Track & Field Outdoor World Championships in Lahti, Finland. It was a privilege to meet Rita and her son and daughter.

In Finland, there was a sense of community and fellowship among the 5,300 athletes from 80 countries. It’s challenging to explain. It was unique, competitive, healthy and vibrant, supportive.  Amazingly supportive.

Who couldn’t use as much of that that the law will allow, in pursuing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

USATF Masters Track Press Release

Shot Put
Shot Put

USATF Press Release, February 8, 2010: United States Largest Master’s Track & Field Indoor World Championships Ever, heading to Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

Click here to read the official USATF Press Release.

The past few weeks have been a painful reminder how challenging it is to stay motivated. Most of us can eventually find a compelling reason(s) to get healthy.

Few of us find compelling, long-term reasons.

That is why it is essential to figure out a million ways to stay motivated. A million.  Are ya with me.  Succeed or fail.  There is no middle ground.

USA Track and Field does it for me.  For now.

What’s doing it for you?

World Master’s Athletics Indoors 2010

Who's In?
Who's In?

The 2010 Master’s Athletics Indoor Master’s Track & Field World Championships are being held March 1-6, 2010 in Kamloops, British Columbia.

The deadline to submit your entry is tomorrow, January 31.

World Championships?  Are you kidding me?

Ten years ago, absolutely.

Today, not so much.

In the for what it’s worth category, click here to view the Men’s 50-54 Master’s age group entries.

Most people can not even fathom what it would take to compete at a world-class level. Which is perfect, because Lane 8 isn’t about how to run faster, it’s about how to never stop running…..or walking, or swimming, or cycling, or dancing, or whatever it is that you find motivation to do.

Just keep moving.  Just keep eating well. Just keep being a great health example to the people you care about. That’s why Lane 8 exists.

Lane 8 WMA World Championships

Click here to go to the WMA Masters Athletics Track & Field 2010 Indoor World Championships in Kaamloops, British Columbia.

Most likely, I’ll be the only one clicking on the link.  Why?  Because there are not too many people smart enough over 40 years old (any age really), who focus on their wellness as much as I’m motivated to do.

Why?  Well, um, well, I really don’t know.  Probably has something to do with an unresolved emotional issue or a predisposition to over-achieve.  Everyone has unique quirks.  Staying healthy is one of mine.