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Conquering 'nature's stair master'
Tuesday, December 26, 2000 By Judy Greene
Seven years ago at age 52 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. On the surface, this was surprising for someone as fitness-oriented as I. As a runner who had rarely missed a day in 15 years and who had developed a healthy diet habit, I might not be considered a likely candidate.
Beneath the surface was the fact that while in college in the early 1960s, I had a serious bout with anorexia and had never developed the bone mass I should have in my 20's. Facing this diagnosis, I started drug therapy and began cross-training, adding aerobics and especially strength training to my regimen. A bone scan this past August showed that my condition had been reversed.
Such good news called for a celebration. So in this millennium year my husband and I (he's 61 and I turn 60 in January), hiked the Grand Canyon in October. We arranged for a guide on our first day, which turned out to be the morning after a 6-inch snowfall. The upper part of the trail was icy, so our guide Justin told us we would only hike a short distance into the canyon. We ended up going much further than planned and were hungry for more. Justin gave us good advice on trails to tackle during the next two days so we struck out on our own. It was only after our second hike that we read that the trail we had just completed was "steep, steep, steep" and only for "experienced mountain hikers." Everything we read told us it would take two to three times longer to make the ascent than the descent. To our amazement, we made each return to the canyon rim in less time than it took us to walk down. I was so thankful for every run I had ever taken and every step class I have ever sweated through! Twenty years of working out helped me conquer what I call "nature's stair master!"
Because of my dedication to exercise, I can't say that this vacation has necessarily improved the quality of my life, but it has made me realize that I am in great shape and reinforced my commitment to keep up the good work.
Three months ago, I started working with a 25-year-old associate. She has recently begun aerobics classes and is becoming more motivated to adopt a healthy lifestyle. She was recently heard to say, "You know, there is something to be said for this fitness stuff. "
Me, a role model for the younger generation. Amazing!
Judy Greene, 60, of Pine, is manager of the South Pacific Department at Frontiers International Travel. She has had the good fortune to enjoy many fine runs around the Sydney Opera House.
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