Bill Collins makes Newsweek appearance
Properly labeled as the “world’s fastest man over 50,” world champion Bill Collins is shown in starting blocks in a large photo in the current Newsweek magazine. He’s also quoted in an article about staying in shape. It’s aptly headlined: “In a Race Against Time — The over-50 crowd works out and competes like never before. Smart ways to stay fit”
Here’s how Newsweek weaves in our kid:
The answer is to train smarter, not harder. Don’t go all out on the track or tennis court six times a week. Mix in some mellower cardio sessions — at least 20 minutes three times a week—to crank up the metabolism, whip off the extra pounds and keep the heart strong without hurting yourself.
And be careful with weight training. Sports doctors recommend abandoning short, intense workouts with weights in favor of long, lighter ones. While heavy weights build muscle mass faster, they also set the stage for injury. Less weight and more repetitions—around 30—is a safer way to improve strength and flexibility. Swimming, yoga and massage help, too. Whatever you do, avoid overtraining.
“You’re not bulletproof anymore. Make sure you get plenty of downtime between workouts. “You just can’t tax yourself the way you did in college,” says Bill Collins, 53, who holds 17 world records in track and also trains other athletes. Although recovery time varies, older athletes may need two or three down days a week.
The article concludes:
Being older doesn’t quench the fires of competition. Plenty of mature athletes still play hard. Downhill ski racer James Dooley, 84, hit the slopes 44 days last year. “It’s me against the mountain,” he says. “I go all out every time I do a run.” But the wisdom that comes with age can temper the competitive spirit. “Back in college, my competitors were my enemies. I hated whoever I was running against,” says Collins. “I never spoke to them.” A world-ranked athlete, Collins still races to win. But moments before the starting gun sounds, he can be found dispensing training tips and starting advice to other, less experienced runners. At the finish line, he’s generous with congratulatory hugs and words of encouragement. Collins still competes hard, but not so much against his fellow runners. The man to beat is Father Time.
