"I've become sporty AF in midlife"

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From kid picked last in gym class to Mean Midlife Sports Machine :)

By Heather Kenny

“I’m right here,” said the kayak instructor. “You’re not going to drown.”

I was in a sea kayak just off the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago. As part of an intensive course, I had to show I could extricate myself from the cockpit in an accident. This involved deliberately capsizing, then pulling off the spray skirt, a stretchy piece of equipment you wear over your body that fits over the lip of the cockpit to keep water out, while upside down.

My anxiety was so intense that I started to hear buzzing in my ears. Even though it wasn’t a particularly difficult maneuver and I knew I could do it, the thought of being upside-down underwater was terrifying.

Getting increasingly embarrassed as my instructor waited patiently, I gulped some air and forced myself to tip the kayak over. Breathing out so that the cold lake water wouldn’t rush into my nose. I pulled the skirt off, slipped out, and emerged at the side of the kayak. The whole thing took about three seconds.

“See?” said my instructor. “I knew you could do it.”

Later I posted a picture of myself kayaking on social media. “My transformation into an outdoorsy person is complete,” I joked. And the funny thing is, my conversion into an enthusiastic kayaker, hiker, swimmer, and more didn’t happen until I was in my 40s.

Biking: The gateway activity

Growing up, I was the classic bookworm, the uncoordinated and awkward kid always picked last in gym class. Living in a high-income suburb in Chicago’s ritzy North Shore, I had friends who went on ski vacations and took tennis lessons, but we didn’t have money for things like that. Being outdoorsy and active seemed to involve a lot of expensive gear, a country club membership, and the ability to travel to faraway locales.

However, one piece of equipment was within our means: a bicycle. I rode incessantly around our block, testing myself to see how many times I could do it without touching the handlebars. When I moved to the city as a young adult, I rode my bike to explore different neighborhoods, ride along the lakefront, and enjoy a mini nature escape in one of the area’s many forest preserves. It also was a way to combat my anxiety and depression, although I didn’t realize it at the time.

I started riding more, biking to work and to errands. I often got questions from family members, friends, and coworkers. Wasn’t it dangerous? Didn’t I get too sweaty for the office? How did I carry all my stuff? The first time this happened, I started to stammer something about how it was good exercise and beneficial for the environment, but then I realized I did it mainly for fun. Every time I rolled on two wheels, I experienced some of that childlike glee.

“Don’t be your own unconscious gatekeeper — after all, one of the benefits of middle age is giving yourself permission to be mediocre at as many things as you want.”

Did you know?

“Highly fit” women are 90% less likely to develop dementia decades later.

Exercise can slow the loss of muscle loss as we age. Being active during midlife and menopause can help keep bones strong and counteract the metabolic risks of lower estrogen levels.

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Vote for your fave

Help curate our first event!

OK, we probably won’t be able to book Taylor.

But! Before we get knee-deep into event planning details, we want to hear from you. I mean, we want you to have a good time. Which type of event are you most likely to attend?

1. A one-hour virtual event with smart speakers and discussion with other Midsters

2. A three-hour party in Chicago with drinks (alcohol and non), hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, networking, and other fun stuff TBD

3. A semi-luxurious immersive experience. Say, a weekend getaway with massages, healing treatments, delicious meals, and more (this probably won’t be cheap).

4. A full-day conference with inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, lunch, discussion groups, and booths featuring women-owned businesses.

Cast your vote in our poll!

Got more opinions and suggestions? We’re all ears. Email us at feedback@the-midst.com. — Amy Cuevas Schroeder

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Just about every day is International Women’s Day at The Midst. But we’re glad there’s a dedicated day and month for it, too.