In May, Cole DeRosa (53) along with eleven other U.S.military Veterans will attempt a world record.Representing Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) they will run the first-ever Old Glory Ultra Relay.
This 3,000-mile cross-country relay will see the Veteranscarry a single American flag while running 7-8 minute miles nonstop from San Diego, Ca., to Washington, D.C.Cole is currently ranked as #1 in the top age group for Spartan Racing, which combines long distance running with obstacle courses and launching a second career as a personal trainer.We caught up with him as he prepares for the relay, to talk about strengthening your competitive edge as an older adult and life after 29 years of active military service.How did competitive sports help you transition out of life in the military?
I think you have to find what makes you passionate or something youve always wanted to do.Maybe its volunteering or a hobby like woodworking.For me, working out twice a day means I have set structure, because now I need to plan how Im going to eat, how Im going to recover for the nextrace, etc.Whats great about the military is that as youre transitioning out, theres a lot of different communities to help you find your next chapter and realize how you can still have purpose.
Team Red, White & Blue is great at helping veterans find that next step.They even gave me a scholarship to become a certified personal trainer.Youre a three-time age group Spartan Racing world champion.What technology are you using to support your fitness goals?
The Oura Ring is one of the best things you can have to track your athleticism.
The next one isa smartwatch (I have a Garmin).The great thing is you can synch them so youre not dealing with multiple platforms, just a one-stop app.The other one is Fitbit, which is a sponsor of theOld Glory Ultra Relay.So now Im wearing that too because it is going to betracking our progress across the country.Tell me about the Old Glory Ultra Relay! Its mind-blowing what youre aiming to accomplish.
Well be running 3,000+ miles, over approximately 15 and a half days to set a world record of the first transcontinental flag moving continuously.
The flag never stops day or night, through the rain, it never stops.Its three teams of four veterans each, working in 8-hour shifts.That means each person on my team needs to run 16 to 17 miles every single day in approximately 2 hours, carrying the flag.
The other goal of the relay is to raise $1 million to help enrich Veterans lives through health and wellness.We see a lot of things in the media about Veteran PTSD and the suicide rate.We have an image of the broken Veteran, but for Team RWB, the mission is yes,we need to focus on getting benefits to our veterans who are wounded in different ways.
But there are still very capable veterans out there who can lead America out of this health crisis.And on my team of four, our combined ages is over 205 years old and thats pretty cool.Were embracing the older team age.We have adaptability we have life perspective.Any words of inspiration for other aspiring older adult athletes?
I would tell anyone older, just be consistent in what youre doing.
Even if you dont aspire to be a high-level athlete, start something.If youre already working out, try the next step.And before you know it, youre going to be a much healthier version of yourself.
Keep it small, keep it consistent.Stop saying I cant do that because Im old.Im not a collegiate runner; Im your average guy! When I started Spartan in 2015, I was in the back of the pack.I had no podiums.
Now I have over 180 podiums.You can still have these amazing big goals at a later age.Im not letting age define me, Im defining age.What does Aging with Attitude (Senior Planets motto) mean to you?
You have to embrace it.
Being older gives us a lot of valuable things.But were in a digital world and it needs to be embraced too.In the military, we have a term: Always improve your fighting position.
And really that means keep learning and stay hungry.To follow the progress of the Old Glory Ultra Relay, follow their page on Instagram and visit their website.Pam Hugi is Senior Planets Community and Advocacy Manager.Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.
Publisher: Senior Planet ( Read More )
