How To Kick Ass as a Masters Athlete

Just because we're masters athletes, doesn't mean we can't kick ass!  Here's 10 hallmarks of a kick ass masters athlete.

1. Train full range of motion to the extent your body allows.  Even if you have to slow down or use lighter weights. 
2. Show up and do the work consistently.  Be proud of your accomplishments (first or last). The key word here is consistently (not every day).
3. Eat a primarily clean diet…it’s OK to cheat.  We’re not trying to be Rich Froning.  After all, we’re masters athletes with a life…job, spouse, kids, stress, etc.
4. Use your age/experience to your advantage.  Work smarter, not harder.  Mentally, we (masters athletes) have an edge.  Use every tool in your arsenal. 
5. Train for a life purpose.  Tape it to a wall.  Mine is “LIFE MATTERS. The effort that I put into my training, diet and active mobility will directly affect the quality of the life that I am afforded the luxury of living.”
6. Understand your body — it’s really all you have. Work on your goats, and build up the areas where you are weak.  It will pay off in the long run in your ability to “bend but not break.
7. Be an inspiration in your box.  Be a proud masters athlete.  Give the young firebreathers something to aspire to. 
8. Don’t PR every workout.  It’s a marathon, not a sprint. No need to try and keep up with the firebreathers all the time.  Just give them a good run for their money every once in a while.
9. Compete regularly 2-3 times a year.  As a masters athlete, the goal is not to win, but to compete.  This will sharpen your skills and give motivation to your training. 
10. Track your work outs.  Start with a baseline and then track against it.  You can’t improve what you don’t track.   Then celebrate your PRs.  Even if they aren’t at the level of the firebreathers…that’s what the “P” stands for:  personal.