Aging Athletically

Hilary Cairns
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Fitness

Hosted by long-time endurance athlete Hilary Cairns, Aging Athletically explores what it means to pursue performance as we age. Through conversations with athletes and experts across sports, the podcast challenges the idea that aging equals backing down. This show is about resilience, reinvention, and continuing to compete at any age. You can also find Aging Athletically on YouTube and Instagram, both under @agingathletically. Feedback welcome through these channels or via email at agingathletically@gmail.com.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 25: Author, Raw Food Educator, and Marathon Runner Axay Shah

    In this episode Axay Shay, author of "In Nature We Trust," shares his journey embracing a new lifestyle through marathon running and a raw food diet. We explore the impact of marathon running on his health, motivation, and endurance, as well as the loss of a running partner. The conversation covers his transition to a raw plant-based diet, the impact of raw food on health, the role of diet in health and energy, the human body as a machine, the vision for a healthier society, advice for starting a fitness journey, marathon nutrition and training, personal hobbies and inspirations, and the power of discipline and self-belief. Takeaways Reinvention at age 50Starting a new life through runningEmbracing a raw, plant-based dietThe impact of marathon running on health and lifestyleThe motivation behind marathon running Consistency in training and dietThe importance of discipline and self-belief Chapters 00:00 The Beginning of a New Journey03:02 The First Steps into Running04:45 The Marathon Challenge07:55 Training and Preparation13:02 The Loss of a Running Buddy15:01 Motivation and Endurance20:03 Other Athletic Pursuits24:25 Transition to a Raw Plant-Based Diet25:44 The Impact of Raw Food on Health27:44 The Journey to a Plant-Based Diet28:22 The Role of Diet in Health and Energy29:36 The Human Body as a Machine36:10 The Vision for a Healthier Society37:29 Advice for Starting a Fitness Journey41:39 Marathon Nutrition and Training48:54 Personal Hobbies and Inspirations52:13 The Power of Discipline

  2. Aug 6

    Episode 24: Solo Go #2--Does anyone know Reggie Miller?!

    Hilary provides updates on the podcast, shares feedback from listeners, and discusses her approach to guest selection and outreach. She also talks about social media engagement, audience feedback, training and recovery strategies, and her personal injury and recovery journey. And... she's in search of someone who knows someone who knows someone who can help her get Reggie Miller on the show! We'd all love to hear about Reggie's transition from NBA superstar to high-level bike racer still going strong in his 60s. Chapters 00:00 Podcast Updates and Feedback04:54 Guest Selection and Outreach10:05 Social Media Engagement and Audience Feedback14:17 Training and Recovery Strategies21:21 Injury and Recovery Journey

  3. Jul 30

    Episode 23: Cycling Champion, 98-year-old Carl Grove

    Carl Grove shares his amazing journey starting in Elkhart, Indiana, which included a paper route by bike that earned him 18 cents per week. His dad bought Carl his first bike for $1.25! Carl recounts his experiences in the Navy and the U.S. Navy Band, as well as his transition to a world-class biker late in life. Carl's journey is remarkable: he became a record-setting cyclist at the age of 90 and he is still going strong at age 98. What an inspiration! Chapters 00:00 Early Life in Elkhart, Indiana10:27 Discovering Biking and Music27:17 Joining the Navy and the U.S. Navy Band30:42 Bike Racing and Training Camp39:51 The Journey Begins40:22 Coaching and Racing41:26 Meeting Bruce Gordon43:19 Racing and Records47:43 Training Routine51:27 Motivation and Goals52:40 Upcoming Challenges52:47 Ninety-Eighth Birthday Ride53:48 Staying Active and Setting Goals

  4. Jul 23

    Episode 22: Ironman World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Michellie Jones

    Michellie Jones, a legendary triathlete, shares her remarkable journey in the sport, from her early days to her continued success as a competitive athlete in her 50s. She discusses the evolution of triathlon, the impact of technology, and the importance of data in training and racing. Her insights on longevity, resilience, and the joy of competition provide valuable lessons for athletes of all ages. She shares insights on the challenges of menopause, the importance of recovery and nutrition in training, the evolution of professional sports, and the impact of age on athletic performance. She also discusses her favorite pre, during, and post-competition food and drink, mantras for motivation, and her admiration for athletes who have achieved longevity in their careers. She continues to compete as an age group athlete and share her expertise through her coaching company, Giddy Up.

  5. Jul 16

    Episode 21: Professional Golf Teacher and Player Wayne DeFrancesco

    Wayne DeFrancesco, a highly respected golf instructor and award-winning player, shares his journey of perseverance, adaptation, and passion for golf despite battling injuries and setbacks. His experience offers insights into the physical demands of golf, the evolution of the sport, and the emotional strength required to excel. Wayne's dedication to the game and his coaching philosophy reflect his resilience and commitment to improvement. The conversation with Wayne covers his approach to golf, mental challenges in the game, aging as an athlete, and his personal habits and experiences. Wayne shares insights on the mental aspect of golf, the importance of concentration, and the impact of aging on golfers. He also discusses his teaching style, love for music, and his dedication to physical fitness. Wayne's commitment to consistency and self-motivation shines through in his approach to the game and life as an athlete. Takeaways Resilience in the face of setbacksThe emotional and physical demands of golfThe impact of aging on athletesConsistency and self-motivation in sports Chapters 00:00 The Origin Story of a Golfer03:00 The Journey to Becoming a Golfer06:01 Overcoming Setbacks and Injuries20:04 The Evolution of Golf and Training32:55 The Drive to Improve and Coach37:22 The Mental Aspect of Golf39:52 Aging as an Athlete46:25 Teaching Style and Personal Habits55:08 Physical Fitness and Resilience

  6. Jul 10

    Episode 20: Board-Certified Sports Dietician and Endurance Athlete Claire Shorenstein

    Board-certified sports dietician Claire Shorenstein shares extensive wisdom on fueling as we age, common misperceptions, aging athletes' ingrained focus on leanness over strength, and what to focus on nutritionally as the years pile up. Claire breaks down some of the mystery around supplements, the importance of movement overall, and changing needs of female athletes in particular. Find Claire on her twice monthly podcast Eat for Endurance for further wisdom!

  7. Jul 2

    Episode 19: What My Guests (So Far!) Have Taught Me About Aging Athletically

    Host Hilary Cairns shares insights on the podcast journey so far, plus some updates on her foot injury, race decisions, and her daughter's marathon experience. She discusses adapting to injury, health updates, and lifestyle changes, and reflects on a long-ago childhood dream. Hilary also reflects on common themes from podcast guests including defying expectations, consistency, strength training, community, finding joy, optimism, flexibility, aging as athletes, and improvement with age and self-care. Takeaways Consistency and strength training are key themes in aging athletically.Community, joy, and flexibility play important roles in the athletic journey. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey05:08 Race Updates and Decisions11:20 Health Updates and Lifestyle Changes17:06 Defying Expectations and Consistency

  8. Jun 26

    Episode 18: Elite Masters Triathlete Julie Billingsley

    Julie Billingsley, a lifelong endurance athlete, shares her journey from swimming to triathlon, highlighting the early days of the sport and her transition into triathlon. She discusses her endurance and resilience, the 50 State Quest, her training approach, and the definition of success in her races. The conversation covers the role of coaching in triathlon, the importance of community and social connection, recovery and nutrition in endurance sports, longevity and athletic aging, and athlete inspiration and mentality. Takeaways Endurance and resilience are key to long-term athletic success.Consistency in training and a swim-forward approach have been instrumental in Julie's athletic journey. Coaching in triathlon involves individualized training, goal setting, and a focus on fun and varied workouts.Community and social connection play a significant role in the triathlon experience, providing motivation and support.Recovery and nutrition are essential for athletic performance and require intentional focus, especially as the body ages.Longevity in athletics is achievable through consistency, accountability, and a positive mindset.Athlete inspiration and mentality are crucial for overcoming challenges and maintaining a positive, resilient attitude. Chapters 00:00 The Early Days of Triathlon08:46 Endurance and Resilience17:51 Training and Consistency29:04 Racing and Success36:03 Community and Social Connection in Triathlon46:04 Longevity and Athletic Aging57:07 Athlete Inspiration and Mentality

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hosted by long-time endurance athlete Hilary Cairns, Aging Athletically explores what it means to pursue performance as we age. Through conversations with athletes and experts across sports, the podcast challenges the idea that aging equals backing down. This show is about resilience, reinvention, and continuing to compete at any age. You can also find Aging Athletically on YouTube and Instagram, both under @agingathletically. Feedback welcome through these channels or via email at agingathletically@gmail.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Hilary Cairns
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hilary Cairns
  • Show Website
    Aging Athletically