Aging Athletically

Hilary Cairns
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  • 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. 2 days ago

    Episode 34: Hilary Granat, PT, DPT, MS; Owner of Core Total Wellness & Core Physical Therapy in DC

    In this episode, Hilary Granat discusses the importance of adapting fitness and health strategies for women in midlife and beyond, focusing on strength training, mobility, and overall wellness. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to understand their changing bodies and the necessity of a holistic approach to fitness as they age. The conversation delves into the importance of recovery, nutrition, and strength training for women, particularly as they age. It emphasizes the need for proactive health measures, such as bone density scans, and the significance of consistency in fitness routines. Find out more about Hilary and in-person and virtual practices at https://www.corephysicaltherapydc.com and https://www.coretotalwellness.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Aging Athletically Podcast02:24 Understanding Women's Health in Midlife04:04 Shifting from Cardio to Strength Training07:01 The Importance of Strength Training08:17 Getting Started with Strength Training11:51 Progressive Overload Explained12:34 Equipment Choices for Strength Training14:30 Key Muscle Groups and Movement Patterns15:53 The Significance of Grip Strength17:09 Incorporating High-Intensity Efforts19:24 Understanding Impact Training21:11 Balancing Cardio and Strength Training22:22 The Role of Balance in Aging24:38 Addressing Aging and Its Challenges25:06 Managing Musculoskeletal Changes in Menopause27:16 Nutrition and Its Impact on Aging28:32 The Importance of Recovery32:20 Understanding Bone Health36:05 Consistency Over Perfection37:39 Common Injuries in Aging Women39:17 The Role of Weighted Vests41:08 Personal Fitness Routines45:13 Nutrition for Optimal Performance49:35 Inspiration from Athletic Longevity50:15 Habits for Aging Athletically

  2. 8 Oct

    Episode 33: Sharlene Brunjes, Canadian Record Setting Powerlifter and Competitive Dragon Boat Racer

    In this episode of the Aging Athletically Podcast, host Hilary Cairns interviews Sharlene Brunjes, a 73-year-old Canadian masters athlete who excels in both powerlifting and dragon boat racing. They discuss Charlene's journey in athletics, the importance of strength training for older adults, and how her experiences in both sports have shaped her life and resilience. The conversation explores Sharlene's journey in competitive sports, particularly powerlifting and dragon boat racing, highlighting her late start in sports, her competitive spirit, and the importance of community in both sports. It also delves into her training regimen, nutrition, and the mental health benefits she derives from staying active. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Charlene Brunjes02:28 Powerlifting Achievements and Experiences10:21 The Importance of Resistance Training16:22 Functional Fitness and Real-Life Applications18:25 Exploring Dragon Boat Racing24:07 Training and Community in Dragon Boating28:31 Journey to Competitiveness30:10 Comparing Sports: Powerlifting vs. Dragon Boating33:14 Defining Success in Sports34:20 Future Aspirations in Sports36:47 Nutrition Strategies for Performance42:32 Mental Health and Competition49:39 Active Living for Longevity

  3. 1 Oct

    Episode 32: Damon Blakemore, Masters Track and Field American Record Holder and USATF Hall of Famer

    In this episode of the Aging Athletically Podcast, host Hilary Cairns interviews accomplished masters athlete Damon Blakemore, who shares insights from his extensive track and field career. The conversation covers his experiences at the World Masters Championships, his evolution as an athlete, and the importance of recovery and mindset in maintaining high performance as he ages. In this conversation, Damon Blakemore discusses his journey through injury recovery, the importance of community in athletics, and his aspirations in the Masters Track and Field scene. He emphasizes the significance of patience, nutrition, and a positive mindset in maintaining athletic performance and longevity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Damon Blakemore02:33 Experiences at World Masters Championships05:54 Early Athletic Background07:46 Transition to Masters Track10:15 Training Evolution and Focus15:09 Current Training Regimen20:14 Training for the Thousand Meters23:25 Aging and Performance Improvements26:42 Motivation and Competitive Drive30:41 The Challenge of Recovery34:10 The Drive to Compete36:02 Recognition in Masters Track39:19 Promoting Masters Track and Field42:48 Future Aspirations in Athletics45:13 Nutrition and Competition Routines46:58 Mindset and Motivation48:36 Admiration for Other Athletes54:36 Habits for Athletic Longevity

  4. 24 Sept

    Episode 31: David Stewart, Founder of AGEIST, Super Age, and the Super Age Games

    David Stewart, founder of AGEIST and Super Age, discusses the upcoming Super Age Games, to be held in NYC on November 7th. The games focus on eight trainable markers connected to health span, including endurance, strength, balance, cognitive performance, and social connection. David shares his personal athletic journey, including overcoming knee injuries and a knee replacement, and emphasizes the importance of risk-taking and social connection in healthy aging. Learn more about David's work and the Super Age Games at: https://games.superage.com/ and https://superage.com/ (subscribe to The Mindset there) and https://www.ageist.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Super Age Games01:59 The Vision Behind Super Age Games05:03 David's Athletic Journey and Overcoming Injuries13:00 The Eight Markers of Super Age Games21:05 Logistics and Vision for Super Age Games27:19 The Super Age Games: A Unique Athlete Experience28:07 Physical Challenges and Personal Aspirations30:25 Assessing Success and the Super Age Score32:47 Athletic Longevity and Well-Being43:58 Habits for Aging Athletically

  5. 17 Sept

    Episode 30: Indoor Rowing World Record Holder Nancy Peck Cook

    Nancy Peck Cook, a lifelong endurance athlete, shares her journey from marathons to indoor rowing and the impact of athletic reinvention on her life. She discusses her training, competition, and the motivation behind her rowing streak, highlighting the importance of variety and adaptability in athletic pursuits. Now a world record holder in indoor rowing, she talks about how the rowing community inspires her along with her versatility as a multi-sport athlete. With unbounding energy, she emphasizes the importance of balance, discipline, and adaptability in maintaining her athletic lifestyle. Learn more about Nancy at https://nancypeckcook.com/ Chapters 00:00 Athletic Reinvention and Early Athletic Life04:58 Transition to Endurance Sports09:08 The Impact of Cancer on Training and Competition19:06 Indoor Rowing and World Records33:15 Training, Competition, and Rowing Streak37:22 Aging and Athletic Competitiveness38:04 Physical Changes and Athletic Performance39:26 Challenges of Aging and Athletic Pursuits42:17 Approach to Competition and Training01:05:10 Habits for Aging Athletically

  6. 10 Sept

    Episode 29: My Foot is Busted!

    Hilary shares a quick (or sort of quick) update on her foot and all that goes along with moving in the world much more slowly. Also included are a few reflections on the most recent guests and a preview of what's to come. Chapters 00:00 Injury and Recovery03:21 Challenges of Physical Recovery07:15 Adapting to New Physical Limitations12:16 Engaging with the Community15:28 Podcast Updates and Challenges19:04 Interactions with Chat Bot23:11 Exploring Fitness Tests

  7. 3 Sept

    Episode 28: Triathlon Coach and 30+ Time Ironman Finisher Lloyd Henry

    Lloyd Henry, a longtime triathlete, shares his journey from a late start in running and swimming to becoming the first African American to complete an Ironman on six continents. He discusses the evolution of the sport, his training approach, and the importance of recovery and strength training as he continues to compete at a high level. Lloyd shares his his favorite race, how he plans his race schedule, how he stays motivated after competing for decades and what races he sees himself doing in 50 years! To see his basket weaving work, go to: https://www.crucianbaysidecreations.com/ or to reach Lloyd for coaching, see https://www.onpointfitness.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins02:50 Triathlon Beginnings08:03 Racing Around the World13:00 Diversity in Triathlon18:06 Training and Recovery34:38 Race Planning and Target Goals35:22 Feeling of Accomplishment in Ironman Races36:48 Shift from Data to Perceived Effort41:24 Basket Weaving as a Hobby58:17 Importance of Fruits and Vegetables in Diet

  8. 27 Aug

    Episode 27: British Team Slalom Skateboarder Darren Miles

    Darren Miles, a 60-year-old skateboarder who is representing Great Britain this year at the World Skate Games, shares his journey from early skateboarding as a hobby to competitive slalom skateboarding starting in his late 50s. Weaving around cones at upwards to 40 miles per hour (!), Darren shares insights into his training, competition experience, and the supportive community in skateboarding. Darren talks about adapting to changes, maintaining a competitive mindset, and encouraging others to give the sport a go. He also discusses the importance of learning and growth, athletic longevity, and the impact of mindset and perspective on aging athletically. In addition to being a great skateboarder, Darren is an accomplished musician; his band The Waterboarders can be found here: www.thewaterboarders.net Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Darren's Skateboarding Journey01:05 Early Skateboarding Years03:06 Challenges and Revival of Skateboarding06:14 Athletic Life and Transition to Slalom Skateboarding16:04 Training and Preparation for Competitions27:50 Competition Experience and Community in Skateboarding33:07 Training and Fitness Regimen34:14 Fitness and Aging35:08 Adapting to Changes36:43 Competitive Mindset40:49 Encouraging Others50:10 Learning and Growth56:11 Athletic Longevity58:30 Mindset and Perspective

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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
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hilary Cairns
  • Show Website
    Aging Athletically

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