Flying Past Upper Limits with Pole Vaulter Flo Meiler (111)

Seasoned Athlete

On today's episode I'm talking to 87 year old record breaking track and field athlete, Flo Filion Meiler. Flo was an athlete for much of her life but took it to new heights at the age of 60 when she began her journey as a track and field star. She breaks down how she stays motivated, what her best habits are, and how she keeps her body limber and strong enough to compete in various (18!!) events that test her body, and more importantly, her mind!

We discuss:

- The benefits of having a training partner as a competitor and top supporter

- Flo's favorite events are the ones that are the most difficult

- You have to be mindful of your body, especially as a Seasoned Athlete

- Flo's favorite motto is "never too late"

- Flo has killer habits that keep her in the game

… and more!

Here are some highlights.

There is power in connecting

"There is power in connecting and community and having people in your corner and lifting each other up together. Sometimes my training partner would win and sometimes I would, and we would always congratulate each other. You can compete against somebody, but you respect them so much that even when they outclass you, on a certain day, you can be happy for them, and that's a great benefit of competition. When you respect your opponent, first of all you want them to play at the highest level to raise you up to the highest level. And when they beat you that day all you can do is be happy for them."

Flo insists that it's never too late.

"It's never too late to improve yourself. It's never too late to train at least three times a week to get your body in shape. If you're interested in becoming a very good athlete you need to put those hours in. But also I tell some of my senior friends to find a friend to go walking with because it's so much more pleasant to be walking with someone and to discuss different things as you walk. So, I do emphasize trying to do some type of exercise with a friend."

Flo’s training schedule is no joke.

"In order to keep up with what I hope to do, I have to train real hard. My training regimen is anywhere from one and a half to two hours, three times a week. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I will do about a half hour of machine weights and then one and a half hours of doubles tennis. And then on the weekends, I will do at least a three mile jog on a Saturday, the only day I have off is Sunday."

Motivation is what gets you started - habit is what keeps you going.

“Yeah, motivation was what gets you started and then it's the day to day of just showing up and doing it until it's not work anymore, till it's already a part of your life. And that's the difference maker. And that's what you will inspire other people to get started on and, hopefully, achieve. And you've got this habit locked down. I'm sure you have your routines every day and you know exactly when you're going to exercise, what you're going to do, and it doesn't feel like a burden in your day. In fact, it's probably the thing you look forward to the most."

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