Define what over the hill means to you.

Posted by: chaz

Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/02/08 04:24 PM

I'm 55. Work like a mule. Ride 10 to 15mi a day. Still play in a R&R band. Do not need viagra or pain meds. But my hair is gray. I got a few years left. I think Over the hill will be when I can't or don't feel like doing any of these things.
What are your thoughts on being "over the hill".
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/02/08 11:11 PM

What my daughter said on my 50th birthday (yikes, that's almost 23 years ago!):

"When you are over the hill, you start going downhill. As any skier can tell you, that's lots more fun!"

I'll be out there hiking and having fun as long as I can manage to put one foot in front of the other!
Posted by: ringtail

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/03/08 06:48 AM

I hike often with a guy that was 76 this summer and will be 77 when he finishes the Colorado Trail next summer.

His aerobic system is still very good. Recently he took one of the girls in his church youth group for a half century bike ride. He told me not to worry because she was a cross country star and could probably keep up. He said he only had to wait a couple of times for her.

However his vision and hearing are failing. A couple of years ago he did not hear a rattle snake buzzing him. His vision affects his balance and I am careful to keep him on good trails.

My desire is to go as long as I can, then have all my systems fail at the same time. Age is liberating. I am less competitive and judgemental. I still track my training times, but I do NOT share them with anyone.

Life is good. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: leadfoot

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/07/08 04:01 AM

What hill??? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/08/08 05:30 AM

Either your under 50 or you've crested already. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: Spock

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/08/08 06:26 PM

Hard to know what over the hill is when you regularly see folks in their 60s and 70s doing 20 mile days most days on the AT and other long trails - and 20-somethings knocked out after 15 miles, groaning and limping around camp. Now, it is true that 20-somethings can roll up 30 to 35 mile now and then. But they tend to sleep it off the next day. Perhaps being over the hill means having the judgement to know one's mileage limits. But maybe judgement comes with the discipline to meet goals and the experience to know one's limits. But let's not assume that those limits are low.
Posted by: wandering_daisy

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/09/08 04:25 PM

I like that idea of now skiing downhill! Actually, over the hill to me means that I just have gone over one and right in front of me is another, just as challenging but one that was hidden from view by my first "hill". My first hill may have been "challenge" or "competition". The hill in front of me now may be "exploration"- just the fun of seeing what is over the next hill.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/09/08 06:28 PM

You win the prize! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That is exactly how I feel. And that should be the attitude of everyone that cares about their health. If your too mushy and out of shape your life will spiral downhill. A friend of mine and myself were getting in a quick 15 mi. ride the other day and saw one of those middle aged men walking on the paved walking path. My friend made the comment about growing old and living the good life until the Doc tells you that you've had a heart attack or had to have bypass surgery. With skill, attitude and lifestyle (and a little bit of luck and good genes) it can be easy to outperform a younger out of shape person.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/09/08 06:31 PM

And so is the philosiphy of life!
Posted by: leadfoot

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/10/08 05:09 AM

Crested. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> But I never saw a hill. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: MountainMule

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/15/08 09:40 PM

I am 62 and I've been loitering for a while on TLB. It's nice to find a group of boomers - like myself - growing older but still with plenty of dreams and schemes!

My thought for the day [ yes, I get one a day ] is that IF you can define what over the hill means, you probably aren't on this forum. You know, - the principle that if you can remember the 60s then you weren't there...

We should count our blessings; we have our health, more or less, but much more we have a love of the outdoors and coupled with the explosion in lightweight walking options, we can continue to enjoy the wilderness for many years to come. Hallelujah!

MountainMule
Posted by: Dryer

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 10/16/08 04:29 AM

53 here, as of yesterday <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.no hill that I can tell, except I'm not as impulsive as I was when younger. Gonna try an "Ultimate Frisbee" league this winter at my daughters (a team captain) request. Still a hobby junkie/recycler.
Playing music in two bands, hiking or paddling every day, watching my kids become adults and having the same goofy ideas I had when I was their age.
Yeah, there's the aches and pains that come with age but it's nothing I can't deal with....you just don't heal as fast.
Posted by: wyohikeit

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 11/23/08 04:40 PM

Just discovered this forum tonight. My hiking buddy (wife of 27years) and I spend a lot of time in the hills on the path less traveled. We find that over the hill just means that there is another great view from the top with more time to take in the view before hiking back to the rat race.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/03/08 07:11 AM

Quote:
We find that over the hill just means that there is another great view from the top with more time to take in the view before hiking back to the rat race.


Enjoy your young life while you can. When your bones start to talk to you someday you will have a different defination of what over the hill means.
Posted by: JAK

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/04/08 02:50 AM

Over the hill means having to spend time hanging out with all you old folks to make myself feel better. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: sabre11004

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/05/08 04:36 PM

That would be the same for me..I am 56 years old today and I think that I would define "over the hill" will be when I just can't do these things any more, and with that being said, I really do not see an end to it all yet!!! May surprise me some day but for now I think that I will just keep on trucking....

The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there !!!!!!!
Posted by: oldneez

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/05/08 05:24 PM

I'm so glad I found this group. I'm 55 and was beginning to think that maybe I am over the hill. I used to backpack a lot, but as you can see by my user name, I have a few knee problems. I can still day hike, and I hunt and fish with no problems. Lately, I've noticed that backpacking gear has changed a lot in the 30 years I've been away from backpacking. So, I'm thinking of trying it again. Nothing major, just a quick overnight trip somewhere. I've found this group very encouraging!
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/06/08 05:43 AM

Great to see that your not out for the count. Go lightweight and choose a trail that is not to demanding to test yourself. Just have some fun. BTW im also 55.
Posted by: Paddy_Crow

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/06/08 06:38 AM

Over the hill is 10 years greater than your present age...
Posted by: kutenay

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/07/08 05:33 AM

I was in an outfitter's camp a few years ago, in northern BC and the cook told me about the former owner of that concession, Wes Brown, who had just passed. He was 92 and had shot his last Elk there at 90, a tough guy with a lifetime spent in the BC wilderness.

I am 62 and I started hiking at age 10, in the wilderness surrounding my small hometown of Nelson, BC. I still backpack, hunt and all of the related stuff and fully intend to do so until at least age 90, it just requires sufficient desire.

It takes more effort/time to stay in shape now and I am much slower, but, the high mountains are not out of reach and I now have the time, finances and experience to go anywhere I want to. It's ALL about motivation and desire.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/07/08 06:56 AM

Quote:
it just requires sufficient desire.

And that my friends is what should drive all of us. And that brings me to another little story. I've played drums all of my life because I had the strong desire to do so. I never had a lesson and practiced everyday from the time I was 10 till the age of 30. A neighbor of mine asked if I would teach his daughter to play. He agreed of a fee and we started lessons. After the first lesson, I assigned some simple rudaments to practice. The following week I asked my student if she had practiced the assignment she said no. I asked her to play what she knew which was nill. So I tried to instill that practice makes perfect and worked with her for an hour or so going over 2 or 3 simple pieces that she could practice the following week. Again the same thing happened. I had to explane to my friend that I couldn't teach something when there was no desire to learn. I guess she thought it would be instant gratification and be an overnight sensation. There is no such thing...
I hope we can all hike into the 90's. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: northernbcr

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/07/08 10:26 AM

to me over the hill will be the day i die . life is full of challenges and will continue to the end as we learn to die ,only then will i be over the hill
Posted by: kutenay

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/07/08 11:38 AM

Yup, and under the sod, too!
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/08/08 05:18 AM

You say that now while you have your faculties. I saw an old man yesterday in a power chair using oxygen and had parkensens. He was trying to reach for something on a shelf and couldn't retreive it. He was over the hill.
Posted by: packlite

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/08/08 12:51 PM

Quote:
Yeah, there's the aches and pains that come with age but it's nothing I can't deal with....you just don't heal as fast.
Amen!! 62 on Saturday <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/10/08 07:01 AM

Congrats on reaching the big 62!
Posted by: packlite

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/24/08 04:20 PM

Originally Posted By chaz
Congrats on reaching the big 62!
Thanks, I'm getting all my docs together to go apply for social security. Can't believe it. Feel like 30, look like 25, and I'm putting in for social security. crazy

I've got a ways to go to match that lady pictured on the forum index who's lighting her cig off her 100th birthday cake candles. lol
Posted by: atraildreamer

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/25/08 10:38 AM

Originally Posted By chaz
You say that now while you have your faculties. I saw an old man yesterday in a power chair using oxygen and had parkensens. He was trying to reach for something on a shelf and couldn't retreive it. He was over the hill.


Over the hill?! You seem to overlook the fact that he was still TRYING, despite his handicaps. When you stop trying, then you are either over the hill, or dead.

On a lighter note, Paul McCartney got a clue to being "over the hill" when his daughter asked him "what a Beatle was"? eek
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 12/29/08 08:37 AM

Packlite, You can also look at all the benefits of being a senior citizen. Cheap coffee at Mcdonalds, AARP discounts and many that I'm not aware of yet.
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/01/09 08:26 PM

I turn 50 in one week. I just got my "AARP" card along with an invitation to join their club in the mail. They even knew my full name! That could be considered a valid definition frown

I don't go to doctors (Prescribers?) much. Don't take any prescriptions and rarely even take an aspirin.

I still smoke and I drink good beer everyday, only eat two meals a day, and seldom eat sugary stuff at all.

I make it a point to hike to the bottom of the holler behind my house every few days and spend some time wondering around in there, mostly because I can.

This ain't much different than when I was 30. Before that I didn't drink beer at all and I worked a lot harder, but I don't really feel much different. Not enough to complain about it, that's for sure.

I still get out and work hard too. But not like you, chaz. I have a neighbor, Randy, about my age and he works like a mule too. So does his dad, Verlon, who's a neighbor also. Verlon's 76. We all built trails in the forest between our places a couple years ago. Verlon set a tough pace and after a week he had wore me out good. I didn't say anything until Randy whined a little but that was all it took and we both got to commiserating good.

But I guess we should take advantage of any privileges our age might gain for us. I mean, shoot, according to the AARP now I can get deals on hotels and car rentals and insurance and more !! smile smile

Bill
Posted by: Eric

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/02/09 12:26 AM

Originally Posted By billstephenson


But I guess we should take advantage of any privileges our age might gain for us. I mean, shoot, according to the AARP now I can get deals on hotels and car rentals and insurance and more !! smile smile

Bill


Check out the AARP auto insurance program. It saved me about 50%.
Age does have some advantages...but then the rest of it sucks.
Posted by: Pika

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/02/09 09:11 AM

If you think you are over the hill, then you are. It doesn't have that much to do with age.

Oregon Mouse of this forum is in her 70's and still going strong; I'm in my 70's and still going; I think OM passed me on the trail once. I met two 70-somethings and one 80-year-old on the JMT this past summer.

If you don't have any major health limitations, then being "over the hill" is a choice, not a condition.
Posted by: Tango61

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/02/09 09:40 PM


I would agree with you Pika. I've been reading Nimblewill Nomad's journals and that guy is a hiking machine! He's been hiking long trails since 1998 and I think he is in his upper 70's.
That gives me hope. To be debt free and able to hike long trails is my long term goal. One step at a time for each.

Tango
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/03/09 01:06 PM

Originally Posted By Pika
If you think you are over the hill, then you are. It doesn't have that much to do with age.

Oregon Mouse of this forum is in her 70's and still going strong; I'm in my 70's and still going; I think OM passed me on the trail once. I met two 70-somethings and one 80-year-old on the JMT this past summer.

If you don't have any major health limitations, then being "over the hill" is a choice, not a condition.



Thank you....

That's a very inspiring and comforting message. I'm sure that whenever I'm trudging along and begin to consider feeling sorry for myself because I'm getting older I'll be stopped by the vision of you and Oregon Mouse zooming by me (she'll be in front wink

That's just what I need too smile

Bill
Posted by: coyotemaster

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/03/09 05:24 PM

Originally Posted By chaz
...I saw an old man yesterday in a power chair using oxygen and had parkensens. He was trying to reach for something on a shelf and couldn't retreive it...


I ask the Lord to take me home before I ever get like that.
Posted by: Pika

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/03/09 07:50 PM

Originally Posted By coyotemaster
Originally Posted By chaz
...I saw an old man yesterday in a power chair using oxygen and had parkensens. He was trying to reach for something on a shelf and couldn't retreive it...


I ask the Lord to take me home before I ever get like that.


Life is precious. I recall someone saying once that the only person who could possibly want to be a blind, deaf, failing, incontinent, pain-ridden, 88-year-old is a blind, deaf, failing, incontinent, pain-ridden, 87-year-old. You should probably wait until you are there before you decide that you want to be taken.
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/03/09 08:48 PM

Yeah, he was trying but definatly over the hill. Or let's say has crested the hill and is on his way down fast. Life is fragil anyway and when your to that point any little thing can finish you. Live all you can while you can...
Posted by: chaz

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/03/09 08:59 PM

Well! for a while I thought I was over the hill. Now after reading all the replies, I feel young again. LOL I'm ready for some bpacking. Even though I'm inspired by the will to live,(and I do have sympthy for those that have lost function). We shouldn't beat this dead horse anymore. Time to plan the next adventure. LOL LOL LOL
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/03/09 10:03 PM

The only hiker I've been able to pass the last 5 years is this one:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2717580992_5d64372531.jpg?v=0

Sorry, can't get the image to post or even a link to work!

EDIT: at least I got the link to work on the third try!
Posted by: packlite

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 01/06/09 05:38 PM

Originally Posted By OregonMouse
The only hiker I've been able to pass the last 5 years is this one:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2717580992_5d64372531.jpg?v=0

Sorry, can't get the image to post or even a link to work!

EDIT: at least I got the link to work on the third try!
OM, first of all, as one who grew up in Oregon and have lived in the PNW for over 60 years, your photo is "right on" - the should-be-official mascot of the PNW.

Secondly, the problem you are having with your image is that the url ends with several unusual characters after the .jpg so I just removed those characters and it works fine.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2717580992_5d64372531.jpg?v=0 (remove the ?v=0) and you get "banana slug"






Posted by: Windwalker55

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 03/04/09 07:00 PM

I really feel you're only as old as you feel. I'm 63 and still feel 40, well almost anyway. I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim 3 years ago and climbed tow 14,000 foot peaks last summer. I'm planning some backpacks in Utah canyon country in the next few weeks and another trip into the Grand Canyon in 2010.

I know some folks aren't as fortunate with their health as I am at my age so I am grateful for all the time I can get and hope to keep going for years to come.
Posted by: JimmyTH

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 03/18/09 11:07 AM

I don't think I've got this concept straight in my head because I can't imagine what it would be like to not want to do things and not be able, but I remember reading someone else's comments years ago about what it's like to be old, where you're sitting on a park bench in the sun and you're dreaming of doing great things and climbing mountains and when you open your eyes you have trouble just getting up off the bench.

Maybe you're over the hill when you start getting hurt all the time doing the things you like. That happened to my father very suddenly one summer. He liked cutting firewood and had done it for forever, all of a sudden he was making foolish mistakes. Cut a limb he should have known not to stand in front of, it whipped back and nearly took his eye out, knocked him flat. Got his truck stuck in the woods where he shouldn't even have had a problem and I had to chop it out with an ax. Wouldn't fix the handle on his sledgehammer and the head came off it when he swung it at a splitting wedge, went straight up about ten feet and nearly smashed in the back of his skull, hit him squarely.

So I guess you're over the hill when you make stupid mistakes and can't stop any more.

Jimmy
Posted by: willhike4food

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 05/28/10 05:52 PM

I just passed 10 teenagers in the last 4 miles! sheeeit!
Posted by: Trailrunner

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 05/29/10 02:23 PM

I'm "only" 52 (almost 53) and I'm doing things now I didn't do in my 20's. I've had injuries and my recovery time isn't what it used to be. I have to work harder to stay fit. But the years have given me mental toughness I didn't have when I was young and that makes up for much of what I've lost physically. I'm still outracing guys who could be my son.

I'd sooner mow the hill down than go over it!!!!

IMO it's all in your state of mind.
Posted by: aimless

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 05/29/10 03:24 PM

AFAICS, "over the hill" will come when my body no longer can deliver what my mind wholly desires it to do, despite whatever efforts I make to coax it, strengthen it, heal it, or rest it into the proper shape.

Therefore, a pro athlete may be over the hill at 35, because he (or she) expects nothing less than exceptionally superior performance every time. Conversely, if I keep my expectations somewhat in line with my physical capabilities, I may never be over the hill.
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 06/02/10 01:36 AM

My definition of "over the hill" is when I can no longer go up and down said hill. In other words, when I'm no longer able to put one foot in front of the other, or I can't see well enough to drive to the trailhead....

On the other hand, I'll no doubt find something else to do then, until my time comes!
Posted by: wildthing

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 06/02/10 07:37 PM

Jimmy, many of us here can identify with your dad. But my theory is that as you get a little older, you work smarter. You prepare for the worst, carry good gear that has worked in the past and double prepare for trips.

As for passing teenagers, I roll past 5 young road bikers a week on my road bike coming into work. However, the keen racing guy and a few of the hard-ass women blow by me pretty easily. Out in the woods, I start early and stay late and keep a steady pace. Usually get to my campsite between 1 and 3 p.m. on a regular backpacking trip and put in extra time on the thru hike until I do my quota.

Still, I'm 57 and knee issues, the occasional ligament tear and other minor complaints do take longer to heal. I'm still feeling the overextension of my right leg on a trip to the river with my neice last summer. Stupid little things hang around longer.

As others commented, my mental strenth is much improved over my 20s as I have much greater self-discipline which means I can endure tougher days. Equipment may not be new, but it was good quality stuff and still can be rehabilitated.
Posted by: Kent W

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 06/06/10 08:36 PM

AS Long as We Are looking Down At The Grass and Not Up at The Roots, We Are over the hill of sorts.This is better than under the hill! Perhaps? Hmmm Food for thought? Happy trails, be thankfull for the day. Dont waste time pondering aches and pains if you are capable of getting out and hiking!
Posted by: balzaccom

Re: Define what over the hill means to you. - 06/06/10 11:58 PM

My 65 year old brother just joined us for his first backpacking trip in about 45 years--through snow, swollen creeks, and bushwhacking. And loved it!