When most people hear the word “exercise” they cringe at the thought of it. It takes time and energy to keep up a healthy routine. Recently, I met up with two all-stars. Bob Jones, 71 of Big Lake and Norma Mitchell, 91, of Becker. Both of them are living proof of the benefits of staying active. They defy the number game.

                       Bob Jones, 71, running like he is 21      

            Living by the lake, I would see Bob Jones running. It did not matter the season. Bob diligently ran. He did not deviate from his routine. Like clockwork, I noticed he usually ran at the same time each morning. One day, I decided to talk with him. I said, “Hello and asked him how far he runs each time?” He said with a big smile, “four miles, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.”

            I asked the big question, “How old are you?” When he told me “71” I couldn’t believe it. Bob is fit. He is a little over six feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. He is a svelte 200. “When I got out of the Marines at 25, I wanted to keep up the training. I’ve been running for 46 years. Running has become an addiction to me. I don’t know what I would do if I pulled a muscle and couldn’t run,” Bob said.

            Bob grew up in north east California on a cattle ranch. He rode horses, set fence posts, bailed hay and fixed farm machinery. It was part of his daily life growing up. To my surprise, Bob still works. He starts at nine in the morning and runs before.  He also lifts weights at work in the afternoons. Bob told me, he is the third oldest at Xcel Energy. He started in 1984 and plans to outlast some of the young bucks there.

            There is no processed food in Bob’s diet. He eats vegetables and fruit throughout the week and beef sirloin on the weekend. His cooking method is simple, he steams everything. “I used to like tomato juice but found out there is too much sodium. I don’t eat bread. I buy whole grains from a nature food store and steam them myself. I buy a dozen eggs once a month and I don’t’ drink milk. Dessert for me is, walnuts or almonds,” says Bob. To add to his healthy regime, he walks to Coborn’s, (two miles roundtrip) to get his groceries.

            So, what do the doctors say when you have your physical? Bob replied, “I avoid going to the doctor. I don’t take any medication or pills. My blood pressure was 115/70 the last time I checked.”  As I wrap up my conversation with Bob, I had one last question to ask him. What motivates you?

“Running is relaxing to me,” he says with a smile and jogs away to finish what he started.

                          Norma Mitchell, 91 years young

            I have known Norma Mitchell for many years. She used to live in Big Lake. I would see her walking around the lakes, which is about five miles. I can tell you, she had a fast pace. She was in her 70’s and I was in my 30’s. I had a hard time keeping up. She amazed me then and still does at 91.

            Norma invited me to her townhome in Becker for a visit and a walk. She looked great.  I asked her about her walking. She said, “I walk for 90 minutes every day. If the weather isn’t good, I will walk around my dining room for 90 minutes. I have to keep moving.”  Looking at Norma, you can’t help but notice the good shape she is in. Some people she met, who are 65-70 years old, will tell her, “You are younger than we are.”  “I tell them my age and they are shocked,” Norma says.

We agreed, staying active is key at any age, but especially as you live longer.

            Norma grew up in Bemidji. She lived on a farm and knew what hard work was from an early age.

Like Bob, Norma was working fulltime at the VFW in her 70’s. She kept up her same regiment of walking every day. When she moved to Texas, 20 years ago, she continued to worked fulltime. “I took care of my house and my lawn by myself. When I moved to Becker six years ago, I worked at the school for a little while. I really like kids. I am retired now and I clean my own place,” said Norma.

            Moderation is important, when it comes to Norma’s diet. She doesn’t eat breakfast and will usually have oatmeal for lunch and dinner is at five. “I like to eat salads and not a lot of meat. I don’t drink regular milk but I like almond milk. I love to bake and I do indulge in the sweets. It is all about balance,” she says.

            “The doctor shakes his head when he checks my vitals, as they are perfect. When he found out how much I walk, he knew that played a big part in my results. Sometimes I wake up through the night and will do a few exercises to help go back to sleep. I don’t take any pills, just my vitamins,” said Norma.  I asked her, what motivates you? “I look forward to my walks, having company and I like to sketch and paint. Keep doing what you like to do,” Norma replied. I smiled and left with a loaf of date nut bread.

            I am inspired by Bob and Norma. They both keep physically fit and active. Age doesn’t matter. It’s a positive attitude and dedication to a healthy lifestyle.

            In closing, it dawned on me; this will be my last column for 2020. Reflecting on this year is interesting, to say the least. More challenges, changes and struggles. Yet, there are the good things. Some sweet babies were born. There were more beautiful sunrises than I can count. The good times spent with family and friends. I worked hard and helped out where I could. I cried some, but laughed more. I went horseback riding and on countless walks. I made new friends. The list could go on. Most importantly, I lived and I loved.