Racing Against the Clock - a review and some comments

I recently had the opportunity to see the DVD titled Racing Against the Clock and then to write a review of the documentary film by Bill Haney. This has sparked some interesting exchanges with several friends whom I invited to see and hear the review.

Hopefully, this has also sparked at least a modest spike in sales of the DVD. The film really is that good. Check out my review, both written and audio, at http://tpr.org/articles/2007/06/cinema-raceagainstclock.html.

Here are a few of the comments I’ve gotten. Carol Masters, who knows a few things about masters athletics, wrote:

“James, I ordered the DVD as soon as I received your previous note and actually watched it in AMAZEMENT a couple days ago.”

Carol continues:

“Thank you for sharing the program. Ironically, I never thought of the term baby boomers as an American term so did not give it a second thought when there were women from other countries competing. I thought that it was wonderful of the producers to chose such a diverse group of women athletes with diverse backgrounds that all eventually led them to track and field sports. I actually came away thinking (after viewing the movie) that several of them could have been olympic quality had they been born under different circumstances. We will never know. Additionally, I took away from the movie (among many things) that sports facilitated each of the ladies to dig really deep within and find strength to overcome illness, poverty and lack of identity.”

“Thank you for encouraging me to see the movie! I am going to share it with everyone I know!”

More about Carol Masters in a moment.

My interest all along in writing this blog and also in the continuing production of the podcast iExercise has been not to trumpet my own accomplishments which are decidedly modest, but rather to encourage others to take control of their fitness. I am surely not responsible for the life changes made by my friend Linda Carlson, but I welcome her note as something which will speak to anyone considering changing their ways:

“Love your review! This is so inspiring! I was born in 1953. For the past 8 years have been power walking, carrying 4 pounds in each hand, twice a day (6.30 am and 6 pm, each time with friends) for a total of 6 - 8 miles a day, 5 days a week. Now, I know that is nothing compared to your Marathon achievements, but it has helped me keep my weight and muscle tone where I want them to be, as well as helping me cope with stress, sadness etc. I wouldn't give it up for anything.”

And Paul Blakemore, a musician and friend for many years, wrote:

“Hey James - Thanks for sending me this. I bought myself an eliptical machine for my 53rd birthday last January and have been doing about 30 mins a day 4-5 days a week since. Along with this aerobic workout I also do about 80-90 situps and some moderate weight lifting - mainly shoulder presses, bench presses, rows, bicep/tricep curls, and squats. This just to keep from becoming a 50 something tub of lard! Har. It certainly has its benefits, though. My resting heart rate is usually about 63 and my blood pressure is typically 117/73 plus or minus.”

Way to go, Paul!

Bicyclist and fitness advocate William Hudson has surely encouraged many here in San Antonio. It seems everywhere I turn I find people who say how helpful William has been to them. Wrote William:

“Thanks for making me aware of the film ..... I have ordered it.”

As a quick aside, you will find a link for buying the DVD if you browse over to read the review. Texas Public Radio receives a modest return when you purchase using that link. Thanks for helping us out, and please share this film with others.

Forgive me, Carol, for adding this without your knowledge, but as I mentioned earlier this blog is about lighting a fire under us all to initiate and continue our own personal fitness regimens. Several in the San Antonio fitness community have suggested I get to know Carol Masters and I have followed their advice. In fact, Carol will eventually come in for an interview which will be featured later in the summer as an iExercise podcast segment. Here is a recently published article introducing Carol http://www.southtexasfitness.com/02_07/feature.html (February 2007 issue of South Texas Health and Fitness).

We are all interested in how and why you exercise. Please leave a comment. Thanks.