Morning Joe

Ever since I started this blog, I’ve been on the lookout for people in their 40s, 50s and beyond who are living life to their fullest regardless of their age. And last Friday, I found my man! (I know this is a blog for women, but sometimes men can inspire us, too!)

I was driving my 11-year-old daughter to school and Joe Klug caught my eye. I noticed him immediately because he looked so out of place. As drivers were pulling out of housing tracks and into the busy streets and intersections to take children to school and head to work, Joe Klug burst onto the scene in rollerblades, gliding effortlessly down the sidewalk for a morning roller jog.

So after I dropped off my daughter, I did the only thing a curious blogger would do . . . I went looking for him. I knew an interesting story when I saw one. I saw Joe across the street, made a U-turn and then pulled into the driveway of a church, half blocking the sidewalk he was coming down. I think I scared him. I quickly explained my purpose and asked him if he wouldn’t mind posing for a picture. He hesitated at first, then allowed me to snap off this picture:

What I love about Joe is that he is an “older” guy engaging in a sport that is typically associated with young people. I didn’t ask him his age because it didn’t really matter. He grew up in North Dakota, where he played ice hockey as a kid. Rollerblading through the neighborhood, which he has been doing for many years, allows him to connect, once again, with his childhood passion.

“Old, my ass!” says Joe, who perfectly embodies the spirit of this blog.

You go, Joe!