About Me
I’m Don McGrath, and this blog will capture my experiences as I do research for and write a book based on 50 interviews with athletes over 50 years old. I am currently 45 and want to be able to continue enjoying my passion for sports for many years. It is my hope that in doing the research and writing the book I will learn valuable lessons that will enable me to be like the amazing people I plan on interviewing, and I will in turn share these lessons as well as the inspiring stories with the reader.
My personal background is that I am a lifelong athlete. I competed in long-distance and middle distance running throughout highschool and college, and achieved some success, running 4:14 for the mile, 9:04 for the 3000m steeplechase, and 30:59 for 10Km. In this period I learned the importance of consistent training and conditioning, as well as how to lead people.
Later in life I shifted to rock climbing where I have climbed difficult traditional routes, as well as difficult sport climbs. This is my current passion/obsession.
My professional background is as an electrical engineer. I got my B.S.E.E. from Rochester Institute of Technology, M.S.E.E. from Purdue University, and Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute. I’m currently an Engineering Director at a high tech company, and have the challenge of balancing my sport, career, and personal interests. I am also a trained personal coach.
I’m hoping to take what I have learned from my experiences as an athlete, coach, and manager of people to create a source of information, insight, and inspiration that will be valuable for anyone who would like to play long into the wee hours of their life.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
hello Don!
You’re doing a great job and I’ve posted a link to your blog on unicyclist.com, and emailed it to my family & friends! They all are very impressed and love your concept, and of course are looking forward with great anticipation to the book!
So here’s to all the other middle-aged “kids” out there who don’t let a few gray hairs hold them back from their dreams, and refuse to grow old “gracefully”, but with the gusto and passion of a teenager!
i showed the article you wrote about me to several of my fellow co=workers they were impressed so we punched up the site at lunch break these guys fight to read about other athletes great job hey if you need help with the publishing and or printing let me know i only work for the worlds number 1 multimedia company
Don,
This blog is awesome. I love your 50,000 athlete challenge. Stick to it and I have no doubt you’ll succeed. More importantly, the personal fulfillment you’ll get out of this endeavor will carry you through anything you want to accomplish in life.
Good luck!
Don
can you add dalbano1@nycap.rr.com to the 50,000 challenge
thanks
Absolutely. Counted!
Hi Don,
I enjoy your blog and love your message!
-Susan
Don,
I enjoyed reading your website articles and look forward to your BOOK!
I’m 43 yrs young this year and strive to be in the best shape physically and mentally in the years to come. The human body and mind are an awesome combination with limitless potentials. Your book will share other experiences to the masses, so that we can excel from their wisdom. Thanks to all of the interviewees for taken the time to tell thier life story.
Hi Don
I just finished reading an article about you and your new book and the follow up book that will be released soon. I am 63 years old and have taken up running again or should I say as another alternative to my daily walks. I completed my very first 5K in July and was blessed to have my son here from California to accompany and pace me in. Then I ran/walked the half marathon in Denver in October. What a rush! I am a native Californian and have to step lightly when I go out during the snowy months afraid of hurting myself. But, the real reason I am writing is I love reading stories about people who are over 50 and wanting to keep up the pace. I appreciate the article and keep up the great information. Thank you, K