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About Me


I’m Don McGrath, and in this blog I share my experiences as I do research for, write and promote a book based on 50 interviews with athletes over 50 years old.  My personal background is that I am a lifelong athlete.  I competed in long-distance and middle distance running throughout high school 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. At age 46, 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 that the stories and lesson contained on this blog and in my books will help anyone who wants to have a strong, healthy and active life.

{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Terry Peterson June 1, 2009 at 5:56 pm

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!

Bob Meluskey sr June 20, 2009 at 1:11 pm

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

Lorenz Sell July 2, 2009 at 4:52 pm

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!

Kathy Schoolcraft July 19, 2009 at 10:21 am

Don
can you add dalbano1@nycap.rr.com to the 50,000 challenge
thanks

don July 19, 2009 at 11:06 am

Absolutely. Counted!

Susan EB Schwartz August 15, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Hi Don,

I enjoy your blog and love your message!

-Susan

Glenn Tyson August 31, 2009 at 5:12 pm

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.

Kathy Carr January 11, 2010 at 1:56 pm

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

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