14 DAY TRIAL // We often hear that the mind is more powerful than body, yet we rarely do anything to prove that it’s true. Sister Madonna Buder, for one, is determined to show that age has nothing to do with her dedication to staying fit and physically able of pulling challenges that would be a headache even for young people, as ABC News informs.
Buder is 78 years old and she continues to race triathlons. What’s even better, the nun, now known as Iron-Nun for her abnegation and immense dedication, says that she sees no reason to stop taking part in this type of events, since she has God on her side and her very strong will to aid her as well. She may seem a bit frail and slender, but what pushes her is more powerful than most things we have seen.
“At 78 years old, Buder races triathlons. Among the most grueling sporting events in the world, triathlons consist of swimming, cycling and running in succession. She has participated in more than 320 of them – 40 of which were Ironman class events consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26-mile run.” ABC says of this extraordinary woman. “Well, you know, as long as God is giving you your health, there’s no reason to stop.” the only nun in workout clothes ever states for the aforementioned publication.
In setting this wonderful example, nun Buder is not alone. Just recently, the case of an 83-year-old yoga instructor who was still able to bend like rubber, and complete and hold poses that many of her younger students could not was also made public. Bette Calman too insisted that age had nothing to do with one’s ability to face physical challenges, since this particular ability was rather linked to mental strength than with anything else. She couldn’t see the point of “retiring” either, just like nun Buder.
Even more recently, sexagenarian Jerry Hayes also set an example in terms of what will power can do, after losing about 48% of his own body weight following elimination in the first week of reality show The Biggest Loser. Hayes was booted from the show after collapsing from the strain of working out, but completed the workout routine in his own home – and then got to win the $100,000 prize for the most weight lost outside the major competition, along with the admiration and respect of an entire country. He too believes age is but a number.