Hosted by long-time endurance athlete Hilary Cairns, Aging Athletically explores what it means to pursue performance as we age. Through conversations with athletes and experts across sports, the podcast challenges the idea that aging equals backing down. This show is about resilience, reinvention, and continuing to compete at any age.
You can also find Aging Athletically on YouTube and Instagram, both under @agingathletically. Feedback welcome through these channels or via email at agingathletically@gmail.com.
Episode 33: Sharlene Brunjes, Canadian Record Setting Powerlifter and Competitive Dragon Boat Racer
In this episode of the Aging Athletically Podcast, host Hilary Cairns interviews Sharlene Brunjes, a 73-year-old Canadian masters athlete who excels in both powerlifting and dragon boat racing. They discuss Charlene's journey in athletics, the importance of strength training for older adults, and how her experiences in both sports have shaped her life and resilience. The conversation explores Sharlene's journey in competitive sports, particularly powerlifting and dragon boat racing, highlighting her late start in sports, her competitive spirit, and the importance of community in both sports. It also delves into her training regimen, nutrition, and the mental health benefits she derives from staying active.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Charlene Brunjes
02:28 Powerlifting Achievements and Experiences
10:21 The Importance of Resistance Training
16:22 Functional Fitness and Real-Life Applications
18:25 Exploring Dragon Boat Racing
24:07 Training and Community in Dragon Boating
28:31 Journey to Competitiveness
30:10 Comparing Sports: Powerlifting vs. Dragon Boating
33:14 Defining Success in Sports
34:20 Future Aspirations in Sports
36:47 Nutrition Strategies for Performance
42:32 Mental Health and Competition
49:39 Active Living for Longevity
1 Oct 2026
Episode 32: Damon Blakemore, Masters Track and Field American Record Holder and USATF Hall of Famer
In this episode of the Aging Athletically Podcast, host Hilary Cairns interviews accomplished masters athlete Damon Blakemore, who shares insights from his extensive track and field career. The conversation covers his experiences at the World Masters Championships, his evolution as an athlete, and the importance of recovery and mindset in maintaining high performance as he ages. In this conversation, Damon Blakemore discusses his journey through injury recovery, the importance of community in athletics, and his aspirations in the Masters Track and Field scene. He emphasizes the significance of patience, nutrition, and a positive mindset in maintaining athletic performance and longevity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Damon Blakemore
02:33 Experiences at World Masters Championships
05:54 Early Athletic Background
07:46 Transition to Masters Track
10:15 Training Evolution and Focus
15:09 Current Training Regimen
20:14 Training for the Thousand Meters
23:25 Aging and Performance Improvements
26:42 Motivation and Competitive Drive
30:41 The Challenge of Recovery
34:10 The Drive to Compete
36:02 Recognition in Masters Track
39:19 Promoting Masters Track and Field
42:48 Future Aspirations in Athletics
45:13 Nutrition and Competition Routines
46:58 Mindset and Motivation
48:36 Admiration for Other Athletes
54:36 Habits for Athletic Longevity
24 Sept 2026
Episode 31: David Stewart, Founder of AGEIST, Super Age, and the Super Age Games
David Stewart, founder of AGEIST and Super Age, discusses the upcoming Super Age Games, to be held in NYC on November 7th. The games focus on eight trainable markers connected to health span, including endurance, strength, balance, cognitive performance, and social connection. David shares his personal athletic journey, including overcoming knee injuries and a knee replacement, and emphasizes the importance of risk-taking and social connection in healthy aging.
Learn more about David's work and the Super Age Games at: https://games.superage.com/ (https://games.superage.com/) and https://superage.com/ (https://superage.com/) (subscribe to The Mindset there) and https://www.ageist.com/ (https://www.ageist.com/)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Super Age Games
01:59 The Vision Behind Super Age Games
05:03 David's Athletic Journey and Overcoming Injuries
13:00 The Eight Markers of Super Age Games
21:05 Logistics and Vision for Super Age Games
27:19 The Super Age Games: A Unique Athlete Experience
28:07 Physical Challenges and Personal Aspirations
30:25 Assessing Success and the Super Age Score
32:47 Athletic Longevity and Well-Being
43:58 Habits for Aging Athletically
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Contact Aging Athletically
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
