#77 Still Racing at 73: Triathlon’s Wild Origins, Daily Rituals For Recovery, Energy, Clarity, and Why Sport Is the Real Fountain of Youth

“I call my age group the 70 to death—and we show up early, because we still can. If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.”

Bob Babbitt has raced more than 300 triathlons, co-founded Competitor magazine, helped popularize the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series, and has spent decades spotlighting athletes of all abilities through storytelling.

At 73, he’s still training, still racing, and still waking up at 5:30 a.m. for his morning cold plunge.

But this episode isn’t just about endurance sports. It’s about how movement, community, and a willingness to reinvent yourself can keep you young—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

We dive into:

• The chaotic, hilarious origins of Ironman (including Big Macs and boomboxes)
• How triathlon went from fringe to global by aligning with city economics
• Daily habits Bob swears by for recovery, clarity, and energy
• What the “70 to death” age group can teach us about aging well
• The work of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and how sport empowers identity

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone thinking about how to age on your own terms—this one will stay with you.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Longevity is built through reinvention. Bob’s career spans media, sport, and philanthropy—and each chapter began with curiosity, not certainty.
• Movement fuels mindset. His fitness routine isn’t performance-driven—it’s how he stays clear, focused, and in motion.
• Community is everything. Surrounding yourself with people who “refuse to act old” is one of his core longevity strategies.
• Sport = transformation. Whether you’re a first-time triathlete or a challenged athlete rebuilding after injury, crossing that finish line changes everything.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

“I call my age group the 70 to death. And we show up early—because we still can.”
“Sport is what makes us whole. As long as there’s air in your lungs, you should be moving.”
“If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.”

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