The Editor sent out roving Reporter Bob Reid to interview three of our members who share a common passion.
 
As an OBE (Over Bloody Eighty) Rotarian, I put my hand up to take on the challenge of a chat with three of our members who all have something in common, that is beside their advanced ages and cranky dispositions. They are all fitness freaks who exercise consistently by running, bike riding, hiking, gyms etc which they manage around their work, social and family life. Quite often they take on challenges to raise money for charities which is most admirable, although one goes to extremes by riding all over Australia. Bloody madness I say.
 
Of course, I am talking about Paul Campbell, Bob Montgomery, and Bill Pixton. My brief was "Are they just Old Rotary Farts, or what?" Let's find out.
 
Paul on the Sydney to Wollongong MS Ride, 2018
Bob training at Wentworth Falls
Bill running somewhere in the Mountains
 
Q1 What has been the inspiration behind your fitness regime?
 
Paul:  Fitness is a challenge to him. As a junior he played Rugby at school, university and with the Wallabies for 12 months. He also played rugby in the US and served in the reserves for Vietnam. He even sailed with his wife Dawn, across the Pacific to Australia.
Bob:  The thought of getting older, or more importantly feeling older, inspired him to take up long distance bike riding.
Bill:  He realised early on that "going for a run" was good for his wellbeing. Played rugby and athletics, at mediocre level, at Sydney Boys High and some Rugby League in the Country Division.
 
 
Q2 What types of training are you involved with?
 
Paul:  Runs, hikes, mountain biking in Malayasia, road biking
Bob: Weights, cycling. training, jogging and lots of exercises in home gym
Bill: Strength training in garage,  trail running, mountain biking, bushwalking, multi day hikes in remote areas
 
 
Q3 Do you have a preferred way of training?
 
Paul:  Bike riding is my preference, but running is the preferred training
Bob:  His preference is cycling but I do a lot of stretching. As we speak he was stretching his right arm as he bought a bottle of red which we knocked off during the interview.
Bill:  My preference is running but I have borrowed a static exercise bike (from Bob) and also use that. Some swimming but for enjoyment.
 
Q4 What type of diet and nutrition?
 
Paul: He has clean plate syndrome, what more could he ask.
Bob:  Red wine. Lots of vegetables and fish, meat once a week.
Bill: Not too fanatical but aim for nutritious food. He is lucky Sallee is a top cook.
 
Q5 Does your spouse join you in these activities?
 
Paul: Dawn is very wise and just supports
Bob:  Definitely not as she might break her nails. But yes she does support enormously.
Bill: Sallee does the social bushwalks and birdwatching but thinks Bill is crazy with the exercising.
 
Q6 Do you have a gym at home?
 
Paul: No
Bob: Has a good set up at home which saves me running or cycling to the gym.
Bill: Now set up a few weights (3litre milk bottles full of water) and stretch bands in the garage. Helps with knee rehab but boring as batshit and prefer to be outside.
 
Q7 How many kms or level intensity a week?
 
Paul:  Not too sure but around 300,000 steps per month by walking or hiking
Bob:    Currently about 80kms riding per week and when in full training about 150km.
Bill:  Currently running every second day for about 30-40km a week.
 
Q8 Apart from being an old fart, what drives you to exercise and train?
 
Paul: It's always a challenge but need to be careful not to overtrain. Keeps you positive and optimistic.
Bob:   Wanting to be healthy and challenged, fitness being a way of life.
Bill: Likes being in the bush and privileged here in Blue Mountains. There is a strong running culture here with Ultra type events. However the 5km Parkruns maybe more his future.
 
 
 
I have had a lot of laughs during this process. Although it is not "fake news," I have taken some poetic license at times. These three old farts are fit men and all with lean physiques. Damn them. Whilst they are all quite different characters, there is a common thread in their motivation, commitment and discipline. They may not live any longer than others but they reckon they feel better.
 
I would like to thank Paul, Bob and Bill for their cooperation and hopefully we might make the Booker Prize for "Old Fart Short Stories"