November, 2006
Wellness Achiever, Bob Pates
Who I am -- Physically Active and Purpose-driven by Nature
Hi, my name is Bob Pates. I’m an avid 70-year old competitive runner from Chicago, and currently in first place in my age division in the 2006 CARA (the Chicago Area Runners’ Association), the city’s major running circuit. I have participated in 60 marathons and have some forty years of running approximately 85,000 miles under my belt. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always led a physically active life – arose early, busy with my work, and have always been a role model for people who want to be in good shape. For 50 years, I worked at the top echelons in broadcasting sales, and senior management positions for CNN, ABC and CBS. I’ve always worked in fast-moving, people-based environments.
In addition to running, I have spent twelve years in Judo competition. I’ve always worked with a personal trainer for my physical regimen. My current trainer is an ancient master of Tai-Chi – when we work out together, we work out for 6 hours – starting at 8 a.m. Believe it or not, his two trainers are over 100 years of age! I have always hung around with people like that – people who are living with a purpose. Given my rich history, I just want to share how Ziquin has helped me on my extraordinary journey.
A Change in Purpose
Five years ago, I wrapped up my corporate career because I decided I wanted to make a more direct contribution to my fellow man. I wanted to make use of my personal athleticism and do good things for people while being on my feet. I am now working as a certified fitness trainer for a top-notch occupational therapy organization in Chicago and surrounding areas assisting severely disabled individuals. I am currently studying to obtain my certificates in performance nutrition for athletes, and the training of older adults. I have a 100% commitment to helping people feel better and do better.
Physical Challenges: Achilles’ heel and Rheumatism
In 1996, when I turned 60, I ran four major marathons one after another. In the process, I damaged my right Achilles’ heel – it got inflamed up to my calf. For probably around 7 or 8 years following, it felt like having an abscess tooth in the heel. Every time I would train, I would have to deal with serious pain. I was almost at the apex of giving up with the running.
When I first left the corporate world, I moved to Colorado and developed a mountain running training program for myself there. I ran for 6 hours in the mountains that climbed from 8,000-12,000 feet. While in Colorado, I did a certain amount of stretching and strengthening of my Achilles’ heel area. When I returned to Chicago, however, I still didn’t feel confident that the ankle was going to last. Though racing had been a regular part of my life until then, I didn’t feel good about participating at that juncture. I thought that a race would really challenge the ankle beyond what it could handle, and I knew things would just go downhill from there. I continued to run, but wasn’t running the way I used to - - just kind of jogging along like an old man. Basically, I had lost confidence in myself as a competitive racer.
On top of that, my fingers were starting to swell at the joints. I began to notice that I couldn’t seem to hold onto things. Though I was active as usual in my life, I would lose contact with the control of my hands. This went on until just two years ago, where it got to the point that I couldn’t even hold a cup of tea, a broom, or snap a finger. I went to a doctor, who had this to say: “You are dealing with rheumatism at a level that could kill an elephant. But because of your training, lifestyle, and diet, you are not as susceptible as one normally would be.”
Also, I noticed that my decision making was slowing down. I found myself having personal problems that were catching up on me. These personal stressors were hampering my business judgment and my focus.
Introduced to Ziquin
At around that time, a mutual friend introduced me to Dr. Chris Morris. When I first learned about Ziquin, I was looking at working with Ziquin as a commercial opportunity because of my own sales and marketing background. I could see something that would be both beneficial to me and others. I started immediately on the complete Ziquin collection, with the Nanomeds minerals.
Relief, Recovery, PLUS Added Strength and Well-Being
During the first six months on Ziquin, I didn’t feel like much was happening. This remained true even after nine months, though I now realize that there were subtle changes occurring that I just couldn’t directly feel. After passing the one-year mark, the definite shifts were clear and obvious. First of all, the rheumatic pain is now gone. My ankle has recovered and held up quite nicely, and I have been able to engage in competitive racing again. And finally, my fingers are in operation again – the stiffness has been alleviated and I have regained my grip strength!
Best of all, however, I can say that in this past year, I have experienced some of the best moments of my life. Basically, a very foundational, deep sense of wellness has been laid in my body. At different times -- for example, on the ride home from work -- I am suddenly overcome with a really good feeling, which seems to come out of the blue. It’s an internal sense of real wellness. And now, it seems that there isn’t anything external that can really affect or stress me. This is not a financial or personally based “happiness” – rather, just a good, deep basic feeling.
Decision to Compete Again and More Strength
When I became a trainer a year ago this past August, I continued to work with my own personal trainer. He encouraged me to get back into physical shape. So I decided to get back into the races. At first, I was doing terribly – and I felt pretty beat up. My mind was strong, but my physical shape wasn’t up to par, and it was affecting me emotionally. After some time being replenished and rejuvenated on Ziquin this past winter, however, I decided to really go for it. I prepared for a spring-time 5K race. I ended up with a time which was A LOT faster than I thought I could run. Ever since then, things have been only improving. I have run four half marathons, and in the last one, I beat the second person by three miles! During this period, I have still been sustaining injuries and maintaining a pretty rigorous regimen.
For example, a few weeks ago, I was almost hit by a taxi cab and in avoiding getting hit, I twisted my ankle. Two days later, I had to run a half-marathon. At my age, injuries are almost lethal. But instead, I found myself burying guys who were two times younger than me. I believe that the Ziquin products allowed me to handle that situation – it is either that or a miracle! My body has an all together strong feeling – I can handle injuries, stress, and challenges much better. I’m probably at a better place than when I was in my late 40s – both physically and mentally. Every day, I begin my day at 3:30 a.m. for a seven-mile running regimen as part of my commute to work. On the weekends, I do a 10-15 mile run as part of my regimen. Since I first started on Ziquin two years ago, there has clearly been an increase in my overall health, stamina, and attention.
Current Philosophy and Outlook
I never take a day for granted, and I push hard every day. I get tired, but not fatigued – the way I was when I was working half those hours, in my thirties. Younger folks have said to me, “If I can look half as good as you look at the age of 70, I’ll be very happy.” What I tell them is that you might have to give up some pretty hardcore pleasures in life. I eat very simply and cleanly, take my Ziquin products, and stay true to who I am. From a biological perspective, there’s a very simple way to put it: Where do you want to be, mentally and physically in twenty years? So, what are you willing to change? Stop for a moment, step back, and evaluate what you’re doing. What benefits will you obtain 20-30 years from now? Not from a financial perspective, but from a health and personal perspective. And most important of all -- to be able to make a contribution to help other people? On that note, I’m shooting to do what I’m doing until I’m at least 100, and I am not going to stop participating in running until I keel over!
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