"We are not 18 anymore."

I guess I talked to another long time fellow biker friend that got me into racing years ago just a few days ago. He is here in town for Christmas and I went to go visit him. We were talking a lot about our bike adventures and how we are doing on our own races and such. I did tell him I had a bad year this year and told him I still rode quite a bit to stay in shape and I am already out of shape anyway. He said, "We are not 18 anymore."
Those words made think hard for the last few days and I really thought hard.
So, I am not 18 anymore, that really got me down a lot and it sucks. First of all, I was thinking about my bike riding when I was 18, the first thing that came in my mind was the rides I used to do to go up the Canyon Road climb. 5,500 vertical feet and I did it less than 2 hours. How did the heck did I do that? I really wish I can do that still, I can't even climb 5,000 feet right now, just half of that so far....in an hour and a half. That's slow. Well, at least I am still riding though, better than sitting on the couch.
I also remember how I was Super Man, really. I used to ride 6 days a week and go for 2-4 hours a day after school or after a construction job in the summer. Yes, that's too much, for a kid that age. But I was flyin', really flyin'. I got to the point that I was just not panting anymore on these rides, I like breathing normal on a steep climb. That was awesome. I was totally in amazing shape. And I raced in the Expert class in the mountain bike races, and now I am down to beginner or Clydesdale.
Well, right now, I just realize that it's good that I am still doing it and riding all over the place but not as much though. That's ok, I am just grateful that I am still enjoying the sport I like. It's fun and it's good exercise.