It seems to be universally agreed that one of the best things you can do in retirement is put in place a regular fitness routine. While this can take many forms, for one retiree that routine looked like learning how to swim — and later becoming an Ironman triathlon champion in Hawaii.

If you’re keeping score at home, the Ironman includes a 2.4-mile swim in the ocean, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.

Late bloomer

Bobbe Greenberg, a retired English teacher, lives with her husband of 50 years in Highland Park, Illinois. Greenberg, now 73, didn’t grow up playing sports at school. She did however harbor a competitive streak.

At 22, a newlywed and a teacher, Greenberg began playing tennis in tournaments and what she lacked in technique, she more than made up for I perseverance. “I had no strong game. I had no backhand, no serve,” she told the Washington Post. “I just won by keeping the ball in play.”

Decades later she joined a local gym, with words like “triathlons” and “Ironman” far from her mind. But when her spin instructor announced an upcoming triathlon, which consisted of a 10-minute pool swim, running and biking, Greenberg thought, “Why not?”

She was 57 at the time and, even though she was fit, there was one major problem: she didn’t know how to swim.

Her initial thought was to skip the swim portion all together and simply run laps in the pool. But she decided to take a weekend course to learn the basics of swimming. Despite her rudimentary skills, she finished first place in the triathlon and has never looked back. According to the Post, she’s finished 16 triathlons this year alone.

Fitness and friendship

And one of the best things about her routine? “I don’t have a day where I don’t have someone to meet,” she said. Fitness and friendship go hand in hand. Not only do her training buddies provide emotional support, but they also keep her accountable.

Bobbe Greenberg provides us with yet more proof that anything is possible with the right attitude.