Ageless wonder
HOWELL, 80, DEFIES HIS AGE WITH NO PLANS TO SLOW DOWN Don Howell is running out of space for all of by Mike Ramczyk his awards. CORRESPONDENT The Burlington resident turned 80 years old on Dec. 31, and he has no plans to act his age and stop running, biking and skiing. His finished basement is littered with bib numbers from decades of competing in the American Birkebeiner, an acclaimed cross country ski race, along with trophies, skis and ribbons. Down the hall is Don’s “man cave,” where the walls are covered with more bib numbers and awards, and there are literally bowls filled with ribbons from all of the years of competition. Howell says he currently skies three times a week, and he owns several heavy-duty mountain bikes for warmer weather. He hits the water, too, as three large kayaks hang up in his backyard. above: In addition to competing in a variety of events – including cross
country skiing, mountain biking and running – Don Howell (right) enjoys recreational rides with family members. at left: Mountain biking is among the preferred athletic activities of Burlington resident Don Howell. The octonegarian says activity is key to staying healthy in old age. SUBMITTED PHOTOS Spirit of Geneva Lakes
SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES
23
