Next May, Cole DeRosa and eleven other American veterans will attempt to set an unprecedented world record. They will represent the Red, White & Blue team in the very first Old Glory Ultra Relay. This relay of 4,828 kilometers across the United States is a true test of strength and determination.
This exceptional event symbolizes not only the resilience of veterans but also their commitment to pursuing new challenges after their military service. Cole DeRosa, currently ranked number one in his age group for Spartan Racing, combines long-distance runs and obstacle courses while forging a second career as a personal trainer. With 29 years of experience in active duty, Cole shares how competitive sports have facilitated his transition to civilian life. In preparing for the relay, he emphasizes the importance of discipline and daily structure, essential for maintaining a balance between training, nutrition, and recovery. Furthermore, he highlights the invaluable support from Team Red, White & Blue, which provides resources and opportunities such as a scholarship to become a certified personal trainer. The Old Glory Ultra Relay also aims to raise one million dollars to improve the health and well-being of veterans, combating stereotypes and highlighting the remarkable abilities of these former combatants.
who is cole derosa and his journey
At 53 years old, Cole DeRosa embodies the perfect example of resilience and determination. A former U.S. military member, Cole served for 29 active years, forging a robust character and unwavering discipline. After retiring from the military, he successfully channeled his energy and passion for sports by becoming a Spartan Racing champion in his age group. His versatility doesn’t stop there; he has also launched a successful career as a personal trainer, helping others achieve their fitness goals.
His transition out of the military world has not been easy, but Cole found a new mission in life through competitive sports. “I think you need to find what you are passionate about, something you have always wanted to do,” he confides. This quest has led him to fully invest himself in long-distance races and obstacle courses, where he excels through a combination of perseverance and thoughtful strategy.
In May, Cole prepares to take on an ambitious challenge: the Old Glory Ultra Relay, a unique world record attempt. Alongside eleven other military veterans, he will represent Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), carrying a single American flag over more than 4,800 kilometers, from San Diego to Washington, D.C. This adventure is much more than just a race; it symbolizes the strength and unity of veterans, uniting their efforts for a common cause.
the old glory ultra relay: an unprecedented challenge
The Old Glory Ultra Relay is a revolutionary initiative aimed at establishing the first transcontinental ultra-marathon relay with an American flag as the central symbol. This 3,000-mile race will take place over approximately 15 and a half days, with each athlete running segments averaging 16 to 17 miles while carrying the flag without interruption. The objective is to demonstrate that determination and teamwork can overcome monumental challenges.
This relay involves three teams of four veterans each, working in 8-hour shifts. This organization ensures that the flag is constantly in motion, even in challenging weather conditions such as rain or cold. “The flag never stops,” emphasizes Cole, highlighting each team member’s unwavering commitment to achieving the common goal.
In addition to the physical prowess, this project aims to raise $1 million to improve the lives of veterans through health and wellness programs. The race sheds light on the challenges faced by former military members, such as PTSD and suicide rates, and seeks to show that there are still many veterans who can contribute positively to society. By uniting their efforts, the participants hope to change the narrative of the “broken veteran” and demonstrate the resilience and leadership capabilities of veterans.
the impact of the race on life after military service
For Cole DeRosa, sports have played a crucial role in his transition from military life to a new career. “Working out twice a day,” he explains, “means I have a defined structure.” This discipline allows him to manage his nutrition, recovery, and preparation for each race. Sports have not only provided him with an essential routine but also a way to rediscover his passion and sense of mission outside the armed forces.
Within Team Red, White & Blue, Cole has found a supportive community that helps him define his next chapter. The organization provides resources and opportunities, such as the scholarship he received to become a certified personal trainer. This support enables veterans to find their path after service, discovering new passions and reinvesting their military skills into civilian fields.
Engaging in competitive sports also provides a platform to raise awareness and promote well-being among veterans. By participating in events like the Old Glory Ultra Relay, Cole and his teammates demonstrate that it is possible to find a new purpose and identity after years of military service. This positive transformation inspires other veterans to follow their example and seek constructive ways to reinvent themselves.
the technologies cole uses to reach his goals
In his quest to excel in his athletic performances, Cole DeRosa relies on advanced technologies that optimize his training and health tracking. Among the key tools, the Oura Ring is essential for monitoring his physical activity and recovery state. This smart ring measures various physiological parameters, providing Cole with valuable data to adjust his daily training.
In addition to the Oura Ring, Cole uses a Garmin smartwatch, which syncs perfectly with other devices he uses, thus avoiding the management of multiple platforms. This integration simplifies the real-time tracking of his performances and health status, allowing him to stay focused on his goals without technological distractions.
Moreover, Fitbit is also integrated into his technological arsenal, thanks to the partnership with the Old Glory Ultra Relay. This watch tracks the progress of the entire team across the country, providing continuous visibility on the route and individual performances. The use of these technologies allows Cole not only to maintain his training level but also to optimize his strategies for long distances and varying race conditions.
supporting veterans through the race
The Old Glory Ultra Relay is not just a race; it is a fully committed initiative to support veterans. With a goal of $1 million, the race aims to fund health and wellness programs for those who have served. Cole and his teammates are determined to use their passion for sports as leverage to bring about positive changes in the lives of former military personnel.
It is widely recognized that veterans face significant challenges, such as PTSD and high suicide rates. By shedding light on these issues through sporting events, Cole and his team seek to draw attention to the need for adequate support and resources for veterans. Their mission is to show that there are multiple ways to support and enrich the lives of veterans by offering opportunities for physical and mental rehabilitation.
Additionally, the collective experience of the team, with a cumulative age exceeding 205 years, perfectly illustrates the strength and adaptability of older veterans. Members bring a wealth of perspectives and wisdom, demonstrating that age is not a barrier but a source of strength. This initiative not only inspires veterans but also the general public to recognize and value the ongoing contributions of those who have served their country.
cole’s tips for adult athletes
For Cole DeRosa, age is just a number, and he wants to convey this message to adult athletes looking to take on sporting challenges. “Be consistent in what you do,” he encourages. The key lies in consistency and perseverance, even when results are not immediate. Cole stresses the importance of starting small and maintaining a regular routine, which allows for gradual progress towards more ambitious goals.
He also advises not to limit oneself by negative thoughts related to age. “Stop saying I can’t do that because I’m old,” Cole asserts. His own journey in Spartan Racing, going from a bottom-of-the-pack runner to a champion with over 180 podium finishes, is proof of this. This transformation demonstrates that determination and effort can transcend age-related limitations, allowing anyone to redefine their own abilities and potential.
By sharing his experiences, Cole inspires not only veteran athletes but also anyone looking to improve their physical and mental condition. He highlights that adaptability and the life perspective gained with age are significant assets in pursuing great goals. By defining his own relationship with age, Cole shows that it is possible to reinvent oneself and continue aiming for great heights, regardless of the stage of life.
aging with attitude: a life philosophy
The Senior Planet slogan, Aging with Attitude, resonates deeply with Cole DeRosa’s approach to aging. For him, “aging with attitude” means embracing the years with a mindset of growth and continuous improvement. This philosophy is manifest in his commitment to daily training and the use of modern technologies to stay at the top of his physical condition.
In today’s digital world, Cole recognizes the importance of staying connected and continuously learning. Inspired by a military mantra, “Always improve your fighting position,” he adopts a proactive approach to maintaining and developing his skills. This includes not only physical training but also ongoing education as a personal trainer, allowing him to stay relevant and effective in his field.
This positive and proactive attitude towards aging allows Cole to leverage his past experiences while remaining open to new opportunities. By integrating technologies like the Oura Ring and Fitbit into his daily life, he illustrates how the adoption of new technologies can enrich the lives of older adults, making aging not only bearable but also fulfilling.
Ultimately, Cole DeRosa’s Aging with Attitude philosophy is a call to all adults not to be defined by age but to embrace each stage of life with passion, determination, and a constant willingness to improve.
