Mike Drak | Booming Encore

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Training for Ironman at 70: Here's What I Learned About Strength and Healthy Aging

When Mike Drak decided to train for an Ironman at age 70, it was one of the hardest things he had ever done. But it was also one of the greatest things he had ever done because it was life changing.

Retirement Rebels

My Ironman Race: When It Just Doesn't Go As You Planned

The Ironman is regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races, and fewer than .01% of the world’s population have completed one. Mike Drak recently attempted this race in Ottawa, Canada. Even though it didn't go exactly as he hoped, he did end up stronger in many ways as a result.

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Invest in Your Future Self: The Path to Healthy, Intentional Aging

What do you want your 80 year old self to be like? Mike Drak shares his reflections on what he hopes for and how he plans to get there.

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The Bannister Effect: How One Athlete Inspired Others to Break Limits

For too long people have been conditioned to believe that when they reach age 65 or 70, life is over, and they need to retire. Similar to Bannister, Retirement Rebels are challenging these beliefs.

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Retirement Rebels

Being Inspired from the Masters

Mike Drak was happy to find a new retirement role model at this years Master tournament. 89 year old Gary Player.

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Ironman Triathlon at 70: The Ultimate Retirement Rebel Challenge

The Ironman is regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races, and fewer than .01% of the world’s population have completed one. To earn a finisher’s medal you need to complete the swim, bike and run, with no breaks and completed under 17 hours. Can a 70-year-old do it – you betcha but you need some strong WHYs to make it to the finish line.

Retirement Rebels

My Next Ironman: And the Emergence of "TurtleMan"

Mike Drak has reached that age where most everyone he works out and races with are younger and faster. So to deal with this reality, Mike has created himself an alter ego. TurtleMan!

Retirement Rebels

A Retirement Rebel’s Guide to Living Life and Redefining Retirement

At age 70, Mike Drak believes he still has plenty of gas left in the tank, and plans to push himself outside of his comfort zone for as long as he can.

Defining Your Retirement Lifestyle: Things to Consider When Retiring in Another Country

Many people dream of retiring in another country they have visited on vacation. But just because you loved it while on vacation, may not mean you will love it in retirement.

Retirement Meets Maslow

Could Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs be applied to the concept of retirement? Mike Drak thinks it can.

My 2025 Wish List

Last year, Mike Drak experienced what he called his "Annus Horribilis". He's planning on changing that this year.

What’s Your Retirement Vision?

Keith Richards: A Great Example of the Work and Longevity Connection

How does someone like Keith Richards survive decades of hard drug use, drink and smoke heavily, not exercise, eat the wrong foods and still be alive and thriving? Maybe that's where work and purpose come in.

Live Strong, Live Long, Live Happy

I love reading stories of “retirement rebels” who are putting their own spin on the long established retirement rules.

Retirement Rebels

Reasons to Become A Retirement Rebel

Retirement Rebels refuse to follow the old fashion beliefs about “old-people,” and being retired. In fact they are anything but retired.

Learning to Slow Down in Retirement

Even though Mike Drak has been technically retired for eight years, because of his ambitious personality he hasn't learned how to slow down. He's now trying to teach himself how to do this.

A Life, Work, Retirement Rethink

We are experiencing not only increased stress levels but a drop in our longevity. Is it time to rethink our life, work and retirement models?

Embracing "Monk Mode"

Mike Drak discovers that he seems to get his best writing done when he enters what is referred to as "monk mode".

Another Day - Another Funeral

Mike Drak has found that he seems to be going to many funerals lately which forced him to consider his own exit plans.

Creating My Legacy Through Giving

Mike Drak has been thinking about his legacy and how it he might further develop it. Being an author, he has figured out a plan. He's going to give away his books.

Giving Back in Retirement

Mike Drak has learned a great deal through his own retirement and now wants to help 1 million other retirees learn from his experience.

The Value of Having Retirement Role Models

Discovering what type of retirement you would like to have can often be found in the retired role models around you.

How to Spell Divorce in Retirement

Staying married is Mike Drak's objective. But he's discovered there is one thing that is proving to really be testing their relationship.

Book Review: How to Retire and Not Die

Retirement should be a time of life to be celebrated but unfortunately for many it isn't. Mike Drak reviews the book How to Retire and Not Die written to help people create a fulfilling retirement.

Where is Your Happy Place?

Everyone needs a happy place to go to. A place where we can relax, reflect and rejuvenate. Mike Drak shares where his is.

Nine Principles For An Exceptional Retirement

Retirement should be the best time of your life. But a successful retirement doesn’t just happen.

My Mortality Wake Up Call

A recent visit to the doctor caused Mike Drak to have to take a good look at his life - and his mortality.

The Need To Prepare To Become a Widow Before You Are One

Women tend to live longer than men and unfortunately, the number of women who are left alone and ill prepared to financially manage their investments without their spouse is significant. We need to change this.

When Trying To Change Your Habits Remember Your Why

Instead of relying on willpower to force ourselves to do something we use our “why” as the driving force.

The Value of Mentors At Any Age

I’ve never met Seth Godin but he had a huge impact on how I think and write and I will always owe him immensely for that.

Embracing "Monk Mode"

Mike Drak discovers that he seems to get his best writing done when he enters what is referred to as "monk mode".

My Battle with Belly Fat

Over the last few years, Mike Drak has put on quite a bit of weight. He's decided to tackle the problem head on in his personal battle with belly fat.

Making My Second Life My Best Life

You see a lot being written these days about retiring the word retirement. I like "Second Life".

Becoming My Future Self in Retirement

There are people doing some amazing things later in life. So what do these late bloomers have in common that others their same age don’t? The answer is they are future-oriented.

Retirement Meets Maslow

Could Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs be applied to the concept of retirement? Mike Drak thinks it can.

How to Spell Divorce in Retirement

Staying married is Mike Drak's objective. But he's discovered there is one thing that is proving to really be testing their relationship.

Where is Your Happy Place?

Everyone needs a happy place to go to. A place where we can relax, reflect and rejuvenate. Mike Drak shares where his is.

Another Day - Another Funeral

Mike Drak has found that he seems to be going to many funerals lately which forced him to consider his own exit plans.

What the Blue Zones Can Teach Us About Retirement

The Blue Zones are unique places across the globe that have higher than normal longevity rates. They also provide us some unique insights into what contributes to a good retirement.

What’s Your Retirement Vision?

Live Strong, Live Long, Live Happy

I love reading stories of “retirement rebels” who are putting their own spin on the long established retirement rules.

My Yearly Annual Review

At the start of every new year, Mike Drak takes a look at where he's been and where's he is going for the upcoming year.

Learning to Slow Down in Retirement

Even though Mike Drak has been technically retired for eight years, because of his ambitious personality he hasn't learned how to slow down. He's now trying to teach himself how to do this.

11 Things I Know For Sure About Retirement

I have talked to thousands of retirees about their retirement. Here is what I learned.

The Value of Having Retirement Role Models

Discovering what type of retirement you would like to have can often be found in the retired role models around you.