The Human Energizer Bunny

Randal C. Hill

50plus Magazine

 

There are athletes. There are Super athletes. And then there is Chris Schauermann.

 

“I attended Forest Grove High School and was heavily involved in a wide variety of sports,” Chris says. “Football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, water skiing, surfing. I couldn’t get enough of them.” (When did he find time for schoolwork?)

 

“My favorite TV show was Wide World of Sports. My parents subscribed to Sports Illustrated, and I read every copy cover to cover.” Chris later went to Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he played rugby, intermural football and table tennis.

 

But Schauermann wasn’t always in the shape he’s in today. As a young man, he suffered from numerous ailments, some so hard on his system that he nearly died. But spending nearly a half century studying health and longevity has allowed him to create his own regimen for staying in top physical shape.

 

He swears by a couple of all-important health maxims: “Use it or lose it,” and “Exercise without supplementation is suicide.” He feels that one day of rest per week is mandatory.

 

For his diet, Chris has replaced sugar with honey and advocates drinking a quart of milk every day. “Many centenarians have done this,” he claims. “This is a terrific source of calcium.”

 

He also eats three eggs a day, convinced that “This is your best source of protein.”

 

Chris philosophizes with a third maxim: “Forgive anyone who has ever hurt you. It will extend your life, and you will be happier for it.”

 

Schauermann and his wife Shary have raised 13 healthy children. Three decades ago, they founded the North Coast Christian School in Warrenton. Today, the two operate a website called Wellnessgospel.net.

 

Last August, Chris answered the siren call of the Oregon Senior Games in Corvallis. “I had been playing soccer and running, so I thought that I could do well in track. But, on a lark, I also decided to compete in swimming. I hadn’t swum competitively since junior high. To my surprise, I took first in the 25-meter freestyle and second in the 50-meter freestyle! Consequently, I will be representing Oregon at the National Games this summer in Florida.”

 

And this August? “I am looking forward to competing in the 2022 Oregon Senior Games and will be swimming again.”

 

See you there, Mr. Schauermann!