Rob Spivack of San Francisco spent so much time hauling his son around to fencing tournaments that he got sick of watching and picked up a weapon himself. Spivack, 62, is now hauling himself around to fencing tournaments.

Why: I think of it as almost miraculous that I discovered such a strenuous activity at my age that I love so much. My body is stronger than it has been in many years, I have dropped over 20 pounds and my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers have gone down. Besides, there are times when poking someone with a sword is cathartic.

Greatest accomplishment: Four years after taking up fencing, I was a finalist in the 60-plus men's epee event at the Summer National Championships last year.

Gear you can't live without: My coach says that the most important piece of equipment you bring to the strip is your brain. You need to figure out your opponent's tendencies and counter appropriately.

Where you train: Halberstadt Fencers' Club in San Francisco on Monday and Wednesday nights.

Time you get up in the morning: Now that I am retired, about 9 a.m.

Best time to train: From 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Most annoying thing people assume about athletes in your sport: When most people think of fencing they imagine Zorro and pirates. Competitive fencing comes in three styles - foil, epee and saber. Each uses a different weapon and has different rules.

Advice you'd give a rookie: I believe that the pace of epee is the best for beginning Baby Boomers like myself. In epee the whole body is an allowable target.