At 70 Years Old, This Woman Runs Marathons—and Feels ‘Stronger’ Than Eve.Scientists Finally Know Why.
I didn’t start running until I was in my mid-40s, and I really didn’t know anything about the sport. An early experience for me was joining two or three breast cancer 5K run/walk charity events during the early 2000s.
Then, in 2008, some of my co-workers signed up for a half marathon, so I decided to join them. I continued to run recreationally, but didn’t run another race until 2016 when I signed up for a 10K in Queens—where I am from—put on by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that puts on the TCS New York City Marathon. I really enjoyed the race, which made me want to sign up for more. By mid-2017, at 62 years old, I had already completed four races.
That’s when I learned about NYRR’s nine-plus-one program (which involves running nine races and volunteering at another within a year) to get into the marathon the following year. I decided I wanted to do it and check it off my bucket list. Why not? So, I completed five more races and volunteered at one all in 2017. And that is how my running journey really started.
I did more research about running and signed up with NYRR group training in 2018 and continued to run and race, including finishing the marathon in 2018, for the next two years. While I enjoy running fast times and even placing in my age group, that’s secondary to the relationships I’ve made through group training, my BRBFs (Best Running Buddies Forever).
Even though my husband was not a runner (he used to say “my wife runs for the two of us”), he was my number one supporter. He would travel from Brooklyn to Long Island City to First Avenue and Central Park during the marathon to watch, cheer me on, and bring me water and bananas. And even on my training runs alone in Queens, he’d drive ahead and park the car to make sure I was ok and to bring me fuel.
In the beginning of 2020 as I was training for a half marathon, we had the COVID-19 lockdown, and the race was cancelled due to the pandemic. And a few months later, in May 2020, my husband, Eddie, passed away. Because of this, I took a break from running live races and group training. However, I continued to join virtual races just to remain active.
In 2022, while I was watching the New York City Marathon on TV, it reminded me of how my husband had supported me through my running journey. He was so proud of me. And I thought he would not want me to stop running and doing what makes me happy. These memories with my husband inspired me to sign up for group training again, which I did in November 2022.
In 2023, at 68, I ran my first race since before the pandemic, and I saw my BRBFs again, which made me happy. Physically, I felt stronger, even if I was three years older, because of the time and commitment I was giving the sport in addition to the group training.
In total, I have completed over 100 races, including four full marathons, and have placed in my age group seven times. Next, I’ll run the NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 17 with my BRBFs. I’ll be one of over 28,000 runners who will cross the start line in Prospect Park and finish in Coney Island. Training has been going great, but I don’t have a specific goal. I just want to do my best, finish, and enjoy the race!
For any other women out there who may be experiencing grief, my advice is to surround yourself with your family and friends because they will lift you up and will remind you that you are not alone. Do something that you love and that will make you happy and bring you joy.
In my personal experience, I prayed to God, and this made me peaceful and hopeful. My family, including my daughter, my grandsons, my son-in-law, and my brothers and sisters, were always there to support me. And I continued to do something that made me happy, which was running.
And to any women considering picking up the sport, know that it is never too late to start your running or walking journey. Running will make you embrace any phase of your life. Even at the age of 60-plus, anything is possible.
Working with a coach can be helpful, too, if you’re looking to develop your strength, endurance, and the good form and technique of running. Joining a running club or group is also a great way to find community and support.
I’ll leave you with this: Believe, run, and celebrate—do something that will make you happy!
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