If you see me on the street, chances are I’ll be wearing running shorts and my hair will still be in a ponytail. I have run nearly every day for the past couple of decades, which means I get asked a lot, “Why do you run?” I look at the question two ways. First, I run because I find joy, solace, and silence in it. I take pride in being healthy and fit. I’ve made wonderful friends. And it comes naturally.
But I also run because I’m competitive. Before every race, I ask myself, “Why do I put myself through this?” That answer takes a little more soul-searching. I was very good at a lot of things, but I can’t say I was ever the best student, athlete, cook—you name it. However, it was always my nature to try my best, and that’s still true today. So it’s sometimes mind-boggling for me to think that with consistent effort, I’ve become one of the best age-group runners in the world.
I was a late running bloomer. I started running for fitness and fun, when I was at UC Santa Barbara. Two-mile runs became 5 miles, 10 miles, then two marathons (with no coach or training plan) in the ’80s.
I kept getting older, but found that consistent training and a tight-knit running group made me faster and faster. I started running my best times in my 40s.
At 45, I ran 2:50 at the California International Marathon. At 47, I ran 2:46:10, missing the 2012 Olympic Trials qualifying standard by 10 seconds. I was crushed, yet elated that I could run that fast
But the inevitable happened: more birthdays! And the younger, faster Masters caught up. Obviously, I couldn’t stop aging, but I could change my goals. It took a few decades and a mindset shift, but I finally decided I could be the best at something.
In 2018, I broke four age-group American records in four months (all personal best times, too), and then I broke an age-group world record at the 2019 NYC Marathon (2:50:36). I had to adapt to life’s transitions. I made new (and achievable) goals for myself. I work hard. I don’t make excuses. I’m consistent. I’m motivated. And luckily, my body is holding up!
Running success has become a part of my identity that I don’t want to lose, no matter how old I am. Those young, fast 50+ runners are now coming up on me, but my eyes are on the road ahead and those 60–64 running goals are looking pretty good!
Jenny is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online All About 75 Hard.
