In 2010, when I was diagnosed with arthritis, even walking felt like a daunting task. Fear gripped me, but my husband refused to let me give up. He pushed me to tackle the 15-mile loop at Shark Valley, and that moment marked the beginning of my running journey.
The First Steps
A year later, in 2011, I signed up for my first 5K at the Miami Zoo. I walked about 95% of it, but crossing that finish line was a triumph I’ll never forget. The sense of accomplishment fueled me to keep going. Soon after, I took on the Burger King 5K, and with my husband’s encouragement, I gradually stretched my limits: 10K, the Miami Half Marathon, a full marathon, the Key West 100-Miler, and the Georgia Jewel 50-Miler.
Building a Community
Along the way, friends who shared our passion for running joined us. What started as a personal challenge grew into a tight-knit running crew, now made up of folks aged 60 to 67. Together, we’ve conquered countless marathons, each race strengthening our bond. Now, we’re gearing up for a new adventure: trail running.
Running with Purpose
Every Sunday at dawn, our crew gathers to train. It’s not just about building endurance—it’s about sharing our lives, laughing, and growing closer. My arthritis still flares up, but it no longer holds me back. I can run without stopping, even if my 16-minute-per-mile pace is, well, a bit of a trap! 😄 These days, I often take on the role of our group’s manager, organizing and cheering more than running.
The Joy of the Journey
For me, running isn’t about speed—it’s about persistence and the joy of moving forward together. Our crew proves that it’s never too late to start, to push past limitations, and to find freedom in every step. Here’s to the miles ahead, wherever they may lead!
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