This week's "How Running Changed My Life" posting dovetails perfectly with Saturday's post, "Older Doesn't Mean Slower!" Ann Singer is one amazing lady. In her own words, here's Ann's story.Although I am called Grannie Annie by many, especially my beautiful granddaughter, Emma, I do have another life.
At age 50, overweight, under exercised, and wondering what I was going to do with the second half of my life until age 100, I decided to start walking. Oh I walked anywhere—to town, to the stores—give me a road and some time and off I would go. Running came later.
One day I asked my very athletic husband if someone so unathletic like myself could ever complete a marathon. He said "Yes!" And so for the next 15 years from age 50 to 65 I started my marathon quest. Thanks to the 50 states marathon club and many running organizations I traveled the country doing a marathon in each state. At age 65 in Maui, HI, I completed the 50 states quest. This November I will attempt my 70th marathon doing the town I love and live in—New York.
Each and every morning as soon as the sun comes up I go out and train. I run 5k's 10k's and Half Marathons to keep in shape. We have a "Swifty Sixties" club of men and women who compete with the New York Road Runner's Team in Central Park once a month. I also do weight training exercise as well as the Bosu and Stability Ball Core training.
At age 50, overweight, under exercised, and wondering what I was going to do with the second half of my life until age 100, I decided to start walking. Oh I walked anywhere—to town, to the stores—give me a road and some time and off I would go. Running came later.
One day I asked my very athletic husband if someone so unathletic like myself could ever complete a marathon. He said "Yes!" And so for the next 15 years from age 50 to 65 I started my marathon quest. Thanks to the 50 states marathon club and many running organizations I traveled the country doing a marathon in each state. At age 65 in Maui, HI, I completed the 50 states quest. This November I will attempt my 70th marathon doing the town I love and live in—New York.
Each and every morning as soon as the sun comes up I go out and train. I run 5k's 10k's and Half Marathons to keep in shape. We have a "Swifty Sixties" club of men and women who compete with the New York Road Runner's Team in Central Park once a month. I also do weight training exercise as well as the Bosu and Stability Ball Core training.
My one big fault in life was I started many things, but never completed them. Well I can't say that for my marathons, because unless you cross the finish line you are not counted in the game.At age 66, I can enjoy my three year old granddaughter to the fullest. Grannie Annie can push a stroller with the best of them—longer and stronger.
May all who read this know that by your diligent training you will ensure a life when you get older that is active, enjoyable and healthy. —Ann Singer, Suffern, New York
Thanks for sharing your story Ann! You Rock! We'll be rooting for you in November!
Congratulations Ann! 50 in 50 well done. I love the Bosu too, I got one this year for my birthday. Here's to many more years of fitness!
ReplyDeleteWow! I thought this would be about how Annie did "a" marathon, not about running 70 of them! Great job Annie, you truly rock.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing story! 70 marathons? Woah! 50 marathons in 50 states? That's fantastic! Thank you for the inspiration, Ann! Happy running! :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely inspiring. Do you realize how many marathons a year that is, for so many years...egad.
ReplyDeleteGreat story! I hope to join the 50 marathon club in TWICE the time that it took you!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Ann! Congrats to you - what an amaaaazing woman you are and I am really inspired! I practically lived on my Topricin pain cream and my heating pad after I started walking a few weeks ago. Ug. I was a competitive swimmer and have not exercised much at all in last several years. THIS...YOU give me the motivation to really make it happen for myself :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Congrats on such an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in New York! Can't wait to hear how you do!
Thanks for sharing this awesome story- Ann you rock!
ReplyDeleteNote from Grannie Annie..week before
ReplyDeleteNYC Marathon we had windy rain conditions that brought down all the leaves. Well..senior first fall on
my back requiring MRI and of course
lumbar nerve damage..That was Monday of
marathon week..well Sunday Marathon Day
through much grace Grannie Annie started off in the NY Marathon..finish
I did. Why and how my body got to accomplish this wonderful journey is
beyond my comprehension. I thank you all for your wonderful posts....now
get out on the roads and let us give it
our all...Much love from New York City..
Emma's Grannie Annie