Heart & Soul: 91-Years-Young Harriett Thompson Breaks Marathon Record

Oh Harriett, I want to be just like you when I grow up. In June of this year, 91-years-young Harriett Thompson completed her 15^th marathon in 16 years in San Diego finishing in 7 hours, 7 minutes and 42 seconds. She crushed the previous record time for her age category by almost 3 hours despite having just finished treatments for skin cancer a month prior. Upon finishing and after completing a myriad of press interviews, she walked through a tunnel created by the joined hands of inspired volunteers, runners and walkers honouring her accomplishment.

Aside from running, the marathoner (I really like saying that) also actively participates in yoga and stretching classes and works out on an elliptical machine. As a former concert pianist, she finds it helpful to mentally play old piano pieces she had performed in the past to get through the long miles of the marathon. Inspiring – at any age.

“If I’m still (alive),” she told competitor.com, “I’ll be back next year.”

Oh, and for those of you thinking perhaps it’s too late to start that hobby or sport you’ve always wanted to try, Harriett took up jogging at 76…

Enough said.

Photo Credit: 98.1 KMBZ