It took Harriette Thompson more than seven hours to run a marathon Sunday in San Diego. But that was awfully good, considering she’s 91 and recovering from cancer.
In fact, she beat the previous record for women 90 and up by two hours and 45 minutes. She also became the second-oldest woman to complete a marathon in U.S. history, according to the running site Competitor.com.
She told the Charlotte Observer before the race that the only time she feels her age is after running a marathon.
“Lots of times, I see young girls coming in and limping, hardly able to move,” she said, “and I think, ‘Well, that’s pretty good that I don’t feel that bad.’ ”
Thompson finished Sunday’s race in 7 hours, 7 minutes and 42 seconds. It was her 15th marathon in 16 years. She started running the San Diego race at age 76, missing only last year’s because of oral cancer.
This would be an inspirational story even if I weren’t a runner. As I am one, I would like to thank Harriette Thompson for destroying whatever excuses I may concoct in the future.
I better get some rest, I have to run tomorrow.
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