LOLZLetter 319 | Running as You Age Series
With Joe and Mary
Welcome,
Today marks the last week of the running as you age series. If you are new this week, I'll start in the 20s and then each week go up the age groups. There is so much wisdom in these interviews and I loved reading each and everyone story.
It's also race week for me, with the Mountains 2 Beach Half Marathon. I ran M2B in 2022 about 6 weeks after having the flu. I was signed up last year but I DNSed because of a throat virus. It feels like deja vu getting back about 4 weeks after the flu but I'm hoping to run faster than the 1:34.10 I did 3 years ago. (I'm also having a hard time coming to terms with we've lived in the desert almost 4 years...anyway).
I'm actually not signed up for any other races until June because I know the flu really takes it out of me (both times) and it's a long road to feeling good while running. I may sign up for some things, I may not. I feel fine to live my daily life now, but there is a lot of junk still in my lungs and running has not been easy. So there's my once a month newsletter daily life update LOL.
Anyway, let's get back to the newsletter! This week I'm talking to Joe and Mary, both in their seventies.
In case you missed it:
Meet Joe Trybula: A St. Louis Runner with Heart and Humor
At 70 years old, Joe Trybula is still lacing up and logging miles around St. Louis. Since starting his running journey in 2008 on a dare, Joe has found that running brings not only physical transformation but also mental clarity and a strong sense of community.
How did you start running?
It was on a dare in Memphis.
What kind of changes have you noticed since you started running—mental or physical?
When I originally started running I knew nothing about the sport. It was really hard to breathe and my heart rate was high. I was in no shape to run. But I kept at it. The more I ran, the easier it became. I noticed that whatever was going wrong at work, I just seemed to figure it out while running. So I guess it's both physical and mental.
The physical comes first, then the mental…I guess because you're not thinking that you're dying.
Now when I run, it’s often with a group in St. Charles. They’ve become great friends, which makes it a social run until training for a race starts. They are a fast group.
Do you train for the same things as when you started?
I still run basically the same types of races: 5Ks and half marathons. My first race I trained for was the St. Jude Full in Memphis…go big or go home. It was tough.
Any advice you want to give people?
Relax and just enjoy most of your runs. You're doing something that a lot of people just can't do. If you’re racing, even fewer people can do that.
Anything else you’d like to share?
People ask me pretty often if I think they could run this race or that one. I always tell them the same thing: You can run any race if you want to do it. The trouble starts when you put a clock on it.
Have fun running or you won’t be running long.
Joe’s approach to running is simple but powerful: run for the joy of it, and everything else will follow. Whether you're starting out or decades in, his mindset is one we can all learn from.
Thank you Joe for sharing your story!
Mary’s Second Act: How One Woman Found Running and Herself—at Age 52
At 75, Mary is still lacing up her running shoes and hitting the pavement several days a week. But her journey into fitness didn’t start early in life, it began after heartbreak, at age 52, when everything felt like it was falling apart.
Now, over two decades later, Mary has completed dozens of races, made close friends through running, and inspired others to start moving...no matter their age.
Mary, when did you start running?
I didn’t start running until I was 52. My husband passed away very suddenly, and I felt completely lost. I had no idea what to do with myself. A friend invited me on a walk, and that turned into regular walks. Eventually, I started jogging between telephone poles. It gave me something to focus on and a way to move through the grief.
That must have been incredibly hard. What kept you going in those early days?
Honestly, I kept going because I didn’t know what else to do. I wasn’t sleeping well, I had anxiety, and I just felt numb. But running, even for just a few minutes, made me feel alive again. Over time, it became something I looked forward to. I liked the small goals, like running for five minutes without stopping.
When did you start racing?
My first 5K was in Newport Rhode Island at 55. I was terrified! I thought everyone would be younger and faster, but people were so kind. I didn’t care about my time...I just wanted to finish. That race gave me a huge confidence boost. Since then, I’ve done about 30 races, including 10Ks and even a few half marathons.
What’s your running routine like now at 75?
I run about three days a week, sometimes four if the weather’s nice. I also walk every day and go to a gentle yoga class twice a week. I’m not as fast as I used to be, but I don’t care about that. I care that I can still move my body and feel good doing it.
What advice would you give someone who thinks they’re “too old” to start?
You are never too old. Start with a walk. Then walk a little farther. Maybe add a few seconds of jogging. It doesn’t matter how slow you are or what you look like. What matters is that you’re showing up for yourself. That’s what this is about.
What are your goals now?
To keep moving! I’d love to do another 10K this fall. But even more than that, I want to keep feeling strong, independent, and happy. Running gave me a second chance at life. I’m not letting that go.
Still Moving Forward
Mary’s story is proof that it’s never too late to start something new. Her resilience, positivity, and steady stride are a reminder that healing can come in many forms and sometimes, it looks like a pair of running shoes and a quiet road.
Thank you Mary for your time.
And thank you to everyone who participated and shared their story.
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
adidas Adizero Evo SL Shoe Review
Plasmaide Advanced Endurance + Recovery Liquid Adaptogen Review
March Training Log: Races X2, Sickness X2: A recap of my training in March. I've said many months have both highs and lows but whew March was a roller coaster.
American record fall at USATF 10 Mile Championships: I don't know a lot about Roe but I've enjoyed her interviews and whew, first woman under 50 minutes. I also think I want to run the Cherry Blossom 10 miler next year? (Because I never did when I lived sightly closer in Virginia or New Jersey...LOL).
Grand Slam Meet Results: Were you watching the Grand Slam? If you are looking for new track and field, you can still watch on Peacock. I was surprised with how empty the stands looked in Jamaica but I am looking forward to possibly attending when Los Angeles hosts.