All of this! And as one of those 60ish women you speak of I am just so grateful that my body can still let me do this! And in my tough 50 miler last weekend I was the oldest female finisher and no one cared about my pace except me in that I finished an hour before cutoff 💪💪💪
I’ve noticed lately that I’m often the oldest woman at the start line in the races I’ve participated in. At 58, it’s becoming rare to see female runners older than me in these races. A couple of weeks ago, I ran a 50K with no expectations other than a solid day training—I just wanted to enjoy the day—and ended up finishing fourth female. It totally surprised me and felt amazing.
Then this past weekend, I was humbled by a tough mountain race where I landed squarely in the middle of the pack. And you’re right—it really doesn’t matter to anyone else. But to me, just being able to still do what I love—that means everything.
I always hope I can inspire younger women to know they can keep doing this too. That the trails are for them, that they don’t have to be afraid of the gnarly climbs or technical descents. Just being out there, moving through nature, is such a gift.
Also, as far as moving slower with age, I see my not so distant future filled with more self supported treks rather than timed racing, I imagine myself being content with that.
It’s a process (journey? Process? Something like that) coming to terms with the slowdown. One thing that’s emotionally challenging for me is to be slower than other women my age who started running more recently. Over 30 years of distance running (and over 20 of consistent ultrarunning) have taken an undeniable toll on my legs. I’m still enjoying getting out there, but it’s humbling having to deal with cutoff stress and learning to be content winding up in a different part of the pack. Have to keep reminding myself that however dismayed I am with my pace now, it’s going to seem plenty fast when I look back 10 years from now.
I hear you. Two stellar 60+ female ultrarunners I admire a lot, Becky Bates & Stella Springer, got into running around 50, so they have fewer miles on their body’s odometer. But think of all the people we used to run with in our 30s who faded away or lost interest in it. You have staying power!
Longevity is the impressive part, and, indeed, those ladies a decade over me (us) who started even earlier than I, those are true heroes. I'm holding out hope, although some of them are just so gifted, even with "aging fading and slowing", they're incredible!
I was just telling a younger runner last week (who was stressing about her "slow" time at a race), "No one is paying attention to your time." I should have used your add-on here, "they are just glad to see you." Amen!
Love, one of the small but mighty! XO
P.S. Can't make the call tonight but look forward to the recording!
Great read. As a mid-fifties runner, I can relate. I’m running the SJS 50, and I’m sure I’ll be bringing up the rear, but I'll be happy just to finish.
Great post Sarah, I've been thinking a lot about this myself. I'm recognizing there are so many other things to focus on, besides pace and place, like you mentioned here. I'm also glad I'm not alone. Yet, isn't it great we get to run!
Thanks again for your words and the podcast recommendation.
I’m so inspired by anyone in their 50s, 60s and beyond who are still crushing the trails, and hope to have the longevity to keep running ultras for years to come! I’m in my early 30s but only started participating in races a few years ago and didn’t grow up running or in sports, and have had some unexplained balance issues that I’ve been trying to work through in PT that have made me slower, and I often finish last or close to it. That used to make me more self-conscious but I’ve realized that those close to me don’t care about my finishing times, they just want to see me out there doing something I love!
As someone who didn't start in this sport until just a few weeks shy of turning 53 and now at 63 I fully understand the part of slowing down but I still have the desire to get after it. So as long as the desire is still there and being comfortable with new run times that's all that really matters. Good luck at Bears Ears and Hardrock.
I never thought that just running around talking about running, the weather, etc., could have such a powerful effect on my life. But of course what you're doing when you're running and talking about running is building friendships. And some unexpectedly go deep. Here's my Friday crew at my 60th birthday party. They all showed up and they all stayed late.
All of this! And as one of those 60ish women you speak of I am just so grateful that my body can still let me do this! And in my tough 50 miler last weekend I was the oldest female finisher and no one cared about my pace except me in that I finished an hour before cutoff 💪💪💪
Hi Sarah,
Very well written for us older folks.
I read Mountain Running to be inspired by your mental toughness over long distances
Times rate lower on the list these days.
I keep motivated by thinking....
.....If there were no races, I'd still run.
....If there were not GPS watches, I'd still run.
....If I were the last human on earth, I'd still run.
And work backwards from there.
Bravo and amen to that!
I’ve noticed lately that I’m often the oldest woman at the start line in the races I’ve participated in. At 58, it’s becoming rare to see female runners older than me in these races. A couple of weeks ago, I ran a 50K with no expectations other than a solid day training—I just wanted to enjoy the day—and ended up finishing fourth female. It totally surprised me and felt amazing.
Then this past weekend, I was humbled by a tough mountain race where I landed squarely in the middle of the pack. And you’re right—it really doesn’t matter to anyone else. But to me, just being able to still do what I love—that means everything.
I always hope I can inspire younger women to know they can keep doing this too. That the trails are for them, that they don’t have to be afraid of the gnarly climbs or technical descents. Just being out there, moving through nature, is such a gift.
Also, as far as moving slower with age, I see my not so distant future filled with more self supported treks rather than timed racing, I imagine myself being content with that.
This was so helpful to read Janet. Thank you.
❤️
It’s a process (journey? Process? Something like that) coming to terms with the slowdown. One thing that’s emotionally challenging for me is to be slower than other women my age who started running more recently. Over 30 years of distance running (and over 20 of consistent ultrarunning) have taken an undeniable toll on my legs. I’m still enjoying getting out there, but it’s humbling having to deal with cutoff stress and learning to be content winding up in a different part of the pack. Have to keep reminding myself that however dismayed I am with my pace now, it’s going to seem plenty fast when I look back 10 years from now.
I hear you. Two stellar 60+ female ultrarunners I admire a lot, Becky Bates & Stella Springer, got into running around 50, so they have fewer miles on their body’s odometer. But think of all the people we used to run with in our 30s who faded away or lost interest in it. You have staying power!
You too! We may be slowing down, but we have earned veteran status. ☺️
I know, let’s lobby Ultrasignup for senior discounts!
😂
Longevity is the impressive part, and, indeed, those ladies a decade over me (us) who started even earlier than I, those are true heroes. I'm holding out hope, although some of them are just so gifted, even with "aging fading and slowing", they're incredible!
A running friend many years ago told me "It's about the Time, not about the time." I think of this often.
I was just telling a younger runner last week (who was stressing about her "slow" time at a race), "No one is paying attention to your time." I should have used your add-on here, "they are just glad to see you." Amen!
Love, one of the small but mighty! XO
P.S. Can't make the call tonight but look forward to the recording!
Great read. As a mid-fifties runner, I can relate. I’m running the SJS 50, and I’m sure I’ll be bringing up the rear, but I'll be happy just to finish.
SJS 50 is no joke! I did it twice and took over 14hrs. Have a great run!
Great post Sarah, I've been thinking a lot about this myself. I'm recognizing there are so many other things to focus on, besides pace and place, like you mentioned here. I'm also glad I'm not alone. Yet, isn't it great we get to run!
Thanks again for your words and the podcast recommendation.
I’m so inspired by anyone in their 50s, 60s and beyond who are still crushing the trails, and hope to have the longevity to keep running ultras for years to come! I’m in my early 30s but only started participating in races a few years ago and didn’t grow up running or in sports, and have had some unexplained balance issues that I’ve been trying to work through in PT that have made me slower, and I often finish last or close to it. That used to make me more self-conscious but I’ve realized that those close to me don’t care about my finishing times, they just want to see me out there doing something I love!
Just run ❤️
As someone who didn't start in this sport until just a few weeks shy of turning 53 and now at 63 I fully understand the part of slowing down but I still have the desire to get after it. So as long as the desire is still there and being comfortable with new run times that's all that really matters. Good luck at Bears Ears and Hardrock.
Thanks for being here James, and good luck on your big PCT backpacking trip!
Couldn't agree more, especially now.
I never thought that just running around talking about running, the weather, etc., could have such a powerful effect on my life. But of course what you're doing when you're running and talking about running is building friendships. And some unexpectedly go deep. Here's my Friday crew at my 60th birthday party. They all showed up and they all stayed late.
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0923uOgXqk6pbR7A_h91b45vg
The fact that I'm the speedy one of the bunch is just a data point. They've meant so much to me during these times.
I am, and always will be, more inspired by those with longevity in the sport. For me
It’s all about having fun on the trails and sharing the experience with this crazy and amazing community.
You are a decade ahead of me and inspiring! So keep crushing (at your own pace)!