Episode Description
Merry Christmas to you! 2022 is almost over, and this year has been a big one for a 70-year-old grandmother in Columbus GA. On this episode, she talks about running the same number of races as her age...faith in Jesus mixing with her fitness...marriage and runs together...and traveling to all those 5Ks and half marathons.
(4:15) Tricia - and her husband of 50 years Aubrey, who also joined us - first talks about why she did the challenge of 70 races for her 70th birthday year. She heard from God audibly, the same God who reminds this grandmother how strong she is. Tricia says "I run because I can. I run for those who can't," like those with illnesses or passing away.
How about the (10:49) logistics of so many races in a year - not just in Georgia but in places all over the U.S. - with more than 1 some weekends, trips and races her husband took part in too! He talks to us about keeping fit as a longtime police officer, but being less motivated after retirement. What started out years ago as being the water boy for his wife's runs has led to him running more (17:04) and seeing the health benefits. He calls it phenomenal Tricia's success at now 73 races in 2022. How and why did she start running, in her early 60s? You might call it a combination of peer pressure and bling. She explains.
(24:55) Family is also a big priority for them, with 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Part of the 70 for 70 journey has been running a race with each of her kids, where they live.
Staying fit also helps Tricia (29:15) be even more thankful to God, realizing even when she was down as a teenager that she was blessed. She talks about her love for family and Jesus, sharing her blessings with others! Aubrey shares some of their love story and how he also now loves fitness.
(37:37) Tricia has an important message for retirees, people that are older about staying in shape. She herself loves to seat and wants to take care of her body. Her mantra about pain is it's a reminder we're alive. And Tricia's advice, for those of all ages, is find something you love that will help keep your body and mind sharp, then you'll stick with it. That includes reading the Word, and she throws out some favorite Bible verses.
We close out our pod chat with (45:35) some of her favorite races and places to go for runs...including the Boston 5K she did with her oldest daughter this year, a unique and beautiful place in Pennsylvania, Run Sedona Arizona, the gorgeous Alaska forest, and a party on the pavement in Arkansas. Is Tricia or Aubrey faster? Listen to find out. He closes us out in prayer.
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