When I grow up I want to be Joy Johnson

I’ve met many people who, when I tell that I run marathons, say “oh I could never do that!” These are often young, relatively healthy people. I almost always say “yes you could.” If you have the desire and the dedication, there’s a lot you can do. In every marathon I’ve run I’ve seen people older than me, heavier than me, and even racing in a wheelchair. When I see people like that I always think I should not utter a word of complaint because in comparison, I have it easy.

Whenever I see older runners, especially women, I say to myself, “I want to be like them when I’m that age.” I’d also like to be like Betty White who always answers “Robert Redford” when asked “what’s the one thing in your career you’ve never done.” But then I saw this video of Joy Johnson, an 81 year old marathoner. And now, I’d like to be just like Joy. Well if I could be a Betty/Joy hybrid, I’d be pretty content in my old age. Take a few minutes to watch this video about Joy, it will put a smile on your face and might even make you want to lace up your running shoes and start training for a marathon.

If you listen to my running mix suggestions you’ve probably picked up that I love me some French music. Today’s pick is a French singer and the daughter of a French singer. I love French things even though France to me is a lot like New Years’ Eve. You always think it should be way more romantic and awesome than it usually is so it’s kind of a letdown. But I have this very vivid memory of sitting on a park bench near the Eiffel Tower next to my husband, each of us reading a book, and tearing pieces off the most amazing baguette  and I think France is kind of cool. Seriously, any country that invented pain au chocolat can’t be all bad.