Can you imagine running a marathon - or running period - when you’re 92-years-old? I can hardly run around my block and I am still in my 20’s. I guess that reflects poorly on my athletic ability, but my point is, running at an age when most of your friends have a hard time walking is inspirational.
Let me explain. Tuesday I was sent to the USA Track and Field Master Championship at UNC- Charlotte. The event was for 1,400 athletes from all over the country, ranging in age from 30 to 95-years-old. Yes, you read correctly 95-years-old. The focus of my story wasn’t solely on the fact I was going to see grandma and grandpa shimmying around the track; it was about the heat. If you’ve watched any local news in the past few days, you know all reports have been centered around the heat in the Carolinas.
My photographer and I arrived at the track around 3:45 a.m. (we work the morning shift…that is a whole other blog in itself). From 5 a.m. – 7a.m., I reported on what was to happen later in the day, how people can stay safe from the heat, and what the event was all about. About the time I wrapped up my morning reports, I began seeing dozens of “older” people arrive in short shorts, sweat proof shirts, and water bottles in hand. It was bizarre to me that these people - who some would call over the hill, even elderly - were about to compete against their peers and not to mention in 100 degree heat.
Around 7:30 a.m., I walk down the stairs to the track (and by the way I will admit the walk down the steep stairs alone, took my breath away). I immediately met Frank Levine, a 92-year-old hard core competitor. I knew he would be my star interview. My photographer and I got into position and I asked:
“Mr. Levine, if I may ask, how old are you?”
Levine: “You mean, how YOUNG am I?”
A bit embarrassed, I said, “Yes, how young are you?” He said, “92 and still running.”
Ninety two and still running and still sharp as a knife. Levine joked when I asked him what special precautions he has to take at his age to compete at these types of events.
He said “I have to watch my weight, watch what I eat, and stay away from young girls because they take away all my energy.” What a funny guy!
As soon as we were done, Levine threw on his hat and got ready for the race. A few minutes later I saw him trucking along. Granted other runners were passing him. He wasn’t the fastest by any means, but he was out on a track at 92-years-old!
After I left the track, the event was eventually shut down because the heat became too intense. That is what the focus of my story was, but my inspiration that day was Mr. Levine and the hundreds of others out there who decided a long time ago to make their health a lifelong commitment.
I am the morning show reporter so I usually report on crime, death, and destruction, so it was fun for me that my first blog is about something inspirational. If you have any story ideas, comments, or just want to say hi, feel free to e-mail me at Nkonkal@wcnc.com .
This a wonderful story. Our parents and grandparents are so much tougher than we are.
It is amazing the excuses I can come up with on any given day not to ride my mountain bike.
"I'm too tired."
"I worked too hard."
"It's too hot."
"I'm too old!!!!!"
Yeah ..... especially that last one. Because I'm only 42. And Mr. Levine is still running at 92!!
That's 50 years older than me. Wow.
My excuses seem pretty pitiful now.
Thanks so much, Nicole, for a great story. A big inspiration!
It is nice to hear a positive story. News is depressing these days, I usually try to avoid it at all cost.
How are you liking Charlotte? My wife and I watched you on WECT, we recently moved back to this area from being in Wilmington for the past five years. The only thing we really miss is the food. I would love some NY Pizza!
Every day on my way home from work I see this elderly man jogging near the highway. He actually doesn't seem so elderly at all! I'm like you, in my 20's and I couldn't do it!
What an inspirational story! I am almost 37 and can't run from my car to the front door without huffing and puffing. The first poster was right...our parents and grandparents have such a fighting spirit.
Let's hear it for the older crowd. I decided when I turned 50 that I was going to live the second have of my life way better than the first half. I walk my dog at 5:15am every morning for a 1/2 hour. Then when I return home in the evening, I ride my bike 5-10 miles a day and then I walk for 45 minutes in my development. I have lost 25 pounds since January, gone down from a size 12 dress to maybe a 8 or size 6. And I have brought my cholesterol down from 179 to 155. And no I am not trying to live in my 20's, 30's or 40's. I have found the age of 50 to be great. Thanks for listening.