NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Six members of the NYRR Striders, a fitness and wellness program connecting older adults to activities and resources, are hitting the pavement this weekend for the New York City Marathon to prove that age is just a number.
“They are a true testament to the Striders program, demonstrating that there is no age limit to become or stay physically active,” said Celinda Casanova, Head of Community Programs for NYRR.
At 75, military veteran Griffith Gray of Jamaica, Queens is still in fine fettle.
"I have to keep doing what I'm doing cause if you slow down then that Grim Reaper will catch up," he said.
Gray attributes his stamina to a vegan diet and positive attitude.
"Age is just a calendar event, just get out there and move. If you can't walk, ride a bike. If you can't ride a bike, just roll yourself down a hill. Do something," Gray said.
Gray has been logging 25 to 30 miles a week, including long runs of 10 to 12 miles.
"So I learned that you can power walk and get just as much enjoyment, cover as much distance, have as much fun without as much aches and pains," Gray said.
He knows he'll need some encouragement along the way at Sunday's race and has one request from the crowds.
"Look for me and wave at me," he said with a laugh.
His fellow senior Strider, Susan Schwartz of Manhattan, didn't want to reveal her age because to her it doesn't matter.
"I was a cardiac nurse for 22 years so I know that it improves your circulation and also I had bone density problems and by running it increases your bone density," Schwartz said.
For Schwartz, a first-time marathoner, just the thrill of being part of the comeback celebration is reward enough.
"You know the excitement of the first real in-person race and being at the 50th anniversary, I couldn't resist that," she said.
The marathon was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This year will be the marathon’s 50th running.
Related
Related
Related
