Monday, April 11, 2011

The Old Fly Young!

So often we (me included) focus on the young, fast runners. Too often we ignore the other end of the spectrum. Yesterday, in very warm (high 70s) and humid conditions with little or no time for bodies to adjust from the cool days leading up to the race, two stalwarts from the Men's 85-89 age group and one from Women's 85-89 started and finished the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. When you saw 20-year-olds having trouble out there, it added to the perspective. These three are tough. Here's a salute to Robert Taylor, 86, of Oak Park, who ran a 1:12:28, and Frank Waldeck, 88, of Lake Forest, who wasn't far behind in 1:16:1. On the women's side, it was Dottie Gray, 85, of St. Louis, who posted a 1:17:16.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Both beaten by a 91 year old Steve Manley out of Wilmette in 42:11?

-Doug Pearson

Bob Richards said...

Whoa! I didn't see that. I'm betting Steve isn't 91. I know the two 85-89 guys are legit.

Kelly said...

I hope that their children and grandchildren understand how awesome of a feat that was. I also hope that I am able to do the same if I ever make it to that age.