Never Too Late To Take On A Challenge

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Never Too Late To Take On A Challenge
Written by: Eve Stern
4/30/2009 8:41 AM

An 85 year old mother prepares for the upcoming Dallas Area Senior Games.

Martha’s trek to the 2009 Senior Games

A high school friend named Steve reconnected with me on Facebook recently to tell me about a visit he and his pre-teen daughter had with his 85 year old mother. They had stopped by the retirement community where she lived and unfortunately, she was nowhere to be found on the premises. Martha Brenner was finally located jogging around the surrounding neighborhood preparing for her upcoming 5K race in the Dallas Area Senior Games. My immediate reaction was a smile, thinking how remarkable it is that she is able to engage in this level of physical activity at her age.

Martha's story is inspirational on many levels. She lost her husband several years ago and instead of becoming withdrawn from life after the initial grief of losing her lifetime partner, she decided to live her life to its fullest. She took up race walking at the age of 83, having not been an athletic person for seven decades and despite a previously broken shoulder. Martha was never one to be idle as evidenced by continuation to work until age 80. She set a goal last year to be in the “Senior Olympics” and next month, Martha will compete with other older Americans in her comparable age group. All I can say is "Martha, you rock!" Your discipline is admirable and your desire to live out a dream to compete in the Senior Games serves as a powerful example for all Americans.

Hearing about Martha’s story, I thought about how many people close off possibilities because they think it's too late and they're too old. Like many other challenges throughout life's journey, the people who set realistic goals with a plan for achievement can accomplish them with pride. One might have thought running a 5K at the age of 85, having never been a runner before, would not be realistic - for Martha, however, she believed she could and she will. As we all have heard before, it often comes down to an attitude and belief that if we try, we can make it so. It would be so easy to listen to the little voice within providing us with dozens of excuses as to why we shouldn't or wouldn't be able to take on an unconventional feat based on traditional limitations about age. Joint stiffness in the mornings, no time, risk of permanent injury, safety concerns - all can be managed if we set our mind to it.

I would love to spend some time with Martha to learn what inspired her to take on this challenge. Someday soon I may be fortunate enough to meet Mrs. Martha Brenner who I haven’t seen in 35 years. Martha, you obviously believed you could and started one day at a time until it became a habit to train for your big debut. Having a strong support system of family and friends always helps rather than flying solo on any endurance venture. Martha’s son reports “The last 10 months in independent living have been some of her happiest in years. She has made so many new friends and the way they support each other is really nice to see.”

We're rooting for you along with all the other contestants who have the courage to defy the odds. Run like the wind and I am sure your son will let us know how his “young Mom” performed in this year’s race.