The past few months, I’ve definitely spent days wondering about how long I’ll be able to keep up my own running/fitness schedule. How would entering my 50’s this year impact my physical and mental fitness? As fate would have it, I had the opportunity to view a new documentary “The Human Race”. This movie takes a look a 6 runners over the age of 50 as they train for 6 different races. Hearing their stories will alter the way you perceive aging and perhaps give you a new sense of optimism for your own future.
The Human Race
I was not expecting to be so moved by all of their stories. The first runner profiled is Kathrine Switzer. You may remember her as the first woman to run the Boston marathon 50 years ago. Now, at 71 years old, she just ran the New York Marathon with a motto of “the more you do the more you can do”.
The other 5 runners in the Human Race are everyday runners and that’s what makes them so extraordinary. They all have their own reasons for starting to run later in life and they are all stellar examples of how to truly live your life to the fullest. Running, for them, however, has brought so much goodness into their lives. In addition to the health and wellness benefits they have all experienced, they have a new sense of purpose. Running gets them up and out everyday to keep moving and keep thriving. These “senior” runners have new social lives and are encouraging others to join them in their quest for longevity.
Check out this trailer of the Human Race
THE HUMAN RACE – trailer from The Human Race on Vimeo.
If you are looking for some motivation this weekend, check out the full version of The Human Race to rent on amazon prime or itunes. These runners are challenging the stereotypes of aging and showing all of us that there are no limits. Let me know if you give it a watch! You won’t be sorry!
Linking up with fairtytales and fitness
Laurie says
This sounds like a movie I must watch. I love Katherine Switzer and her story. I need some motivation now and then and I find inspiration from hearing older runners’ stories (although 50 is NOT an “older” runner!)
Deborah Brooks says
50 is certainly not old! Many of the runners profiled were in their 70’s and 80’s. I loved the movie hope you check it out this weekend
Wendy says
I’m going to watch this! I am all about staying active into my late 50s and beyond–this sounds really inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
Deborah Brooks says
You are going to love it!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Oooh, this sounds exciting! I’m 57, been running roughly 10 years. And obviously I have quite a few runner friends who are quite a bit older than me — not just Darlene!
My plan is to run the rest of my life.
Deborah Brooks says
I am right there with you! I found this so uplifting I know you will love watching it
Fairytales and fitness says
My mom did not run her first race until she was in her 50’s. I have no doubt that you will continue to run and be active even years from now!
I too am more inspired by the average person that the pro athletes.
Deborah Brooks says
Oh yes me too! Hope you give this one a watch with your mom
Kimberly Hatting says
I’ll have to check this out! I love Kathryn’s story and all that’s she’s accomplished (and continues to kick buttocks). Thanks for sharing!
Deborah Brooks says
You will love the movie give a watch and let me know what you think
Abbey Sharp says
Looks like a really cool documentary. Need to check it out. Will definitely pass on the doc to some friends needing the motivation!
Deborah Brooks says
It is very uplifting and worth a watch!
Sandra D Laflamme says
Oooh, I will have to check this out! I definitely want some optimism about my running as life moves ahead 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
I really enjoyed it
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I am absolutely going to watch this movie! I am hoping to still be running 20 years from now – sounds like this will be great inspiration!
Deborah Brooks says
It really is so inspirational check it out
Coco says
This sounds like a great show. It is always inspiring to hear stories like this. I do hope to keep running for a while.
Deborah Brooks says
Me too-it’s a great film hope you check it out
Jenn says
I’m going to check this out for sure!
I love the idea of the more you do the more you can do. I think my mom and I really embrace that (in different ways), and i feel so much more capable of things now than when i was younger.
Deborah Brooks says
I feel so much more capable now too. Really hope you check out the movie it’s fantastic
Leslie says
I would have never guessed that you are approaching 50. You have taken great care of yourself. This post was so inspiring!
Deborah Brooks says
Well thanks so much! I am trying to convince myself that age is only a number. We don’t have to be defined by it
Angela says
I had not heard of this movie, so I am glad to have come across this post! This is something I definitely want to see!!
Deborah Brooks says
Angela you have to watch it -you will love it!
Liz Dexter says
Wow – I’ll have to look out for that. Continuing to run in later life, OK, but starting takes a lot of pluck. I had a 79 year old in quite a few of my beginners’ sessions with running club in the winter, however she’s stopped now and I fear that, as she feared, her adult children made her stop.
Deborah Brooks says
That would be so unfortunate if her own children made her stop running. Hope you have time to check out the movie
Farrah says
That sounds like an awesome documentary! I’ll have to check it out hopefully sometime soon!
P.S. I’m starting off my road trip next weekend and my first stop is DC! I’ll be exploring with my brother and we have a somewhat ambitious itinerary buttt I’m staying through Monday morning so if you happen to be free, it’d be cool to grab a real coffee/tea or something with you and Coco! :]
Deborah Brooks says
Oh fun! Did you mean next Monday or like tomorrow??
Farrah says
Oops, sorry, it never notified me that you replied, but (super late notice) this upcoming Monday!:]
Deborah Brooks says
Sorry I hope you have a fantastic time on your travels!
Natalie says
Sounds really interesting. I will definitely took some time to watch this. Love inspiring stories.
Deborah Brooks says
It’s a great documentary hope you check it out
Julie says
I love that motto! I think movement is key and staying active means you can do more. Just keep going!
Deborah Brooks says
Keep moving forward!
Kim G says
I watched this movie on Friday night and loved it. Definitely some great stories from a great group of inspirational runners. I have my mom watching it right now!
Deborah Brooks says
I both laughed and cried while watching it. Glad you loved it too and hope mom does. She is already crushing it though