80 And Running Strong

When 80-year old Helen Klein was growing up, exercise was not for girls. "We were taught to knit and sew," says Klein. But in 1978, when Klein was 55, she put her knitting needles down and took up running. Since then, the great-grandmother has finished 59 marathons and 132 ultramarathons. Last December, Klein shattered the world marathon best for her age-group, finishing California International in 4:31:33.

It wasn't her first record either. The retired nurse from Rancho Cordova, CA, owns a bunch or them from 50-Ks to 100-milers to 6-day road races. Klein has pulled off athletic feats that women half her age wouldn't attempt. She's finished the grueling Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert, the Eco Challenge, the 5-day Stage Race in the Himalayas, The Ironman Triathlon, and she's the oldest person to complete ultrarunning's Grand Slam (four 100-mile races n the same year). "I'd rather wear out than rust out," says Klein.

"My secret is, I'm very disciplined. I work hard at it," says Klein, who runs 40 to 50 miles a week, weight trains, and practices Pilates and yoga. "Sure there are some days I don't feel like running, but then I remember the benefits. I know I'll feel better when I come back from my run."

Klein keeps very busy as a co-race director, coaching track and field at a middle school and giving motivational talks at schools, senior centers, races, and conferences. "I like to inspire people," says Klein. "People are putting on more and more weight. they need to be responsible for their health. good genes only go so far; it's your lifestyle that counts the most."

*Reprinted by permission of Runner's World magazine. Copy written 2003, Rodele Press, Inc. All right reserved.