Harriette Thompson has done a lot in her long life, including playing the piano at Carnegie Hall three times, surviving cancer, and running sixteen marathons. But now, this incredible woman can also add "record-setter" to her list of accomplishments—she just became the oldest woman in recorded history to run a marathon.
At 92 years and 65 days old, Harriette has been blessed with a long life, and she continues to make the most of it even when many people would have just given up. Her training for the race was set back by both the tragic death of her husband and a staph infection in her legs. But she doesn't just run for herself — she signs up for races that benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, just like the San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon that became the site for her record-setting run.
Just like this 100-year-old woman who refuses to stop dancing, Harriette is proof that a fighting spirit is the key to remaining active in old age. Of course, some people's bodies are more capable than others, which explains why this 89-year-old gymnast can pull off a ton of moves that I could never do, but even a person with great physical strength could never do what Harriete does without her unbelievable attitude.
I can barely jog three miles without collapsing in a puddle of my own sweat, and I'm nowhere near Harriette's age. Regardless of whether you prefer Netflix marathons or the more active variety of marathons, there's no denying that this woman is an inspiration. I can only hope to be as incredible as her when I'm old!
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