In Memory of Super-Ager Harriette Thompson: FACES of Charlotte
She's 94 years young, and Harriette Thompson is still running two miles every day. Find out what keeps this vivacious woman active and her secrets to healthy aging.
Update: Little did we know we published this article on August 27, 2017, that less than two months later HarrietteΒ would pass away after a fall. We remember her with fondness through this FACES of Charlotte article.
At 94, Harriette Thompson still runs two miles a day. Sheβs also an in-demand concert pianist and motivational speaker and a two-time world record holder. Oh β and sheβs survived cancer. Three times. This Charlotte resident, mother of five and grandmother of 10 is used to the spotlight these days β her recent runs have garnered a ton of national media attention. Thatβs because in 2015, at 92, she became the oldest woman to run a marathon, and this past spring, at 94, she became the oldest woman to run a half-marathon. Sheβs run 16 marathons in all (always the San Diego Rock βnβ Roll marathon), but she didnβt start running until she was 76 years old. Yep β 76! So we sat down with her to get her tricks for staying active well into the twilight years as well as a few secrets for aging gracefully. Welcome Harriette Thompson, todayβs FACE of Charlotte!
What made you start running at 76 years old?
I did 16 marathons, all in San Diego. I did one every year starting in 1999 (except for when I had treatment for cancer) and did them all for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Thatβs the reason I run. Iβve lost so many family members to cancer β my father, mother, aunt, brothers β and that inspired me. I heard they were starting the Rock βnβ Roll Marathon and raising money, so Iβve always done that one. Iβve raised more than $110,000 since I started running. I hope itβs helping. Iβm sure it is.
Were you already a runner at that point?
I had been running a little around the block, and I did a couple of 5Ks, but I never did any serious running. I never considered myself an athlete. I just knew it was good for me and healthy. When I was younger, people werenβt really running. It wasnβt the thing like it is now. They didnβt start to run until the β70s.
What do you love about it?
The camaraderie is fun. Everybody makes such a big deal of me because Iβm so old. Itβs very invigorating. You feel good afterwards for at least a week after running a marathon. I feel like a new person. I definitely recommend it!
Youβve survived cancer a few times now. How are you doing?
I lost my jaw to cancer, but that was back in 1985. Β It came back a few years ago, and I had to have radiation. I couldnβt run for a while after that, and I couldnβt train for the last marathon at all. But I did it! I have a scan next week to see whatβs happening now.
What was this yearβs run like for you?
I was really ready for it. My children kept saying, βMom, slow down!β I never stopped from the time I started, but my pace wasnβt that great. It was about 17 minutes per mile. My son Brenny was with me. Heβs run with me many times, and this last one, my granddaughter and my other son were with me too. They stayed with me the whole time. They could have run faster, but they stayed with me. I only did the half this year, and I felt like I should have done the whole marathon. I got to the end, and I could have kept going.
What are you up to these days?
I live in a retirement community that I love. Itβs like Iβve died and gone to heaven itβs so beautiful! They have classes here that I take. I took pilates this morning, and there are stretch classes and balance classes. I also run two miles around the lake here every day. I practice my piano. I have a little arthritis in my hand, so my daughter helped me figure out that I can practice an hour at a time in the morning, the afternoon and in the evening. I have some concerts where Iβve been asked to play, and today Iβm working on a speech I have to give to the women executives.
What will you do to celebrate your 95th birthday?
Well it isnβt until March 27th, but if Iβm still here, I guess my children will do something.
Whatβs your best advice to other women for staying healthy?
Iβm still exercising a lot because I realized thatβs the key to health.
Aside from faith, family and friends, what are three things you canβt live without?
I canβt live without music, and Iβve realized how much it means to me because Iβm losing my hearing. I always have to have a goal β it keeps me going. And I have to say friends. At my age, I have to say friends.
Thank you to Piper Warlick Photography for the beautiful photos of Harriette.
**********
Meet more amazing Charlotteans in our FACES section. Click here, and prepare to be inspired!
