She’s been an on-and-off runner for most of her life, but ever since her 20s other goals and challenges have gotten in the way of putting running as a priority.
She’s always dreamed of running again and maybe even running well for her age…
Meet Ruthie Barrett
At age 19, Ruthie used to run 10 miles at 8 min/mile pace, routinely and easily.
When she lived in Santa Monica, during her college years at UCLA, she just ran for herself.
Now, at age 59, I’ve been doing around 17 min/mile for 2-3 miles — would sure like to get faster and go further.”
Ruthie says that running for her is very much about mental health.
As a therapist, as well as from the challenges of life, I somaticize quite a bit of stress and heavy emotions. I’ve found running to be the very best self-care. Nothing else helps me so well to clear out the negative and refresh my spirits.”
Why Ruthie Runs
Running makes me feel free, powerful, independent, capable, and good about myself. It combats stress and sadness.”
Ruthie says that running gives her hope and energy.
Ruthie’s best running was on her own in college, when she ran to combat loneliness and to feel good about something outside of school.
After a long period of sedentary work/school life (also post-breast-cancer, which certainly knocks the stuffing out of a person), I was very, very, very out of shape. In the last few years, I’ve been trying a lot of different things, and getting fitter, slowly. I’d love to be a faster runner, and generally stronger and healthier.”
Recent Achievements
Ruthie’s most recent PB is in the CP program when she just ran 70 min without stopping.
“This was an amazing (to me) accomplishment to run so long without stopping.”
She wondered if she could really run an hour or more, and we said, “if you stick with the program, it will work.”
The Biggest Contributor To Ruthie’s Success
Ruthie told us that the biggest contributor to her success has been following a program that works, and the coaches’ support.
On my end, persistence in following the program, even if I have to do my workout late at night after work.”
Future Goals
Fitness and well-being, I hope.”
Ruthie aims to run a 5K in July, and then longer races.
She’s even starting to believe that she might be able to do a 10K, marathon, or even longer someday. “That’d be super cool.”
Struggles Along The Way
I have crooked feet/ankles”
Ruthie says that she either has to toe out at 45 deg, or she has to walk/run on the outer edge of her feet if she points them straight, and trying to find the best way to position her feet has worried her, along with the pain from that, which was experienced sometimes.
Hardest Part Of Reaching Her PB
Not having a clear vision of how best to run. I’ve been around very athletic people, most of my life, and always been the slow one, painfully struggling not to embarrass myself.”
Ruthie says that she has developed a real aversion to running with others. She’s also tried coaches who treat her like she’s 20 years old, and that has resulted in discouragement and embarrassment.
I appreciate that the CP program sees me and encourages me where I am, at 59 years old, slow, and 50 lbs overweight, and still says I’m doing good stuff.”
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If it feels like you’re training harder than ever but not running the paces you’d like to be running or if you’re constantly tired, fatigued or running in some sort of pain, then this is specifically for you.
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Interesting Fact
Ruthie used to race Siberian Huskies, with her ex, and they won the Siberian Husky Sprint Racing Championship, Siberian Husky Club of America, 3 times!
I know quite a lot about how to train, feed, and inspire dogs to run fast, be healthy, and have fun. Lol, now I want the same for myself.”
Awesome accomplishment Ruthie! We can’t wait to see what’s next:)
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