Extraordinary Strides

Is Extraordinary Limited by Age, or Does It Get Better With Time? Our Guest Dennise Gruber Has the Answers!

• Christine Hetzel • Season 3 • Episode 45

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There's a powerful truth about running that rarely gets discussed: getting older doesn't mean getting slower – it means leveling up differently. As our bodies change, we unlock new capabilities that can make running even more rewarding in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Coach Christine, your "fairy run mother," breaks down exactly what changes with age (like that 1% VO2 max decline annually after 30) and what actually improves (hello, mental grit and endurance capacity!). She presents ten game-changing practices for older runners, from prioritizing strength training to hydrating smarter as our thirst response dulls. For female athletes navigating perimenopause and menopause, she offers specific strategies to work with hormonal fluctuations rather than fighting against them.

The episode features Dennise, a remarkable two-time cancer survivor returning to the Chicago Marathon twenty years after her first attempt. Her goal? Completing all six World Marathon Majors – a challenge she embraced after beating cancer twice. 

"Why can't I have the six stars?" she asks, perfectly capturing the "why not" attitude that makes running in our later years so powerful. Dennise shares how her 83-year-old father still runs daily and how he inspired her journey, and she shares her creative fundraising effort of making marathon-themed gnomes for charity. Get yours here!

Whether you're already in your "wisdom runner" years or approaching them, this episode reframes aging as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. As Coach Christine reminds us, "You're not slowing down, you're evolving," and extraordinary has no expiration date. Ready to discover running's secret power that only comes with age? Your next breakthrough awaits.

Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!

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Speaker 1:

Hello friend, welcome back to another episode of Extraordinary Strides, the podcast where we highlight everyday athletes doing extraordinary things and we break down some science, strategy and a little sparkle to help you strive toward the next big finish line. I'm Coach Christine, your fairy run mother and RRCA certified run coach, and today, my friend, we're going to talk quite a bit about how running changes as we get older and how that's not a bad thing. In fact, I think running as we get older unlocks a whole new kind of power. So, whether you're in your forties, fifties, sixties and beyond, this one's for you. We're diving into what changes, what stays the same and how to keep running strong, smart and joyfully through all of life's seasons. And for the record, we got a little superhero alert today. I'm so excited to welcome one of our own Extraordinary League Truly Superheroes. It's our membership community filled with one-on-one coached athletes and group members who are constantly showing up, soaring beyond limits and chasing their big, audacious goals. And today we're talking with the incredible Denise, who's back to running after navigating a challenging season in life, and I can't wait for you to hear how she's rewriting her story with strength, grace and grit and a little fun gnomes here Not sure what I'm talking about.

Speaker 1:

Stay tuned, you will. So if you're out for a walk today or tackling a long run, just soaking in some of these really good vibes, I want you to know, my friend, that this episode is your invitation to keep showing up, no matter your age, and to remember that extraordinary has no expiration date. So let's dive right on in. So first we need to dispel the myth that getting older automatically means that we slow down. I'm going to say that it's our opportunity to level up just a little differently. Sure, maybe our knees might get a little creakier or our recovery may take a little longer, but you have officially graduated from the newbie crowd and that doesn't mean the finish line stops calling your name or those PRs for the record.

Speaker 1:

So we're going to talk a little bit about what actually changes with age. So a couple of things do actually change. Our VO2 max declines about 1% per year after age 30. But the positive thing is a regular endurance training, just like I hope you're doing right here and now, slows that loss dramatically. It's like the fountain of youth. Running is Now. Another thing that changes, or potentially changes, with age is our muscle mass decreases, especially the fast twitch fibers, which are important for speed and power. However, again, we also know that recovery time increases due to reduced hormone production.

Speaker 1:

Especially for us female athletes, estrogen and growth hormones do tend to decline and another notable shift as we get older is that there are hormonal shifts like perimenopause and menopause impact body temperature regulation, sleep, metabolism and muscle preservation. However, you can still train hard. You just got to really prioritize training smart. So I feel that older women runners are actually the secret superheroes. I said it right here and now I'm going on record Female athletes that keep showing up through paramenopause, menopause and beyond again, totally superheroes is what I'm talking about. And here's why. Well, we know that estrogen has protective effect on muscle and bone and once it declines, our body has to adapt. So it's almost like our own version of, like radioactive awesome superhero powers, because as long as we intentionally strengthen our bones and muscles, we can combat that decline of our hormones and the impact it makes on our muscles and bones. And, of course, while post-menopausal women are at higher risk for low iron and poor sleep, both which may impact performance and recovery, it is also an opportunity to kind of look at our habits and what we can change to help us. And positive note maybe we don't need as much sleep. There's a possibility with that too, or looking at different ways to get in the rest that we need. And the good news women often gain endurance with age. That's right. You heard me talk about those fast twitch fibers and maybe declining a little bit as we get older. But women can go the distance, especially in long distance events. So the ultra world, you'll see it's full of women over 45 that are crushing the game. So you're not weaker, you're just playing a different game, my friend, and you have more mental grit than ever before. So these are the top 10 best practices for runners in their forties, fifties, sixties and beyond. So let's dive into the habits, the training tweaks we need to make and the mindset shifts that help older runners keep crushing miles and making memories and, of course, getting those incredible finish lines and medals.

Speaker 1:

Well, first and foremost, you need to prioritize strength training. Like it is a coveted race entry into, I don't know, london Marathon Because as we age, we do lose 3% to 8% of our muscle mass per decade, even more after 60. So the fix is simple we just have to prioritize that strength training. Two to three times per week. You're going to want to focus on especially female athletes. You're going to want to focus on especially female athletes. You're going to want to focus on compound movements, power moves like deadlifts, squats, lunges and step-ups. For all of my athletes that are hating those split squats, I'm telling you they're good for you. I'm pointing at you. You know who I'm talking to. Glute hamstring and core strength should always be focused on as well, and lifting heavier with good form to support those bone density and metabolism. So think of it this way strong muscles equals faster running, fewer injuries and better hormone balance.

Speaker 1:

Okay, the next thing on our list is to double down on recovery. That's right. Older bodies need more time to rebuild and that is not a flaw. It's just how the repair system changes. So, best practices add in rest days strategically. If you're running every day or you're doing some of those mile streaks or activity streaks, take into consideration. We do need rest days Also. Active recovery like yoga, walking, mobility work. These are vital, my friend.

Speaker 1:

Now the next one on the doubling down of recovery is that we need to prioritize seven to nine hours of quality sleep. Okay, I know, I said it's harder to sleep as certain hormones decline as we get older. So don't necessarily look at it as I have to have nine full hours and I'm gonna go to bed at 8 pm and get up nine, nine hours later. You could always prioritize and add in a really good quality nap, especially when you're in a higher peak of your training. But the most important is not to skip those warmups and cool downs and let's not skip our post-run fuel. I want to remind you recovery isn't lazy. It's literally what lets you keep showing up. So please, please, double down on your recovery. I've already touched on it a little bit. We're going to talk a bit more how.

Speaker 1:

Number three is we have to fuel with more intention, especially protein. All my female athletes, please get in more protein and carbs. Muscle maintenance, hormone regulation, energy management all hinge on quality nutrition. And, of course, there's gorgeous fats too. So protein, aiming for 1.2 to 2 grams of kilogram of body weight per day. Spread it throughout your day. Carbs, your best friend for endurance and hormone health, of course, because you know nobody wants to be grumpy. And fats, including those omega threes, for joint health and to help reduce inflammation. Please do not under eat, please do not under fuel your runs. You're not 22. It's not quite as easy for your body to just take in one meal a day and then feel like you could go for days with it. Please, please, please. It's very imperative that you really do figure out in dialing your nutrition. Now, the next thing that we're going to talk about is how it is and I think this one's a little easier to do.

Speaker 1:

As we get older, listening to our body, learning it has a new language, or it's maybe not a whole new language, but a new dialect. So when our bodies send us new signals like little aches or longer soreness or sudden fatigue, let's pay attention to how our energy levels shift during the month, how hard workouts may affect or impact our sleep and our heart rate variability. If you're tracking your data, stress all of these things, please do take a little bit more time. Maybe this is a great time to add in a meditative practice, a breath work practice, because your body isn't betraying you. It's just speaking a slightly different dialect now, and we want you to get that duolingo for your body and get that translation going, my friend.

Speaker 1:

Okay, we're to hydrate smarter as we get older. With age, our thirst response dulls. I promise this is not all bad, right, but okay. So our thirst response dulls and hormonal shifts increase our dehydration risk. So the best practice is just to get into that habit of hydrating throughout the day, not just around your workouts, adding in electrolytes, especially in warmer and humid weather, and, of course, monitoring your urine color, depending on where you're at, and talk to your doctor about it. But if you're not on any medications that should cause any changes in your urine color, you're going to aim for a pale yellow. If it's clear, you probably need to pull back on that hydration or add in some electrolytes. And if it's darker, you know, maybe it's time to put down the coffee, not forever, but just add in a glass of water. Hydrated runners, no matter what their age, are happier, faster and less likely to cramp up mid-race.

Speaker 1:

Now, this one's going to be a tough one. I know it is. We love running. That's why you're listening right now. Right, it just puts a little extra pep in our step like nothing else does. But you're going to need to cross train, my friend. You want to stay in the game longer? Well, you're going to need to incorporate cycling and swimming Low impact, steady state like walking is phenomenal or elliptical sessions to build that aerobic capacity with less joint stress and bonus.

Speaker 1:

Cross training keeps movement joyful and sustainable and it lets you run for decades. Now this is a really important one. We're going to update our goals. They are allowed to evolve. Performance goals are awesome, but so are process goals, longevity goals and feel good in my skin goals. So ask yourself, what does success look like now? Is it finishing strong? Is it feeling joyful? Is it staying injury free? Do I want to inspire others, including the younger version of myself? Or maybe, as we get older, we could always look at that positive. Those Boston qualifying times get a little bit, a little bit more lenient, a little bit more room to maybe snag that BQ. So shifting a goalpost doesn't mean that you've lost your edge. It means you've gained perspective on what's important, to where you are right, here and now.

Speaker 1:

Now for my female athletes, I want you to work with your hormonal cycle, not against it. For women in perimenopause or menopause, you're gonna track your symptoms and energy over your cycle. Yes, you still have rhythms, even post period. Of course I've mentioned strength training is gonna help to stabilize those hormonal fluctuations and you're gonna want to prioritize sleep hygiene, cool room, magnesium, screen limits. There's a lot of great little practices to implement and also spending a little bit of extra time. Knowledge is power. Don't guess. Track, observe, be more scientific about it. Adapt what you need as you listen to that dialect that your body's speaking to you. Now, okay, number nine's gonna maybe surprise you.

Speaker 1:

Embrace speed work, but do it wisely. Speed still belongs in your program. It just needs a smarter placement and maybe more warmup. It might need more recovery in between, but you could add strides in to stay sharp. You keep your tempo and interval work, but again with more recovery and always warm up thoroughly. I'm going to suggest at least 15 minutes before going out for those speed sessions. Your fast twitch fibers do not vanish. They just need a little bit more TLC, a little bit more convincing to show up. And then, last but not least, build a support system. You deserve a team. Running through life seasons is better with community. I'm not going to kid you. I reached out to a couple of gal pals a couple of days ago and I said I don't care if we run fast, if we run slow, if we walk with jogging pickups. I just need some soul sister time. You know the gals that lace up and you can chit chat for miles and miles. So find your people, be it online or in person, and this group should understand the juggling act of where you're at, of life's changes, and maybe they might be fluent in the new dialect that we're all going to be speaking. So definitely, lace up and don't go it alone. Whether you need a little bit of extra encouragement from a fairy run mother, hello, hi, I'm here for you. A group like the Extraordinary League or you're looking for your ride or die? Best running friend, don't do it alone. We've got tons of people that really want to keep you supported and motivated. So, in closing, you're not slowing down, 're evolving, you're leveling up. Running in our running in our older years is all about working with our body, not against it. It's about embracing the wisdom that we've earned, respecting the changes that you've experienced and building a new kind of resilience. The younger runners haven't even met yet, so you don't have to prove anything to anyone. You just have to keep showing up for your goals, your joy, your health and that inner voice that says, hey, I'm still in this. Because, as we know, extraordinary isn't limited by age. It just gets better with time. So we've talked all about those extraordinary people. Well, I can't wait to introduce you to my next guest, because I have with me here somebody who embodies everything about joy and movement and gratitude for our bodies and what they can do. Because Denise is lacing up once again for the marathon distance, and not just any race, my friend. She's tackling Chicago Marathon. Now get this. The last time she ran in Chicago was all the way back in 2002. And now, more than two decades later, she's back Stronger, more purpose-driven and with a big old, audacious goal completing the world marathon majors. And this story is incredible. But what makes this return even more meaningful is why she's running. Denise is fundraising for the Our Lady of the Angels charity, a cause that's extremely close to her heart, and she's bringing her own special brand of charm and cheer to the process by creating gnome, sweet gnomes that are marathon themed, in exchange for donations. I mean, can we get a round of applause for that creativity and that connection back to our running? So, my friend, you're going to want to hear this. But, more importantly, welcome Denise. I'm so excited to have you here with us today.

Speaker 2:

Hi, thank you for having me. I'm so excited.

Speaker 1:

I can't wait to get into this conversation because when we first started talking about your like home gnomes, sweet gnomes, I should say I thought, man, I would love it if you would come and join me on the podcast, because there's so much. I want to learn more about your story. I already know and I'm impressed by so much of your story. But let's get started, my friend, because I want to take it back, if I'm correct, to 2002. You're standing at the starting line of the Chicago Marathon. Can you paint that picture for us? Who was Denise back then?

Speaker 2:

Oh, Denise was a young, young girl who didn't was taking everything in because it's so. These majors are just so fun. There's so many people, even in 2002, which it's been so many years. But I can still feel it. I can still remember the energy, the push. I literally I cannot tell you the first three miles just went by a blur the whole. It just felt like I was being pushed by the entire crowd. It was just, it was great and I was naive. I was training, but I didn't. I didn't feel as prepared as I'm hoping to be this time around.

Speaker 1:

Well, you've already laid down a really good base and we haven't even gotten started on marathon training, so I feel like your training, definitely what lies ahead is going to be a fantastic summer. But can I ask, before we touch more on what's happened since then, what were your goals, or your mindset, maybe? What did your life look like? Can you give us a glimpse of what your life looked like back then?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I had just recently gotten married, I had just started my career, so everything was new. And so for then, for me, I was like, okay, I'm going to run a marathon. I had my first marathon I had run was the Jacksonville marathon, and I loved it and I said, okay, I'm going to run a marathon. I had my first marathon I had run was the Jacksonville marathon, and I loved it and I said, okay, I'm going to do Chicago. My best friend lives there, let's go. And my husband was on board and, sure enough, we went there. So I was full of excitement that at that time I truly was just full of excitement, full of joy, enjoying all the life and just wanted to, to just take it all in.

Speaker 1:

I love it. I think since then Jacksonville has been. I believe it's been rebranded as the Donna marathon, or it's been absorbed, or maybe it's a completely different race at this point.

Speaker 2:

I think so. I'm not sure if it's been absorbed, but back then I I do remember I was one of the last ones then to finish it when I did. But, um, I finished and I got my medal and, you know, fell more in love with marathon running from then.

Speaker 1:

That's what I love about marathons is that it doesn't matter what time you finish it in, you finished it. That's accomplishment that you can take with you for the rest of your life. Nobody can take that away, but that does bring us to today. It's nearly well, a couple of decades later, and you're heading back to Chicago tackling the same race. A lot has changed since then. Can you tell us a little bit about what life has looked like for you since then? How has your relationship with running evolved since then?

Speaker 2:

Sure sure I am a cancer survivor two times. Sure sure I am a cancer survivor two times.

Speaker 2:

So I ended up having through the treatments you know, I had to put running on the backside and do other types of stuff to keep active and healthy. So I decided to do Chicago because for me that's where it all really started my love back into marathon training. So I said I'm going to go back and I'm going to start with Chicago and I'm going to celebrate that I've gone through the cancer, I'm here and I'm ready to take it on. So that's really why I'm back and what I'm doing with it.

Speaker 1:

So oh, wow, that's incredible. So quite a bit has changed, I would say at this point, but it sounds like still that vibrant young spirit that's excited and passionate has not changed at all since when you first towed up that start line.

Speaker 2:

I tend to think that I love life and, especially after you've been through some challenges, you just embrace it even more. And yes, I'm trying to keep young as well, so I do hope to have the same spirit and have the same feelings that I did when I first ran it. So life has changed. I'm quite older now and have different body aches and changed different paces and stuff like that. But it's all great. It's all everything you want to just achieve and keep pushing forward.

Speaker 1:

Right. So I'm hearing there's a kind of a new zest, at least on life, where there's a lot of gratitude as you approach the season of running.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. There is a lot of gratitude. I am thankful and every time I put on my shoes and I go out I do say I can do this, I get to do this.

Speaker 2:

It's not just I'm running, I get to run and I'm thankful for that and I am very honored to be able to run a major marathon. Not everybody can do that after being away for some time, so I also don't take that lightly, especially with that, and I think that pushes me in the training to say, hey, I'm lucky. Not everybody can do this. Not everybody can get in either using the charity or the lottery Right.

Speaker 1:

Right, I've said this before, but I'm going to reiterate it again. I mean, when it comes to running, we joke that it's a free sport, but that's hardly the case, especially when you decide to take on some of these races or the majors. So there is so many aspects of being fortunate fortunate to have the gift of time to a little dedicate to it, or to make the time fortunate, to be in the right season of life and, of course, to have that really beautiful capability of being able to move our bodies through that space. So that's incredible. Which leads me to the fact that you've chosen to run for Our Lady of Angels charity. What does that mission mean to you personally? Can you let us know a little bit more about it?

Speaker 2:

Sure, our Ladies of the Angel is a Catholic mission group and they are feeding the hungry in the poorest area of Chicago, on the West Side, and I have been to the West Side, I have seen the need there and I just feel called to help in any way that I can. So when I saw them on the charity list, I said I have to help you guys. It's just, it's really to my heart. I've always felt the need to help those that don't have as much as I have and aren't able to have what I have for numerous reasons I have and aren't able to have what I have for numerous reasons. So for me to be able to do a little bit is great and I'm just honored to be able to do that.

Speaker 1:

Well, I think that's incredible. It's definitely a beautiful mission. I definitely think that it puts an extra pep in your step as you train, definitely a lot more meaning to your miles. I can tell that this means quite a bit to you. It sounds like it kind of connects more to like your core values, which is kind of why I feel that you've put so much love and care into creating these adorable little gnomes. But tell me, how did that come to fruition?

Speaker 2:

Well, I must admit, I love gnomes and I have a ton of them, right. So I was spending these monies buying them and my husband was like really another one, can you make it? And I was like, ok, I'll try it. And I did, I made them and I've given them as gifts and I thought what better way if I can do one for each of the marathons, major marathons, how better way of a gift for somebody to have. And it brings me joy because they make me laugh. They're cute, you know, and every time you see them with a little beard I get a chuckle. So I thought why not incorporate it and see how I can help fundraise for my run?

Speaker 1:

They are quite adorable and it's truly a gnome brainer for people to want to like have their own little special token. And I feel like, because they are smaller and compact, it could almost be like a race token for you to carry with you when you're out on the course, to kind of give you a little extra bit of humor or a little bit of inspiration, a little extra bit of magic. So again, friends, we're going to have that link in episode notes for you guys to find a gnome that aligns with your specific race. And what if I'm just going to ask you, denise, what if somebody is saying hey, I see that you have the majors, but that's not my. My runner in my life doesn't, isn't going to run the majors, can you? Will you take custom um donation like donations for custom orders, or are you sticking to the majors?

Speaker 2:

No, absolutely. Donations for custom orders. Or are you sticking to the majors? No, absolutely. I even got I'm looking at the run Disney ones that are coming up with Lady and the Tramp oh so cute. I'm like oh, they're so cute. So I'm open to whatever. I'm working on a Winnie the Pooh one. My friend asked for one. So, whatever, I'm open absolutely If I can find the material.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so I'm here and we're going to make it happen one way or the other. I've got to tell you, denise, I do not need something else that I have to like collect. Yeah, they sound incredible. I can't wait to um see all the ones that you come up with. That's definitely a whole lot of fun. Now I want to talk to you a little bit more about um. Additionally, like you're running because, again, that's such a major part of why you're even doing this fundraiser what do you generally in your pursuit of running, what do you generally help Like? What is your usual favorite distance or your favorite kind of? Do you have a specific that you tend to target?

Speaker 2:

I really like my distance. That I really like it's a 10 K distance I love. For me that is a good. I consider it my base. I like to run it. I think, okay, I can do, I can do the 10k, that's, that's, that's cool. So that's kind of my favorite distance to run for fun. It would be the 10K.

Speaker 1:

Okay, I gotcha, I got you. It's a good distance. I have to be honest, I'm a little scarred from a 10K that I did eons ago, that I needed for a proof of time and I remember it being like I wanted to die the entire 6.22 miles. So it took me a long time to come back to the 10K distance and approach it in a way where I actually can enjoy it now. But it is. It's a fabulous distance, there's no doubt about it. I want to talk a little bit about this bucket list of yours, or this big goal of yours. I call them big, audacious goals of tackling the World Marathon majors. It's not just a bucket list item. It's actually a truly bold commitment, especially now more than ever. What drew you to that challenge commitment, especially now more than ever? What drew you to that challenge? Does it have to do with being a cancer survivor or is there a specific aspect of the world marathon majors that really calls you?

Speaker 2:

I think it has to deal with the cancers. Being a cancer survivor Say why not do this? It always for me, it always had seemed like something I can't do. I couldn't reach it and I said to myself listen, I beat cancer twice. Why can't I do these marathons? Why can't I have the six stars? So you just need to start. Take one step in front of the other, one foot in front of the other. Okay, I love that.

Speaker 1:

I love the why not. I mean, one of the things that we talk a lot about in running is to dig deep into your why, and that is incredibly important, especially whether you get into endurance distance. But I think that there's also a lot of beauty of why not or why not me or it's. The opportunities are there for us to tackle them and just to try our very best towards them. So I am also curious if there's a specific marathon major that you're most excited about. I mean, I assume Chicago right now, but is there another specific one that's calling to you?

Speaker 2:

London is because I want to run on the bridge and see Big Ben. I really that one is calling, calling me and see Big Ben. Really that one is calling me. I'm nervous about Tokyo, but I love the thought of London and running on the bridge seeing Big Ben.

Speaker 1:

I just I'm looking forward to that. London was a party for 26.2 miles the entire time, like from the minute you get, actually from the minute you touch down, I feel like go to the expo. It feels, because there is such a charity base to it, I feel like it's a race, that folks are really there to think of the bigger picture. So people are really there for the joy in the community. And I got to tell you, running over Tower Bridge is truly spectacular and I can't, I can't wait for you to experience it. I hope it makes you giggle as much as I do, or I did during it, because when I ran it, I also was running with a pack or herd I don't know what we would call them of rhinos, and that was just.

Speaker 1:

It was a fundraiser and they were dressed as rhinos, so that just made me giggle. I mean full on suit, like I. They probably had an extra 30 pounds of costuming on them. I have no idea how they did it, but giving them a lot of kudos for it. It is an incredible race. Tell me more about Tokyo, cause this is one that a lot of folks have concerns about, especially. Um, generally, I feel like most people's concerns about it is that it's a very rule focused society and they have very strict course checkpoints. Is that kind of what plays into your mind, or are there some other concerns that you have with Tokyo?

Speaker 2:

Well, the first concern, of course, is the check marks, right, that really does kind of put a little stop in your breath, like, okay, you know what if I don't, what if I don't make it. And the other is we as marathoners were very strict as to what we have, what we carry, what we're used to, the certain type of gel, certain type you know water, all of that and having to change the mindset into being open, that there may not be that particular gel and you may not be able to bring it, you know, those are the concerns that having to plan and prepare for that, that I think about in for Tokyo.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, we will definitely talk more about that when we get to Tokyo, but the best suggestion I can give for anyone who's traveling internationally, whether it's through Tokyo or heading elsewhere, is to, thankfully, because of the internet, um, we are able to generally get that fuel or those hydrations that are hydration mixes that they use for the, for the actual specific course and to train with it. I will tell you that the hydration mix that they use is actually one of my favorites. Now that I was able to experience it through my training, I think you'll really actually enjoy it. So, being able to train for our fueling and our hydration, so that we don't need to be as concerned. I can't a hundred percent tell you whether or not they're as strict with the fueling, because when I did it, I took off my throwaway layer and my fuel was in my throwaway layer, so I ended up having to rely on the course anyway, but, um, it's again it takes.

Speaker 1:

It's a wonderful adventure. It is such an incredible, incredible scenic Vista as well, and the culture is so so, and the culture is so incredible, so the community is incredible too, so there's so many fun aspects of these. So, to the listening audience, it really does come down to being able to kind of immerse yourself in these once in a lifetime experiences, and I know there's plenty of people who go back to these majors over and over again and I think that's incredible. But whether you do it one time or 15 times, it's still just being grateful to toe up, as you've mentioned, denise. Okay, let's talk a little bit about what are you most proud of when it comes to your running journey or getting back into your training.

Speaker 2:

I think I'm most proud that I'm that I'm actually doing it and being consistent with the training. I think that I'm proud of myself for stepping out, getting out that door and doing it. I think it's very easy to say, okay, I've got to sleep in or I've got so much work to do, but actually scheduling and making the time to do it, I'm proud that I've been doing that.

Speaker 1:

I agree, it's phenomenal. I mean truly. I know that you have an incredibly busy schedule and you still show up to make it happen, which is absolutely wonderful, and it shows it's a testament to your commitment to making this all happen for you. Okay, let's go back to these adorable gnomes. If these gnomes could whisper words of encouragement to a renter or supporter, what would they say? You would say you got it, keep going, it's perfect. It's perfect. Just like a gnome would say I mean, seriously, why? Why get into all of the jazziness of tons of flowery words or phrases? When you got it is all you really need. Yes, that just makes perfect gnome sense. Okay, my puns are getting worse. They're getting worse. Okay, what would you say to somebody who is potentially maybe in a different season of life and they think you know so much has changed since maybe they felt like they were a runner. They no longer associate themselves as being a runner. What would you say for somebody who is considering lacing up and getting back out there?

Speaker 2:

I would say, do it, just do it. I started running with my dad and we would run together just a mile because I was little you know, I was 13 years old when we started and then I would increase shortly running with him and he is 83 years old and he runs a mile every day.

Speaker 1:

I want to be him when I grow up.

Speaker 2:

Me too, seriously, and he loves it. And if I, I say, it doesn't matter how old you are, just lace up and, just one foot in front of the other, go out and do it, just just do it, and it doesn't matter how fast you go, it doesn't just go, so do it.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, what does your Papa think about you doing this and going back out to Chicago or the world marathon majors?

Speaker 2:

Oh, he's excited. He said he wants to see the six stars. He's like I just, I just want to see that and I said, yes, dad.

Speaker 1:

I'll do it.

Speaker 2:

So, Denise, that is so special I you are going to cry, my friend, when you show him that six star medal. I am, I'm going to cry, I'm going to tear it up just just thinking about the day. I do that because the first marathon I ran in Jacksville. He ran the last half with me. I had gotten to that wall and he ran the last half with me and we crossed together and you know for me to show him, you know I will be, I'll be sobbing like like crazy, but but yes. So if anyone is is wanting to try, it doesn't matter how old you are, just lace up and go Get out there.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah, I love that. Okay, so we know what you're going to first do when you get your six star medal. What are you going to have as your post celebration meal after you get your six star medal?

Speaker 2:

Oh, I'm like you and burger and fries yeah absolutely.

Speaker 1:

I mean, I'm not gonna lie. Also, a little glass of red wine doesn't hurt my feelings with that either. But burger and fries is my first go to for me.

Speaker 2:

I love champagne, so I will have that, oh me too.

Speaker 1:

I love bubbly. I mean, we definitely. There'll be so much to celebrate. Okay, I love all of your wisdom. I cannot wait to see your journey. I am so excited to see you tow up to the start line of Chicago and all of the many more destinations that you have in front of you. I would like to know, though, before we part ways what does the word extraordinary mean to you?

Speaker 2:

Wow, extraordinary means just doing something you didn't think you could do. That's what it means to me, because it's a personal. I mean extraordinary can be whatever you think is extraordinary. For me, it's like it's something you didn't think you could do and you do it, or you even attempt to do it. That's extraordinary.

Speaker 1:

Well, my friend, I have to tell you, I think you are the very definition of extraordinary, and your Papa too, my goodness gracious, he's definitely going to be like lead the way with us. Um, thank you so much for joining me. And again, friends, please, please, check out the episode note link so that you can see these adorable, magnificent and very, very supportive, encouraging little gnomes for wherever you're running or towing up to next. Um, denise, it's always such a pleasure to chat with you, and I love that your story is such a powerful reminder that the marathon isn't just about running, but it's about showing up for something so much bigger than ourselves. So, with that, thank you, no, thank you. Thank you so much, friend. Truly, how incredible is Denise?

Speaker 1:

I told you superheroes don't always wear capes, but I wouldn't be surprised if she wears one too. Sometimes, though, they were running shoes. They show up after setbacks, and they keep chasing joy mile after mile, with a little extra gratitude. So if Denise's story lit a fire under you, made you smile, or reminded you that it's never too late to start again or restart again, I'd love it if you'd share this episode with a friend, teammate or fellow runner who needs to hear it too, but also if you can't resist getting your hands on her gnomes, please do check out that link in our episode notes and support her in this incredible journey and pick up such a really special little token for maybe the runner in your life or for yourself with something that you've got coming up.

Speaker 1:

So I can't reiterate enough, my friend, whether you're blooming into your next season of running or you're just starting to stretch your roots again, this is the community for you. There's space for you here and I want you to shine. And if you haven't already, make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you're listening so you don't miss a single stride. And hey, if this episode gave you something good, consider leaving a quick five-star review. It helps other extraordinary folks just like you find us and fuels the show like that best mid-run snack. And if you're ready to be surrounded by other amazing women chasing big, audacious goals, learning, growing and laughing through the sweats, come check out the Extraordinary League. We'd love to welcome you with open arms, sparkly visors and maybe a few bad puns. You can find all the links and coaching info and more at extraordinarystridescom. Until next time, my friend, keep hydrating, please, keep dreaming big, keep striding boldly toward the version of you that makes you feel most powerful. Ask yourself, why not? I'm Coach Christine and I believe the best is yet to come.

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Christine Hetzel

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