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Fitness

Running Better with Age

Summary & Participants

At 72-years of age, Ginette Bedard is the world's fastest marathon runner for her age group. What's her secret?

Medically Reviewed On: July 23, 2008

Webcast Transcript

ANNOUNCER: Like any retiree, Ginette Bedard enjoys her hobbies. One of her hobbies, however, is a little more unusual than most. This 72-year-old runs 10 miles a day, every day, to keep her title as the fastest marathon runner for her age group.

GINETTE BEDARD: I know I can win, so I have to try harder. And trying harder is more difficult.

ANNOUNCER: In last year's New York City Marathon, Ginette passed people half her age to finish the 26-mile run in a blistering 3 hours and 46 minutes, just a mere hour or so behind the top women finishers. The next day Ginette ran 10 miles, like always. Her secret?

GINETTE BEDARD: I want to get out there and earn my day.

ANNOUNCER: While her marathon record is impressive, her training is nothing special, she says. Ginette started exercising as a young girl in France and never stopped. Now retired, she looks for any chance to get in an extra workout.

GINETTE BEDARD: Instead of using the escalator, I always use the steps.

ANNOUNCER: Ginette is the only women her age daring enough to climb 86 flights of stairs, as part of the Empire State Building Run-Up.

GINETTE BEDARD: Before it was a little bit mixed emotions. I didn't know what to expect.

ANNOUNCER: But Ginette ran up the nearly 1,600 steps in just 22 minutes.

GINETTE BEDARD: When I got up there, it was like I was on my wedding day. Oh, it was beautiful.

ANNOUNCER: No time to slow down, Ginette heads out on another run, ready to break new records, and to enjoy herself along the way.