#151 - How To Start Running In Your 50’s & 60’s pt 2 w/ Melissa Southrey
In last week’s blog/podcast I poured out my heart as to how you can start running at the age of 50’s or 60’s.
People start running for several reasons, here are my top 7 benefits to help you start running no matter your age.
Weight Loss
Improved Sleep
Improved Mobility
Prolonging Your Life
Maintain Bone Density
Improving Your Mental Health
Making New Friends In The Walk/Running Community (Read Full Article Here)
I met Melissa Southrey over social media about 2 years ago. Melissa would cheer on our walking legend Marie Geary, as we would post her success. After a year of seeing the joy on Marie’s face at different functions, Melissa decided to join the crew for herself. At the age of 59, Melissa wanted to cruise into her 60’s by running a 5k. Melissa signed up along with her husband Bryan who was the ripe age of 64-years-old. Melissa has been accomplishing a lot of great things since joining the Keep Calm And Run To The Best You program. Melissa knocked off two 5k’s before turning 60-years-old. In February 2022, Melissa competed in a 4-mile trail run. It was freezing that day and Melissa hated the cold. The cold didn’t stop Melissa from taking steps forward in her young running career. Melissa followed up February’s greatness with competing in her first ever 8k on April 2nd, 2022. It is about time we learn more about what moves this fascinating woman.
My name is Coach Tadris Parker, I have a passion for helping people become healthier one step at a time. I coach people to reach their running and health goals. Training members to run their first 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon in the South Jersey area. Areas include Atlantic County, Galloway, Egg Harbor Township, Linwood, Somers Point, and surrounding towns. I also have trained individuals around the world to run marathons with my online coaching system.
Thanks for checking out this week’s post.
Press play to hear me dive into this topic!
Coach: Thanks for sitting down with me and being on our show. Melissa, let’s tell everyone what you do for a living?
Melissa: I am a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and certified independent coach for an international wellness company.
Coach: How long have you been in your profession?
Melissa: Over two decades.
Coach: What moved you to get into this field?
Melissa: As a young mom, I wanted to provide healthy meals for my family, and lose 20 pounds after quitting smoking in 1995.
Coach: Take us back to the start of your journey, how were you feeling?
Melissa: I knew I was turning 60 years old and wanted to celebrate this age with something fun and exciting. I felt like 60 was the new 40 (for me anyway). A lot of my classmates had significant health problems and felt I was in better health than most people my age.
Coach: What was your wake-up call? What made you get up one day and say I need to change my habits?
Melissa: This happened back in 1995 when I stopped smoking at age 34. I gained 20 pounds and my father-in-law had a heart attack that same year. I went to the library and got a book called “How to Be Your Nutritionist.” It was so fascinating, I enrolled in college after being out of school for 17 years.
Coach: As a busy dietitian, what is your current exercise routine?
Melissa: I drink plenty of water, and sleep at least 7 hours a day. No skipping meals, mindful eating (chew food well, put the fork down in between bites).
I train 2-3 times a week with the run/walk group. Soon I will be riding my bike 10-20 miles a week and playing golf.
Coach: Any special diet that you are currently following?
Melissa: Mostly whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and if I have a choice, plant-based protein.
Coach: How do you feel now since adopting this healthier lifestyle?
Melissa: I feel like a 40-year-old!
Coach: I know sometimes for you, it’s not about how much weight you’ve lost since joining our program. Can you tell us how much weight you have lost, or some of your non-scale victories since joining Run To The Best You?
Melissa: I have lost inches in my waist, and my legs and arms. My BMI was @ 25 but now I am hovering around 23.5 -24.
Coach: That’s Awesome. How do your family and friends enjoy this version of you?
Melissa: Well.… I’m hard to keep up with LOL.
My husband ran a 5k with me last weekend, plans on running next weekend, and just signed up for the 8K in a few weeks. It’s been a few months since he joined me. My daughter has been out a few times walking with the walking group.
Coach: Is there anything that you are doing now that You could not do before losing the weight?
Melissa: Increased mobility. I can almost reach the ground with my fingertips. Last year, I was lucky if I reached my calves.
Coach: Melissa, what is your favorite accomplishment so far in your young running career?
Melissa: Since my goal was to run one 5k, I am proud to say that I plan on running more this next year. From my first race in the middle of October to my second race on Thanksgiving, I was able to take 10 minutes off my time in less than 6 weeks.
Coach: This may be a tough question. Who inspires you in the group and why?
Melissa: Each one that shows up that day inspires me. The first was Marie Geary. Marie would walk with both my husband and daughter when they would come out to practices.
Chris Ballard has been my neighbor for many years and we have become friends. Then there is Jess.… What can I say? When I grow up I want to be just like her.
Coach: What are you excited about today? Are there any special goals that you are working on at that moment?
Melissa: I am excited that my husband is joining me again.
We ran two races together and held hands when we crossed the finish line. He’s such a great guy and has encouraged me to run my race.
A few of my goals are to beat my previous best time and place in my age group by next year.
Coach: Melissa, those are some great goals there. We are all rooting for you! Thank you for being on the show!
Before we let you go........
WHAT can you say to our listeners who may be ready to start their journey tomorrow?
