“Exercising is one of the best things ever.” – Ida Keeling (102).
Ida is a 102-year-old American woman and athlete who is a world recorder. Her drive has come through a lifetime of struggle and hardships. She is now a respected runner and proves once again that age is just a number and that it’s never too late.
Ida started running when she was 67-year-old when her daughter Cheryl suggested running the 5K marathon with her at the time when Ida was struggling with depression after her two sons had died because of their drug addiction.
“That was sad times for me. That’s when I felt really lost, really broken down. I was not me. I was just always sad, feeling down in the dumps, wondering what did I do wrong…,” says she.
She says that through running she’s found healing. Because in her words, running helps you feel good and gives you something to look forward to.
Born in 1915, Ida is a world-record-holder for 60m and 100m distances in both 95-99 and above 100 age groups.
Today, she stays active with Cheryl, her daughter and coach, speaks about the importance of staying physically active, and has also written a book on her life’s journey titled “Chasing Myself in the Race Against Time.”
She thanks God every night for her blessings and for keeping her focused and alert and helping her move on like she needs to move.
Read her full life story in the video below.
