In an amazing report by The New York Times, Julia Hawkins aka Hurricane took up running at 100. She is the oldest women at 103 to compete formally on an American track and she did so recently at the National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Hurricane” did not manage to beat her own record of 39.62 seconds two years ago and came in about 6 seconds slower. Her reply, “I’m two years older, remember?” Here are some lessons that we can take away from this remarkable women.

• On practice. “As I get older, I feel like I only have so many 100-yard dashes left, and I don’t want to waste them in practice. “
• On secrets of longevity. “Have a lot of passions, things that you are interested in. Keep interested in a lot of things to keep you busy and keep your mind busy. “
• On the things most proud of. “I’m most proud of my children and my husband. They were the wonderful things in my life — and the grandchildren, and the great-grandson. “
• On staying in shape. “To stay in shape, just keep active. Keep your weight down and exercise.”
• On magic moments. “… look for magic moments. That is something that I have done in my life — think of the things that are magic moments that happen to you, like sunsets and sunrises, rainbows, beautiful birds, music and people’s lovely comments to you. All of those are magic moments and they are free for all. Be sure to keep your eye open for them.”

Picture from https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a28134465/julia-hurricane-hawkins-national-senior-games-running/