Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text
Ana Laura Fray is an outstanding 47 year old masters runner who grew up in Mexico but now lives north of Toronto. She took up running in her mid-thirties but her marathoning career really started to take off after turning 40. She broke 3 hours for the first time at age 41 and by 44, she’d improved to her current personal best of 2:46. Over the past three years she’s been chasing 2:45 and despite getting into shape several times, she keeps coming up a bit short. This prompted her to reflect on the “Age Is Just a Number” platitude that surfaces whenever an older person accomplishes an impressive feat of athleticism.
In this conversation we unpack the nuances behind this statement. Of course it’s true that there are athletes over 40 achieving personal bests and running incredibly well, but it’s also true that we don’t see 80 year olds at the Olympics in any sport. At some point age comes into play for all of us, and Ana is navigating the unknowable question of whether her fastest days are ahead of her, or behind her. But as long as her training stays strong and she finds joy in the process, Ana is not ready to retire from trying any time soon.
Resources we discussed in the episode:
- Age-grading
- Podcast series on female athlete considerations through perimenopause, menopause and beyond (sponsored by Canadian Masters Athletics)
Connect with Ana:
- Instagram: @analau_77
- Episode 160: 2023 P'Tit Train du Nord Marathon Winner
Connect with Carolyn:
- Email me with guest ideas: inspiredsolescast@gmail.com
- Inspired Soles Instagram: @inspiredsolescast
- Carolyn's Instagram: @carolyn.c.coffin
You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!