The next time you’re having trouble motivating yourself, remember Julia Hawkins: She’s the 101-year-old who took up running a year ago and hasn’t slowed down since. In fact, she’s already broken the world record for the 100-yard dash in her age group. Inspired yet?
Being a centenarian runner isn’t easy, but Hawkins is loving every single second of lacing up her sneakers and hitting the pavement. It didn’t take the Baton Rouge–native long to receive the nickname “Hurricane” for her speedy ways.
“I knew I could run because I’m always in the yard working, and when the phone rings, I go running inside to answer it.” —Julia Hawkins, centenarian runner extraordinaire
“I knew I could run because I’m always in the yard working, and when the phone rings, I go running inside to answer it,” she told Runner’s World.
Even though the rookie is now as a decorated as a seasoned pro, Hawkins still never takes things too seriously—she barely even trains. (“I don’t want to waste too many 100-yard dashes, because I only have so many left,” she said.) And when it comes to stretching, her method of choice is simply “jiggling up and down a little.”
If Hawkins can strike a new healthy habit at age 101, there’s no reason to wait even a second longer to start your own, whether that’s picking up running, setting #bossbabe intentions for your side hustle, or simply eating a healthier diet. Today could be the first day of your new soul-filling purpose.
This is the running intel you need this fall. Also, find out which is better: running or spinning?
Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter
Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.
Got it, you've been added to our email list.
