Q&A with Elaine

on April 12, 2011
in All Posts

Up and at them; time for 1-minute better-than-granola.

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I gotta bolt!

 

But first…

 

Q&A with Elaine

 

Remember Elaine, the 73 year-old rock star who has ran over 100+ marathons?  She also raised 7 children, got married during the Disney Marathon, and won Mrs. South Dakota at the age of 61, beating a bunch of 30 year-olds. She is also a cancer survivor and has written four books.   Oh, and she didn’t start running until she was in her 40s!

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Hello, awesome.

 

Do you have a question you’d love to ask Elaine?  Leave it in the comments section!  I’ll be posting a Q&A with her sometime soon.

{ 60 comments }

 

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 12, 2011, 7:48 am

    Elaine is so inspiring!! I’d love to know what she does to motivate herself. I love running, but there are always those days that I just don’t feel like it. What inspires her to keep going, and apart from racing goals, what other goals does she set for herself?

  • Caitlyn (The Spoonful of Life) April 12, 2011, 7:51 am

    Wow! She’s quite a woman! What motivated Elaine to start running in her 40’s?

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) April 12, 2011, 7:52 am

    She is amazing! It is so inspiring to see older people doing things and motivating younger people! I hope to have that more and more throughout the years. I want to know what her diet is. How does she fuel herself to be so energetic?

  • Sophia @ Raven Waves April 12, 2011, 7:52 am

    I think this is probably going to be a common question, but I’ll ask it anyway 🙂 How do you find time to balance all the different aspects of your life? Do you have tips for time management that you can share with us?

    • Erin @ Big Girl Feats April 12, 2011, 11:24 am

      I second this question! Also – I’d like to know what she does to stay so foxy! 🙂

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 12, 2011, 7:54 am

    Oooh, can’t wait for this post! She’s such an inspiration!

  • gabriella @ embracement April 12, 2011, 7:55 am

    Wow, talk about a biography there! I’d like to know if she takes any steps (strength training wise) to remain so active, or if being active in the past just allowed her body to keep doing what it was used to?

  • Kayla @ Fitter Than Choc April 12, 2011, 7:58 am

    She is an inspiration to all women. I hope that I will age as gracefully as her too. I’d love to know what type of foods she eat, how she keeps herself strong and fit, and how she keeps herself motivated and injury-free even after running so many races.

  • Parita @ myinnershakti April 12, 2011, 8:07 am

    I don’t even know Elaine but I love her! I’d like to know what she thinks about and how she defines the terms health and beauty and what advice she has for young women on not succumbing to societal pressures on being thin and fitting into a predefined mold. Thanks, Caitlin!

  • Meg April 12, 2011, 8:09 am

    Elaine! Congratulations, you are such an inspiration to so many!

    I’d like to know how you get pumped up for a race! A music playlist?

    Thanks!

  • Sara April 12, 2011, 8:29 am

    I would simply like to know: Elaine, how are you so bad as*?

    That is all 🙂

    Oh and what words of wisdom would you give to people who think maybe they “can’t” or it’s “too hard”? Because clearly you’ve proven the proverbial “IT” isn’t too hard for YOU!

  • Gubbi of Arabia (Expat Life in Dubai) April 12, 2011, 8:38 am

    Great idea, Caitlin!

    I’d love to know how she finds the courage and self-confidence to take the leap and do crazy, out-of-the-ordinary things like entering a pageant at age 60. I’m sure she must have gotten plenty of reactions from people telling her she was crazy – how did she deal with those, and what did she learn?

  • Joyce @ Flowing to Fifty April 12, 2011, 8:40 am

    I LOVE Elaine!! Can you ask her how she manages to continue with this activity level without suffering any injuries? I can hardly wait to read the interview. I’m inspired by women (and men) who continue to push themselves to achieve, especially since I come from a long line of underachievers.

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) April 12, 2011, 8:43 am

    Wow- what a woman! It seems she has conquered the world, but what does Elaine consider to be her greatest accomplishment?

  • Kelly April 12, 2011, 8:51 am

    She is an amazing woman. I want to know what she considers to be her greatest achievement thus far in her life. I actually turned 30 today and to be honest I am having a hard time with this “dirty little number” but she makes me realize that age is only in your head. 🙂

    • Amy April 12, 2011, 12:37 pm

      Happy birthday! 🙂

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 6:56 pm

      Happy birthday!!!!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg April 12, 2011, 8:59 am

    I’d like to hear why Elaine started running in the first place — for exercise or a personal challenge of some sort?

  • Charity April 12, 2011, 8:59 am

    I’ve been following your blog for a few months now.. and I love it.. you are an inspiration … however this elaine woman … HOLY WOW!!!!! I am blown away!! It deffinatly gives me the motivation I need to train!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 6:58 pm

      Thank you Charity 🙂

  • Khushboo April 12, 2011, 9:03 am

    Have you always been a runner or did you grow to love it. Also how do u motivate yourself on lazy days?

  • Ali @ Ali Runs April 12, 2011, 9:09 am

    Wow!! What an inspiration! I would like to ask her what the source of her motivation is? To accomplish all of that, she seems like superwoman!!

  • Ali @ Ali Runs April 12, 2011, 9:11 am

    Wow!! What an inspiration! I would like to ask her what the source of her motivation is? To accomplish all of that, she seems like Super Woman!!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good April 12, 2011, 9:13 am

    I would love to find out what inspired her to start running when she hadn’t always been a runner. I look forward to reading your Q & A when it comes out. She sounds like a very inspiring woman!

  • Baking 'n' Books April 12, 2011, 9:16 am

    What are her books about? Running, cancer? And did she start writing later in life as well?

    Also – how does she look so darned good?! 🙂

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food April 12, 2011, 9:17 am

    ohh wonderful
    Q: what is the one piece of professional advice you would give to young women?

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey April 12, 2011, 9:22 am

    Exciting!

    What has motivated you throughout the years?

  • M April 12, 2011, 9:29 am

    -Has she ever suffered knee injuries,plantar fasciitis, etc?
    -How has running impacted her life “off the track”?
    -What has been the most difficult thing about maintaining
    a running routine?
    -Any advice for those of us who are overweight but long to learn how to run?

  • M April 12, 2011, 9:30 am

    PS also

    What is a dream of hers she is longing still to accomplish/
    see/achieve (not necessarily running related! )

  • Jocelyn @ Enthusiastic Runner April 12, 2011, 9:33 am

    What is her biggest regret?

  • alli April 12, 2011, 9:42 am

    what was her proudest moment?

    elaine, you rock the party! what an inspiration!

  • chloe@ 321delish April 12, 2011, 9:48 am

    I want to know what her vice is 🙂 What is her guilty pleasure??? Everyone has one in my opinion…mine is strawberry frozen yogurt with chocolate sprinkles or chocolate chips!

    and just curious…what is yours?!?

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 6:59 pm

      Ben and jerrys!!!

  • Krystina (Organically Me) April 12, 2011, 9:58 am

    Wow, Elaine, you ARE a rockstar!

    Any tips for new runners?

  • Kara April 12, 2011, 10:04 am

    I’d love to ask her about balancing being a good mom and running! Did she have creative ways to get in miles (like running laps around her kid’s soccer game or something like that?)

  • Flo (Coconut Chronicles) April 12, 2011, 10:04 am

    I’d love to know what inspired Elaine to take up running in her 40’s?! Was she active before that (growing up etc.)?
    Also I am a big fan of your 1-minute-better-than-granola! I had it for breakfast a few weeks ago and its reminded me to have it again!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2011, 6:59 pm

      Yay! I am glad you like it!

  • Christine April 12, 2011, 10:10 am

    I want to know how she’s protected her knees and other joints during a time where bone loss generally starts occuring.

  • Nancy April 12, 2011, 10:22 am

    For Elaine:

    Elaine–I am a 55-year old former 2:08 mini marathoner, and my life dream is a a marathon. I’m facing the challenges of retiring from 33 years of teaching, and relocating with my retired husband to a new state (Arizona). I’ll need a new job, but hope to use the nice weather (we currently live in the hideously fickle and cold midwest) to get out and train for a marathon. You inspire me. Any advice for all of my life changes? I’d appreciate your wisdom. I read this blog for new inspirations, but I appreciate the value of age-won wisdom.

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley April 12, 2011, 10:23 am

    Elaine is a total rock star!
    What made Elaine start running?

  • Lauren April 12, 2011, 10:27 am

    Elaine – how does it feel knowing that you help other runners a lot younger than you?

  • jassy April 12, 2011, 10:37 am

    wow…she’s a phenomenal woman…i want to ask where she finds her strength to keep on with life 🙂

  • Amber K April 12, 2011, 10:42 am

    Is there anything she hasn’t done yet that she wants to conquer?

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad April 12, 2011, 10:58 am

    Elaine is amazing! I still cannot believe she is 73! Does she credit her youthfulness to running?

  • Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing April 12, 2011, 11:21 am

    I want to know what motivated/attracted her to running? Love it. Never too many years to change your life, right? 🙂 Yes!

  • Abby April 12, 2011, 11:29 am

    Ahh! All of the questions I have are already in comments above! I can’t wait to see the Q&A post with her though! She sounds like such a fascinating woman! 🙂

  • Theorist April 12, 2011, 11:36 am

    Hello awesome indeed! I want to know about her race training schedule. Specifically does she cross-train? Also, has she always been “in shape” or has she ever struggled with weight gain?

  • Katie @ peacebeme April 12, 2011, 12:11 pm

    Wow, go Elaine!

  • Miranda @ working mom works out April 12, 2011, 12:15 pm

    Ooh that’s gonna be awesome! And lots of great questions here.

  • Mary (what's cookin' with mary) April 12, 2011, 12:32 pm

    All I cansay is WOW! What an amazing lady!!! I’d like to ask her… What inspired her to begin running in her 40’s ?

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) April 12, 2011, 12:40 pm

    She rules 🙂

    I’d love to know if she ever dealt with any running injuries and how this impacted her training.

    I’d also be interested in finding out what her diet and nutrition is like!

  • Shannon April 12, 2011, 1:03 pm

    I can’t wait to read the Q & A! I’m sure it will be really interesting as well as inspiring

  • Kristen April 12, 2011, 1:41 pm

    I would love to know what she would consider her greatest accomplishment.
    Or how when she is having a rough day. Doesnt want to exercise, eat right, what does she do to get over that bad day?

  • Rachel April 12, 2011, 1:50 pm

    Has she ever suffered an injury that sidelined her? How did she deal with that? This is great!

  • marian April 12, 2011, 3:20 pm

    Any advice for someone trying to figure out what to DO with their life? 🙂

    elaine sounds AWESOME. i want to be her friend.

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In April 12, 2011, 3:59 pm

    So excited about the interview with her! My question is if she ever worries about causing damage to her legs. I’ve been told that I shouldn’t continue training for distance runs like marathons because of the stress it puts on knees and joints that could cause major problems later in life.

  • Megan @ On the Road Again April 12, 2011, 4:04 pm

    As she’s an obvious inspiration to so many of us out here, I’d like to know who she finds inspirational.

    Also, I’d love to know about her most memorable race moment! With 100+ marathons, I’m sure she has an amazing moment or two!

    Can’t wait to read the interview.

  • Tracy April 12, 2011, 4:48 pm

    What advice does she have for women (or men) who are going through a mid-life crisis?

  • Brittany @ Pretty Fit, Pretty Healthy, Pretty Happy April 12, 2011, 6:09 pm

    I can’t wait for this Q&A! Aside from Jenny’s question (#22), I would LOVE to know what she wished she knew in her 20s that she knows now.

  • Joanna April 13, 2011, 11:50 pm

    Yay! So excited for this Q&A! I would love to know:
    1) I second the question about what she wishes she’d known in her 20s that she knows now!
    2) What advice she has for younger women about being confident?
    3) What is her definition of success?
    4) Can you really “have it all” (job, marriage, family) etc.? Or is the whole work-life balance thing a myth?

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