name: Bonnie Cochran Bence
year: 78
City: St. Louis (Creve Coeur), Missouri
business: Retirement teacher
Time flies: 17 years old
Reason for running: Stay with my three sons. I started because I wanted to be part of my boys’ marathon relay team.
I started running at age 61 to spend time learning with my boys, running. My boyfriend gave me a workout plan and I loved it, so I continued to read about other types of running. I pushed myself to go the distance and went from running six miles to winning half marathons, then competing in full marathons.
My first half was in 2006 in Memphis, Tennessee, for St. Jude. I finished in 2:07, and I beat my age group by 30 minutes. My oldest son said, “Mom, if you double that, you can fit in Boston.” He inspired me again by going to Boston himself and he inspired me to go too!
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Even though my sons travel a lot now, and both live out of town, when we are together, we are always active. My oldest son taught me how to exercise properly, and my second son encouraged me for all my needs in Boston.
I have run 33 marathons, 15 of which are Boston Marathons. My first choice was a 4:27 finish time in 2007, and I ran my first Boston Marathon in 2008. I like to plan my training around a marathon goal, and have I have many friends there.
One year in Boston, I finished my third year, and I didn’t know there was a special awards ceremony. Instead of going to the podium, I went to the shower and passed! My kids hope I can walk to the podium again at the ballpark so I can accept my award next time!
This year, I will be running my 16th consecutive Boston Marathon, this time for the Xtra Mile Club for Special Olympics. My father, Bob Cochran, was always active in golf. He was on the Walker Cup team with Jack Nicklaus and worked for the Special Olympics. My son, Chris, works for the Special Olympics, so we are continuing my father’s legacy by participating in this charity.
I had to be patient with Boston, when I ran in 2013, the year of the shooting. It’s scary not knowing if my son or grandchild will survive. Every other year they waited for me at the finish line. But that year, it took many hours to meet them again. Thank you, everything is fine.
I remember the kindness of people after the explosion—bringing us blankets, drinks, and giving us cell phones. I remember carrying a cell phone and being so thankful that I could remember my son’s number. It was a blessing to hear his voice. He told me to stay where I was and he came to me. Before leaving that night, he stayed with me until we went to the airport the next day.
The spirit of the city, the support of my sons, and the support of my parish school, Our Lady of the Pillar in Frontenac, Missouri, where I taught for the last 28 of my 45-year long teaching career. me to the finish line every time.
At age 78, I am grateful to have no health issues. The opportunity to run with family, my sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and being able to do something for the Special Olympics has inspired me.
I run four days a week: One long run, one hill run, one time trial, and finally a fun run.
Running has given me self-confidence, improved my overall health and bone health, and introduced me to new friends. Running is a journey. It’s a process one step at a time, with many hills and valleys. Sometimes life can get in the way, but you just have to pick it up, start over, and look again!
These three tips have been successful in my running journey:
1. Continue
You need a plan and you need to execute it. Skip the dates you don’t want!
2. Do yoga
Yoga helps strengthen the mind, body, and spirit! Yoga helped me learn to really think. I train at YogaSix in St. Louis, Missouri, almost every day! Yoga is a great way to balance my energy while on vacation. I have attended over 700 classes since joining YogaSix and am stronger than ever.
3. Cross train
Besides yoga, swimming is the key to my endurance and has helped increase my lung capacity. And lifting weights has helped me maintain my bone density.
Bonnie’s accessories
→ Clifton 9 DISAPPOINTMENT: I got this many miles.
→ Athletic Leggings a Dress up: I love Athleta for comfort and style, and for their packaging experience. Running and yoga clothes are great. They also supported my run with scholarships!
Emily Shiffer is a health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.