Runner’s World+ Member: Mandy Rofe
Mandy is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
When I was in my 20s I was a runner for a short period of time. I got up to about six miles for my longest run. I remember telling a friend, who was training for the NYC Marathon, “I could never do that” and I remember his response was “yes you can”. I thought that was funny. I fell out of running soon after. Fast forward 20 years and I thought, why not run again? So at the age of 45 I started with the app C25K and slowly built up my mileage. I ran my first half marathon at 46 and the Chicago Marathon at 47. I said I would never run another marathon again. Whatever my mind had envisioned a marathon to be Chicago wasn’t it. Probably had to do with being slightly injured and the temperature being in the 80s! One month later, as I watched the NYC Marathon on TV I realized I hadn’t run “my” race. The next day, as soon as I was able to, I signed up with Team for Kids so I could run NYC in 2018. I was much older but much more fit and determined than I was in my younger years. The NYC Marathon was the most amazing experience of my life; everything I envisioned it to be! I think I smiled through the entire race!!! I am so grateful I started running again and ran my home town race. I was scheduled to run NYC again this year to celebrate my 50th Birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Marathon…unfortunately my celebration will be delayed by one year. So much for “I could never do that”!
I have been a subscriber for years but then I found Coach Jess on Instagram! I joined RW+ because of her. She is truly an inspiration! Having access to Coach Jess exercises and special sessions as a member is priceless!
Can I say so I can eat the pizza?? Ok that and I run for me. I am motivated by having a race to train for and trying to be better and faster. It is my goal to break five hours in NYC 2021 that keeps me lacing up and challenging myself to push harder.
Currently I run through my town on Long Island and explore different streets when I need to get more miles in. I enjoy seeing people that I’ve come to recognize and wish them a good morning with a big smile. It’s a nice way to start the day.
My Garmin watch…I never run without it and I always crunch the data afterwards.
I have three dogs and three cats—they are all very lazy and none of them run with me.
Break five hours in the NYC Marathon so my name is listed in the New York Times!
You Might Also Like
