Unbelievable Stamina at 77

Most runners experience major declines in performance by the time they hit 70, but not Jeannie Rice. At 77, she’s gearing up to tackle the Boston Marathon, continuing to shatter women’s world records for her age group.

A Record-Breaking Journey

Rice stands at just 5 feet 2 inches and weighs a mere 95 pounds, yet her physiological metrics are nothing short of extraordinary. Her VO2 max—the critical measure of aerobic fitness—matches that of a sprightly 25-year-old! This was confirmed during testing right after her record-setting achievement at last year’s London Marathon, where she clocked in at 3 hours, 33 minutes, and 27 seconds.

The Science Behind Her Success

Researchers from Maastricht University are studying Rice to unlock the secrets of aging and fitness. Bas Van Hooren, an assistant professor involved in the study, proclaimed Rice as a living example of how consistent training and perhaps favorable genetics can challenge the typical aging narrative. "It’s never too late to start exercising," he said.

From Casual Jogger to Marathon Runner

Rice's running journey began at the age of 35 after she gained weight while visiting family in Seoul. Initially, she thought a few jogs around her neighborhood would help her shed the pounds. Incredibly, within a year, she completed her first marathon in Cleveland in an impressive 3 hours and 45 minutes. Things only escalated from there. In her second marathon, she knocked 29 minutes off her time, qualifying for Boston. Fast forward, and she recently completed her 133rd marathon in Tokyo!

Inspirational Legacy

Her idol growing up was Joan Benoit Samuelson, the legendary runner who won the gold medal at the first Olympic women’s marathon in 1984. Now, Samuelson feels inspired by Rice, proclaiming, "Her passion for running as she ages only becomes more evident with her times and her desire to keep breaking records."

Injury-Free Wonder

Remarkably, Rice has survived with almost no overuse injuries, although she did suffer minor accidents. Recently, she’s been dealing with some hamstring discomfort but is determined to participate in the Boston Marathon without stressing over records this time. "I’m going to take it easy and run slowly," she promised.

Scientific Insights on Aging and Fitness

Tests conducted on Rice revealed her VO2 max is way above average for her age group, putting most untrained women aged 70-79 to shame. Her fitness is attributed to a combination of genetics, strict training, and smart recovery practices. Van Hooren emphasized the importance of balanced training to help older athletes maintain high performance.

Key Ingredients to Rice’s Lifelong Fitness

1. **Consistent Exercise:** Rice runs 50-75 miles weekly and incorporates light weightlifting.

2. **Balanced Training:** Her focus on recovery has kept her healthy and injury-free, fostering years of high-mileage running.

3. **Nutritious Diet:** She prioritizes salads, veggies, fish, and nuts, while indulging in her beloved cheese on occasion.

4. **Passion for the Sport:** Rice loves running and thrives on being a role model. She defies those who say, "I’m too old to do that" by proving age is just a number.

Living Life to the Fullest

Rice maintains an active social life and enjoys dancing—though she wisely avoids it the week before races. Her zest for life is infectious, reminding all that enjoyment and fitness can coexist, regardless of age.

"I feel as young as when I was 50, and I’d like to be doing this well into my 80s—that’s my personal goal," Rice declared. This extraordinary woman continues to redefine the limits of what aging can look like in the world of running.