“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t running. Being the middle child of 7, running seemed like a natural mode of transportation and racing turned out to be the natural next step. I remember lining up barefoot as a first grader on the starting line for my first race at a Castle Hills Elementary’s field day event. I was excited to win a blue first place ribbon and treasured it through high school. More races followed through elementary and middle school building my confidence, widening my circle of friends and enjoying the unique bonds of being part of a team. CYO track meets and city wide track meets followed. At Ursuline Academy high school I fell in love with the 220 yard dash and raced that and everything my coach would let me enter. I thought my second place finish at the state track meet in Dallas of my senior year would be my last race. I remember walking off the track sad that this part of my life was ending.
After high school, I exercised and jogged, but I didn’t get back into competitive running. I marveled at women I knew running marathons and after the birth of my twins, I wanted to see if I could push my body to go the distance. I started with the Chicago Marathon and ran 3 marathons in the span of 18 months.
Years later, I saw a friend of mine posting on Facebook about his “race” at a local track. He told me to sign up with Senior Games as soon as I turn 50 and bring out the starting blocks. Later I learned about the regional US Track & Field Masters track meets. My whole world opened up again. I am so grateful to know about these organizations and have the chance to compete again. I have a running coach out of Houston who is working with me on throwing the javelin for the first time.
It is so important to me to train, learn new ways to improve and compete. There is a sizable population of impressive “Master” athletes competing out there. I am in awe of what the human body can do. At 60, I am grateful.”
Story: Claire Shenken Photo Credit: Kathlene O’Shea