By Nigel Maxwell

P.A. woman developed love of running at 51

Jun 15, 2018 | 8:00 AM

Ten years ago, Prince Albert’s Joan Schrader never imagined she might one day run a half-marathon, or even run a few blocks down the street.

The 61-year-old is now one of the longest-running partipants in the annual Summit Run in Prince Albert, and has registered for this year’s event in the 10K race. paNOW asked Schrader what inspired her to start running at the age of 51.

“I was never very athletic and I was getting to the age where I felt like I should be doing something,” she said.

Schrader said she enjoyed walking but always failed when she tried running. After taking the Learn to Run class at the CBI Health Centre (formerly Summit Physio), Schrader has since particpated in several 5k and 10k races as well as half-marathons in Prince Albert and Vancouver.

“I’ve heard lots of people say they could never run. I think anybody can run if you do the proper training and start out the way you should,” Schrader said.  “To finish a goal is an accomplishment for anybody.”

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Schrader has inspired other members of her family to lace up their shoes. She said her children and grandchildren enjoy running, and both her daughter and son-in-law have taken the Learn to Run classes.  In terms of her own goals, Schraeder said she has no plans to slow down.

“I’ve read things quite often where an 80-year-old woman has finished a full marathon,” she said. “It can be done.”

The annual Summit Run takes place Saturday morning in Prince Albert with the start line once again just off River St. and 13th Ave. E. The half-marathon race will start at 8 a.m. followed by the 10k at 9 a.m. and the 5k and 2K events shortly thereafter.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell