Pat Trickett recently celebrated her 80th birthday and twenty years of running, having started shortly after retirement when she found herself becoming restless and with energy to spare. “I’ve always had a lot of vitality” says Pat. “I took up walking at 60 but I felt the urge to move faster. Running seemed the natural thing to do.” 

Pat was encouraged by a friend, and with the increasing popularity of the sport soon found herself entering local races. “It was obvious from the start that it was right for me, I was good at it, and I felt so light and in control.”

Today, the desire to stay in shape keeps the grandmother of four running on an almost daily basis. She regards it a perfect way to keep both body and mind active. “I believe we all owe it to ourselves to look after our bodies, and above all, I love it too much to consider quitting.”

Competition is no longer a feature for Pat, however training at a slower pace she covers a staggering forty miles a week. Her running is more casual and not geared to setting quick times, but is equally as rewarding.

There’s no magic wand. Pat runs today with the same positive attitude as when she broke vets’ world records and raised money for good causes. “Running has become a part of my life” she adds. “I’ve still got plenty of energy and it gives me freedom at every level.” 

246 words

Chris Trickett, 13 January 2003