Over-50 Maven Barbara Grufferman's Marathon Triumph

Think you're too old to run a marathon? Think again.

Better yet, take a page from Barbara Hannah Grufferman's book, The Best of Everything Over 50, literally.

In it she describes the run/walk method she learned from former Olympiad and marathoner Jeff Galloway. And she applied it in her life — to ward off middle-age spread and osteoporosis.

And then she walked her talk!  And ran it too —  in 5 hours 45 minutes! It was "15 minutes later than I had hoped!" she says of this year's New York City Marathon, but not only is that pretty darn good, there's more: It was

one full hour earlier than when I ran it seven years ago when I was still in my 40s!"

Now that's inspiring. And she even stopped to

dance to the bands [on the way], and take photos with groups of firemen and cops along the route." Now that's style!

She also explained in a recent Huffington Post article what the smile she'd be wearing really meant.

Barbara added a little extra incentive this year too – she chose to make her run for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "I'm proud to report that we raised more money than any other team in the history of the organization!" she told us, with her signature "Yay" in her tone.

But there was something else I noticed when she sent me her triumphant picture this morning: In true Style Goes Strong style, to match her purple "Team Hope"  T-shirt – she was wearing purple nail polish!

Style from (finger)tip to toe!

So, do you feel inspired to try a marathon? I would like to try but running has never been (bad feet, bad lower back). But then again, I did do Boot Camp.

I think even more than physical fears, I feel like I never have enough time. But maybe there's a similar sport that would resonate with me — I do love bike riding! And competitive dance has certainly come up in ranks since Dancing With the Stars (those wild outfits are definitely not my style though).

How about you – ready to find a physical challenge to rise to? We can certainly help you pick a nail polish color!

Other over 50 triumphs of style & substance:
Diana Nyad Dares Her Dream
Richard Branson Celebrates 60
Jennifer Grey - Dirty Dancing at 50
After-50 Operating Instructions
 What 50 Looks Like Today
 What 60 Looks Like Today
Get Funky With Your Nails
Do You Dare Wear Nail Art?