You Won’t Believe How This 72-Year-Old Went From Couch to England’s Running Team—Her Shocking Secrets Inside!

At 72 years old, Judith Porter is not your average runner. She began her running journey in her mid-50s, motivated initially by a desire to support a colleague diagnosed with a rare form of arthritis. In the years since, her commitment to the sport has taken her around the globe, allowing her to achieve remarkable milestones. Among her proudest moments include representing England in her age group at the **Manchester Half Marathon**, traveling to **Bhutan** for the **Thunder Dragon Half Marathon**, and overcoming a serious setback during the **Tokyo Marathon**, where a chin-splitting fall at mile 16 didn’t stop her from crossing the finish line. As Judith tells **Women’s Health**, “Crossing every finish line, no matter how fast or slow you have run is a cause for celebration.”

Before embracing fitness, Judith admits that she didn’t engage in much intentional exercise. It wasn't until she was 55 that she discovered the joy of running, initially participating in the **Great North Run** to raise funds for charity. What started as a one-time commitment quickly blossomed into a passion. Judith joined a running club and caught the bug, embarking on an impressive journey that includes completing six **World Marathon Majors**, four out of six **SuperHalfs**, and even hiking the **Inca Trail**.

Judith's approach to running is grounded in a mindful, holistic training philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s body limits. “When I first started at 55, I could only do 100 yards before I had to stop, and it took me a whole month on a running machine to work up to being able to run one mile at a steady pace,” she reflects. For those hesitant to start running, Judith encourages taking small steps. “People always think, ‘Whoa, I couldn't run,’ and I say, well, you’ve just got to do it in very small increments.”

Investing in proper running shoes is another piece of advice Judith offers. She recommends starting with run-walk intervals, using programs like **Couch to 5K** or simply alternating between running and walking past streetlights. Breathing is critical as well; she notes that the first three miles of a marathon are often the hardest because establishing a comfortable breathing rhythm can be challenging.

Judith also champions the idea of optimizing training around minimal mileage. Currently, she rarely runs more than 16 miles in a week, believing that balance is key. “I’ve got to satisfy myself with trying to do the best training I can for the minimum amount of mileage and just keeping generally fit,” she explains. By focusing on quality rather than quantity, she ensures that she can still compete in half marathons without overextending herself. “If I was trying to run 30 miles a week, it'd just be a waste of time – I’d just wreck myself,” she states.

Variety plays a significant role in Judith's training routine. She incorporates longer runs, hill sessions, and speed work, often alongside younger running partners. This not only keeps her motivated but also makes her training more enjoyable. “Training with younger runners keeps me engaged,” she notes.

Strength training is another element she incorporates into her fitness regime. Judith enjoys rebounding—jumping on a mini trampoline—which provides a low-impact workout beneficial for her hips. She also participates in social circuit training with friends, where they create fun, dynamic workouts together. “Sometimes, a neighbor comes over, and we make up an hour session where we exercise in pairs,” she shares.

Looking ahead, Judith’s focus remains on completing the SuperHalfs, with **Prague** and **Berlin** still on her list. While she isn’t planning to run another marathon just yet, she acknowledges the addition of **Sydney** to the World Majors list with an optimistic, “Never say never.”

Judith Porter’s story is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to pursue physical fitness and engage in a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. Her journey underscores the value of perseverance, community support, and the significance of celebrating every finish line, regardless of pace.