Running friends who inspire each other: (from left) Juli, Nancy, Amanda, Jeri Lyn, and Francine

In the game of life, Nancy Willemstein is anything but a spectator.

During the past two decades, this slim, attractive 5’5” woman has established herself as an inspiring mother, grandmother, co-worker, and friend to many runners. She’s a determined, vibrant 63-year-old senior master’s class marathon runner.

Nancy began running in the 1970s at age 32 to lose weight after the birth of her two children. After several years of running shorter races, she signed up for her first 26.2 mile marathon at age 48. Her brother Paul talked her into running a second marathon when she was 52, and she was hooked.

Not ready to stop

Today at 63, Nancy has done 34 marathons and is not ready to stop. In fact, she seems to be hitting her stride. Running has taken her to 17 states and four countries, and has increased her circle of friends at least ten-fold. “I have met such wonderful friends from all walks of life and look forward to meeting so many more,” she said.

At 60, Nancy qualified to run in the famed Boston Marathon by completing a 26.2 mile race in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in four hours and 26 minutes – a personal best. She describes qualifying as one of the highlights of her life, surpassed only by giving birth to her two children. “I was on a high for six months after qualifying for Boston,” she said. She hopes to qualify again this year.

“I believe so strongly and passionately about being healthy and active,” Nancy explained. “Life is all about our attitude and how we use what God had given us.

How does she keep going? “I have three goals: drive, desire, and determination, and each day I strive to use them all to be my best. God has given me this body and I want to do the best I can with it.”

Nancy has worked for Steelcase for the past 26 years as the receptionist for corporate headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She runs about eight hours per week before or after work and on weekends. “When my co-workers or friends ask me about the races, they ask, ‘Did you win? I always say, ‘Of course I did: I finished, and that’s what it’s all about.’”

Running friends Amanda, Nancy and Jeri after finishing a race in Lansing, Michigan

 Extraordinary energy

Running also helps her in her career, she noted. “Running helps me clear my mind, keeps me positive and upbeat, and gives me energy. This helps me represent Steelcase with energy and a great attitude. When I can run before work, I feel especially good,” Nancy explained.

When visiting her son during the winter, she took his two children Isaac and Maddie sledding. After sledding down the hill and hauling the sled and kids uphill several times, a neighbor asked, “We recognize the children, but who are you?” Nancy explained that she was the grandmother and the neighbor was taken aback by her stamina. “You can go up and down those hills like the kids,” the neighbor said.

Nancy’s most challenging race was the 2004 Boston Marathon, which she ran to raise money for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. As a charity runner (rather than a qualifier), she began the race at noon on a scorching 87 degree day.

“It was incredibly hot and many runners were dropping out,” Nancy recalled. “I remember saying to myself, ‘Maybe I should drop out, too.’ But at mile 17 as we were approaching Heartbreak Hill, here were the cancer supporters to cheer us on. I thought, ‘I will keep running for these people facing chemo and radiation who can’t control what is happening to them.’ I dug deep and I finished in five hours and 50 minutes.” That was her slowest and most challenging race, but a personal victory.

Nancy often is asked by people who can’t run due to injury or bad knees what they can do to shape up. “I say, ‘Just move!’” she explained. “Move your body, be active, walk, bike, do yoga or pilates – do something every day. If you biked as a child, get back on the bike. Being active does as much for your body as it does for your mind.

‘Wonderful’ feeling

“You have to want and embrace health,” she continued. “I will always have the chubby little girl inside of me from when I was growing up, but feeling the way I do now is so wonderful.” 

To supplement her running, Nancy joined the YMCA last winter and has tried the yoga, pilates, Zumba and swimming classes. She runs outside year-round, embracing and appreciating the beauty of each season. (Her athletic shoe brand of choice is Saucony.)

What does this vital woman have to say about diet? “Watch what you put in your mouth. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, protein, nuts, and fish. I love salmon. But I also love a glass of red wine and a piece of dark chocolate. Try and drink lots of water. I drink water all day long.”

Nancy with daughter Juli

Nancy recently went to her 45-year high school class reunion, discovering many of the super jocks had gained a bit of weight. “I really felt good physically, but more importantly emotionally. Running puts me in a great frame of mind. Someone asked me, ‘Are you still running? You look great for your age!’ But I really believe age is just a number – it’s what you do with it that counts.”

Nancy ran the Twin Cities marathon on October 4^th with a finish time of four hours and 38 minutes. She hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon again with another marathon in December. If she qualifies, she hopes to run that race with her 40-year old daughter, Juli Duprey. “To qualify and run the same year as my daughter would be the ultimate for me. How cool would that be?” Nancy asked.  

“I have no thoughts of stopping,” Nancy concluded. “Running is a great part of my life and the benefits of health are endless. It is never too late to embrace health.”

–Mary Pat Byrne (If you have an idea for an inspiring story, please send the details to MPB@JustANumber.com)