I have to show my respect for World War II U S Navy veteran Ernie Andrus who is the current record holder of running a cross country run from San Diego California to Saint Simons Island Georgia back in 2016 when Ernie was 93 years of age.
Ernie Is living proof of the saying by the former New York Yankees legendary catcher Yogi Berra which is “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
The first cross country run from California to Georgia lasted three years. Ernie was greeted by a huge crowd of fans when he crossed the beach at Saint Simons Island in 2016.
Ernie admits that even though he runs three days a week to stay in top physical condition, the desire to run a second cross country run from Saint Simons island Georgia to San Diego California will likely last five years since his goal to make it across the nation before he turns 100 years of age.
Ernie’s motivation to make a second run across America is to raise funds for the last remaining Landing Ship Tank (LST) which is located in Evansville Indiana since a former sailor during World War II, the ship that was on during World War II is a part of his life that part of his life serving our nation during World War II.
If there is one way to stay young at heart despite the human body breaking down due to the aging process, it is to engage in an exercise like taking walks and runs to keep a body and mind sharp as a tack.
All of human beings need to have something in life to keep us going so we can say that we had a great time facing life’s challenges to the very end of our lives.
You have a very good point there.
That’s the real root … I’m not over 500 m
You have a very good point there.
husband is a real tough guy…
People who fought in wars learned how to develop mental toughness.
Ernie has a healthy mind that supports her physical health, and I really agree with his words! Hopefully many people are inspired by his spirit!
That is what I have noticed about senior citizens who engage in an activity that is considered by their critics something that they should not do to their age. They answer their critics by saying “We enjoy what we do.”
we don’t thank the greatest generation nearly enough
We do not since we take what they did during the second World War for granted.
it is disgusting what we have done with their sacrifices
You are so correct since they must feel that we do not care for what they did to keep our freedoms all these years.
and they must be right, or we’d act differently
The sheer ability to run that long is beyond amazing. To do so when you are 96 years old is beyond amazing.
I agree with you since Ernie seems to have found his passion running to stay in great physical condition.
Great story, if he can do that so can other elderly people. Unfortunately some people have foot problems to prevent them from running marathons, however, some could walk marathons instead.
Many elderly people say that the reason they do things that others cannot do is because they enjoy what they do even it is in a part time role.
Yes, enjoyment is a great way to live. I have taken up swimming as my feet got heel plantar when I was 40yrs. Swimming is good exercise, but I am only learning to swim. I am learning freestyle swimming
I am happy for you since taking up exercise keeps our minds and bodies sharp.