Meet the Springs couple defying age and inspiring fitness
Gail and Rob Williams are living proof that age is just a number when it comes to endurance and walking side by side.
Gail and Rob Williams, married for 45 years, are a couple many can look up to for their enduring love and shared commitment to health and fitness.
Inspired by her husband, a marathon runner, Gail decided to become more active herself. What started as walks to pass the time while waiting for Rob to finish his runs soon grew into something bigger.
“When he started running and doing races, I got up early with him to support him, but hated waiting for him to finish. I then started entering races, but half the distance he did. We would then finish more or less at the same time,” Gail explained.
The Springs Advertiser spoke to Gail, who recalled her journey in fitness, milestones, and what kept her going. Last month, she came third inthe Springs Strider’s 55th Annual Road Race.
She finished in a solid two hours and 18 minutes in the 15km great grand master ladies category, while Robin impressed on the men’s side of the same category, finishing in one hour and 29 minutes, earning second place.
“I was surprised but also proud that, as a grandmother, I made it to podium,” Gail said.
She said another benefit of walking is that it can prevent osteoporosis.
She talked about some of her challenges as she aged, “I need more time to rest after walking. I’m an advocate of listening to your body.
“For instance, 10 years ago, I could walk 6km or 7km before work. I still work two days a week, but by lunch time, I’m dead tired, so don’t go on the days I work.”
She recalled her biggest milestone: Participating in the 42.2km Athens Marathon in Greece, which took her seven hours and 30 minutes.
“Age is just a number, and you can always adapt your exercises by listening to your body. You can walk 15km, but not sprint it.
“You are never too old;my husband is a good example. He started running at 68, then did his first Comrades (90km) at 70,” Gail said proudly.
She said her biggest motivation is her husband, “He will be there to walk with me to make sure I do the steps I said I would.”
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