At age 65, 3 weeks before the competition, Valerie Brooks decided to compete In the Oklahoma Senior Games as a sprinter. Did she run track in High School or College? No. Had she ever run a 50, 100, or 200m sprint? No. Had she ever even set foot on a track before? Once again, No!
Valerie has always been active and fit, but never competed in sports. She says, “My husband Mark, is a long-time marathon runner with over 30 under his belt.” I always used to joke and say to him that someday I might take up running.” They lived in a pretty area in South Carolina with a lot of walking trails and she would walk several times per week. Valerie recalls, “For some reason, I started sprinting occasionally.” Valerie knew that short bursts of speed were good for her metabolism.
In 2021, they moved to Oklahoma. “I continued to walk and sprint occasionally. In 2022, my sister saw an article about OSG and suggested I enter. The games were only 3 weeks away! On a crazy whim I decided to compete as a sprinter!” Valerie has always liked doing hard things but knew this was going to be really tough.
At first she thought, “What have I done? How am I going to prepare?” Like most of us for many things, Valerie turned to the internet. Youtube became her trainer. Mark helped with some basics. He was thrilled his wife had decided to enter the games. After it was over though, Valerie said she had fun and enjoyed the experience, but wasn’t sure about competing in the future.
Valerie convinced herself to try again, and entered the Arkansas Games. She was so happy she did. Valerie medalled and qualified for Nationals in Pittsburg. “My goal was to continue training and improve my times.” She also entered the games in Kansas and Missouri. Valorie was hooked. “Mark helps me by recording my times on the web and finding other meets where I can compete.”
Valerie went on to say, “I think the older you get, your first-time novel experiences are few and far between. To me, it’s so delightful to find something you’ve never done before!” Sprinting has made her feel so much stronger.” In addition to joining a gym again after many years, Valerie uses a sled to build strength. She can either push or pull it. “I can adjust the weight by adding 25 pound plates. It has a belt that goes around my hips.” She’s able to train using the sled when unable to get on a track.
“I work out doing something nearly every day. I believe training has improved my circulation. I don’t get as cold anymore. I know a lot of older people have to deal with that.” Valerie plans to enter as many State and National Games as possible.
Many people think they can’t do something because of a bad knee, back, or shoulder. Valerie says. “Show me someone who doesn’t have issues like that. I say go ahead and be active! You should be smart about it though and not push too hard. As we get older we all have the choice of staying active. It’s important to move and build muscle. Always remember, muscle is the organ of longevity.”
