Name: Carmen PerezAge: 72 Hometown: Elmhurst, New York Occupation: ESL teacher for Queens Library Adult Learning Time Running: 30+ years Reason for Running: I run to maintain good physical and mental health. Plus, just because I love it! I am my only competition and love feeling unencumbered by anything. I got into running after I took a physical education class in college—it was called “jogging” , and we ran the loop of a soccer field.
It helps me look for areas where I can improve to the best of my abilities and desire, as I have grown older.I love the feeling of just having the worries and pressures roll off as I run. It is especially gratifying if I add in a new location to discover. If it’s near the ocean, I’m in heaven! I’m grateful and proud that at 72 I’m still running. I want to keep running as long as I can—for as long as it stays fun.