She’s determined to go the distance!
A resilient 80-year-old New Jersey grandmother made history by becoming the oldest woman to complete the challenging Ironman World Championship this past weekend. She advocates that the secret to maintaining fitness in later years is to “stay active.”
“I never entertain the thought of giving up,” Natalie Grabow, hailing from Mountain Lakes, shared with The Post on Thursday. “I cherish the sensation of pushing myself and achieving my objectives.”
Facing a minor hamstring injury, turbulent waves, and high humidity, Grabow managed to run 26.2 miles, bike 112 miles, and swim 2.4 miles in the open ocean on Saturday during the event held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
The mother of four and grandmother of two completed the notoriously difficult triathlon in an impressive time of 16 hours, 45 minutes, and 26 seconds—on a day when over 60 other competitors withdrew.
Having previously raced in 10 Ironman competitions on the island, Grabow shared her insights on how to maintain good health and fitness through the years.
“Whether it’s pickleball, dancing, or anything else, it’s crucial to keep your body moving and to stay strong. As you age, feeling strong physically translates to mental strength, boosting your confidence,” she said.
“You truly must stay active,” she advised. “Consistency is key.”
During Saturday’s race, she noted that the most challenging aspect was swimming in the rough water.
“It’s always a contact sport. You get hit in the head frequently, and my goggles kept slipping,” she remarked, adding that she was “swallowing salt water.”
Alongside dedicated training and a sprinkle of good fortune, she emphasized that staying aware of your body is critical to not giving up.
“Even elite female competitors face overheating issues. You never know how your body will react. It’s essential to continuously assess your feelings and understand your nutritional needs,” she stated.
“This way, I always maintain a clear mindset, preventing me from feeling confused or like I might not be able to continue,” she explained.
Moments before crossing the finish line, she stumbled and fell, but quickly regained her footing to complete the race, cheered on by her coach and daughter.
“It’s a wonderful feeling,” she expressed. “It’s truly rewarding to know you’ve given your all and done your best.”
Having learned to swim at 50, Grabow prepared with a coach and a training schedule that included running, swimming, and biking, typically reserving one long day each week for extended workouts.
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos, and more.
Thanks for signing up!
In her preparation for the intense race, she was attentive to her nutrition and made sure to “get my salt in.”
The first meal after her race was a chicken wrap, and she spent the morning after indulging in a bagel with lox and cream cheese while recuperating.
Now, she plans to take a week off for recovery and may soon consider participating in another Ironman triathlon outside of Kona.
Next time, her target may be to “match” Madonna Buder, who currently holds the record as the oldest woman to finish any Ironman race at age 82. “But who knows how I’ll feel at 82 when I’m 80,” she said. “It’s really about enjoying the day-to-day.”
