First Senior Games Track Race: An Interview with Aaron

What does it take to run your first Senior Games track race at 51? For my husband Aaron, it took mobility work, short sprints, and a starting-block lesson from our daughter Heidi. In June 2025 he entered the 50-meter sprint at the Colorado Senior Games, where I volunteered. At 51, Aaron just made the cutoff to qualify as a "senior." He's the first TogetherWON athlete to participate in the Senior Games — but hopefully not the last!

It's also a good reminder that the exercise seniors need each week doesn't have to come from the same routine forever. Sometimes a new goal is the best motivation.

What's It Like to Enter Your First Track Race at 51?

For Aaron, it meant trading his usual weight training for sprints and a lot of support from the family. Here's an interview with our up-and-coming athlete!

What made you say, "Yep, I'm going to sprint 50 meters against other speedy seniors?"

"I've been running informal races for fun my whole life, but never in a real track meet. It seems like a great step in my development as a world-class sprinter. Better late than never."

How did your family react when you told them you were entering a track race?

"First I had to convince them I wasn't being sarcastic. Then they expressed a great deal of support mixed with a bit of concern."

How have you been training?

"I have been focused on mobility and short sprints. For me, this has been a change from my normal routine of weight training. I have discovered that it is possible to bend that way again! Also, my daughter Heidi taught me how to use the starting blocks."

Watch Aaron training on YouTube

If you had a theme song play as you cross the finish line, what would it be?

"That's easy: 'Danger Zone.'"

Who's your favorite sprinter?

"Carl Lewis was my childhood hero. I considered him the closest thing to Superman. Now my favorite sprinter is my daughter Heidi."

Will you be available for autographs after the race?

"Yes – immediately after my extensive cool down and stretching routine."

How Can You Enter the Colorado Senior Games?

Start at the Colorado Senior Games website, where there are lots of different events to choose from. If you'd like to join Aaron at a future Senior Games, he'd love the company! Here's why having a Senior Games training goal makes exercise more motivating.

For some extra motivation, here's an inspiring video of a 105-year-old sprinter (and the story of a 91-year-old sprinter who shows what's possible)! She started her running career at 100, which proves it's never too late to start something new.

Watch: 105-Year-Old Julia Hawkins Sets Track & Field World Record for Oldest Competitor

If you're ready to start training for your own event, our in-home personal training can help you build up safely.