Sabra Harvey

We often hear, “You’re never too old”. But how many of us really believe it? Runner Sabra Harvey does and lives her life that way. Taking up running in her 50’s Sabra at 60, is now breaking National and World Records. On the road and track. She’s dedicated, disciplined and modest about her achievements.

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But she's still not quite sure why she took up running in the first place. “I believe things happen for a reason and we don’t always know why. As I see it running is just what I’m supposed to be doing right now.”

WomenRunningTogether chatted with Sabra about her running, being a grandmother, keeping a low profile and not setting limits.

The RunDown
Sabra Harvey, Age 60.
Married to Bill with two sons and one granddaughter.
Lives in Houston, Texas.
Graphic designer (very part time).
Running club - Houston Striders.

WRT: How did you get into running?

Sabra Harvey: I started jogging at 51. A group of women at work were training for a 50k. We didn't run, but walked up and down four mountains. One of the women was a runner and had done a marathon. So after the 50k she said now we‘ll race a 5k. I thought are you kidding me? But it was fun and I got hooked on the racing thing.

I wasn’t fast but it was cool to compete. I was working full time, doing a couple of runs during the week with a co-worker, and became a weekend warrior. Racing was something to do and, living in the DC area, there were lots of races to choose from.

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Sabra-Harvey-running-in-park

WRT: So running came pretty easy?

Sabra Harvey: Not really. One day when I wasn’t that fit, I was out on a 3-4 mile run. I remember mid-way that I asked myself why am I out here? It hurts and this is stupid.

I thought let’s get home quickly and get it over with and then I'm done! When I got home I realized that it wasn’t too hard. I had a definite mind switch. Ok, it still hurt a bit but I decided I liked the challenge.

WRT: When did you decide to step it up?

Sabra Harvey: In 2004 we moved to Houston and I started looking around for clubs. I stumbled across a clinic that the Houston Area Road Runners sponsored.

WRT: You sure did, what’s it been like breaking World and National Records?

Sabra Harvey: Pretty incredible and mind-boggling. It’s cool but I like to fly under the radar.

WRT: I guess that’s not happening any more.

Sabra: No. People are coming up to me in Houston. They’re talking to me and I don’t always know them. It’s been disconcerting at times but it’s becoming ok.

WRT: How’s your family reacted?

Sabra Harvey: Very excited and supportive even though they know my approach is low key. My 83-year-old mom wants copy of any press. I sent mom and my sister a link to the video of my race at Nationals.

I understand they want to brag. Even my sons, who're accomplished athletes, were excited. My youngest said, “Well, mom it’s about time you did something for yourself”.

WRT: Are you still coached by Karen?

Sabra Harvey: I'm on my own now, using what Karen's taught me to move forward with my running journey. I still call Karen "coach" and she's my "go-to" resource. We do a one-hour core session each week and run together if our schedules allow.

But I mostly train on my own. People all have different schedules and different goals for their training, and it's not easy to find a like-minded training partner.

WRT: So what’s your training like?

Sabra Harvey: I run on a low mileage base, around 35-40 miles, six days a week. I do one speed session and one hill or strength workout a week. I follow the hard easy rule. My long run is typically 8-10 miles.

Also, I fit in one weight session, one swim session and core work three times a week. I stretch after every run and get a massage when I can afford it.

WRT: You raced at both the USATF National Masters Champs and the National Senior Games this year, how did these compare?

Sabra Harvey: There were huge crowds at the Senior Games but in some respects the competition level was not quite up to the Nationals, although there were world class athletes at both events. I think Senior Games appeals to more people because of the number of events offered, and it’s all about participation.

People were very enthusiastic and the atmosphere was good. Stanford was a great venue. The extra things were nice: the food and merchandise vendors and the picnic area. It was convenient and created a feeling of community.

Oshkosh offered a great venue for Nationals too. Besides the number of athletes, one of the main differences I saw was what I would call competitive details.

At Senior Games, the road races were not quite what you would expect for a national event...no chip timing, sloppy start, course probably not quite accurate. Nationals was very good with those details for the events I did there.

WRT: At the National Senior Games you ran on the road, no track.

Sabra Harvey: Yes, I ran back-to-back road races the 5k and 10k. It wasn’t easy. I would’ve liked to run track but couldn't participate locally in the track events to qualify. That’s a drawback with the Senior Games. You’ve got to plan two years ahead.

This year they opened up registration at the last minute to anyone who'd participated locally in many events, so it seems qualifying is a moot point. What it amounts to really is a declaration to participate, not qualifying.

(Editor’s Note: Sabra won both the W60 Senior Games 5k road in 19:55 and 10k road in 41:58.)

WRT: Do you prefer road racing?

Sabra Harvey: I’m more comfortable on the road as I’ve run it more. But I’ve got more challenges on the track so I’ll do both. My favorite is cross country. I like the variety of racing on grass, around trees and on trails. You need to pay attention. I’ve raced lots of local cross country races and would like to do some national events.

WRT: It was a long season with two National Champs so close together. Were you looking forward to a rest?

Sabra Harvey: Yes. I’d been pushing since January and needed a break mentally and physically. So after the Senior Games I took a vacation with my granddaughter, Samantha to Georgia.

I didn’t miss the regular training or hard sessions. I enjoyed being a grandmother.

Samantha was a great traveler. She had no problem with waiting 20 minutes in airport security lines early in the morning. She’s a jewel. And then later, Bill and my son met up with us.

WRT: So what’s next?

Sabra Harvey: I have the USA Masters 5k National Championship in October, then cross country for the rest of 2009. Plans for 2010 are still very preliminary. Travel and hotels are expensive, so this influences how many races I do.

WRT: Would you think about racing indoors?

Sabra Harvey: Not really. We have great weather in Houston in winter and spring. I like doing the road circuit.

WRT: Houston is known for its running community.

Sabra Harvey: Yes, we have lots of clubs to choose from and there are many marathon training programs that are well attended. The park where I train is full of half and marathon training groups.

WRT: Have you considered running a marathon?

Sabra Harvey: No, it doesn’t appeal. Right now I’ve got no desire to do it. Hiking 50k in the mountains was enough for me. I remember what those long miles did to my body. I can only imagine what running that far would do to my joints and muscles.

WRT: Have you had any serious injuries?

Sabra Harvey: No, just some that slowed me down or forced me to back off. Karen taught me how to manage my injuries. I’ve a tendency to push too hard and too fast, as I want results. Karen had a job at first to get me to change. But I now realize that it’s ok to take time off and slow down when my body tells me to.

WRT: Nancy Rollins (also in W60) told us she was thrilled to race against you. Normally she’s out in front on her own.

Sabra Harvey: I felt the same way. There aren't a lot of women in their 60’s running. In the 5k at the USATF National Masters they ran us with the younger age group. It’d be nice to have this happen more but I know they can’t always do it.

WRT: Why do you think there aren’t many women in their 60’s racing?

Sabra Harvey: I don’t believe they think they can. If they haven’t done it they probably think 60 is too old. Also, there may be health issues. I’m fortunate that I don’t have any problems. I’ve never had any female issues. I had easy pregnancies and menopause was more of an inconvenience.

WRT: So you didn't put on any weight with menopause?

Sabra Harvey: I’ve never had a huge weight problem. I’ve always eaten what I wanted and was tall and thin. Nine years ago when I was 51, I weighed my heaviest, around 155-160 pounds. When I started training harder with Karen the weight just came off.

WRT: What would you say to encourage women to take up running and racing?

Sabra Harvey: Never think you’re too old, to try something new. The only time I realize I’m 60 is when I look in the mirror. Otherwise I feel young. Of course some mornings I feel older when the joints are a little stiff getting out of bed.

Place no limits on what you think you can do. Karen made me realize that I could achieve a lot more if I didn’t put a limit on it. Have confidence in yourself and just push it for all it’s worth. See where it takes you.

Editor's Update: Sabra's great running continued at the 2009 USA Masters 5km Championships in Syracuse, New York on Oct 4th. Sabra won the W60-64 division in 19:31. This time was the best age-graded (99.12%) for both the men and women.

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Runnin at 60 Go Sabra!
U are right, not many of us around. We will show them we can do well at 60!

Last week I did 18.51 5000m. Trying 10000m tomorrow to break ...

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