Finding My Stride at 30, My Passion at 48: A Running Journey

By: Mindy McCue, Charm City Run Timonium Team Member

Running journeys come in all shapes and sizes and timelines. I started running when I was 30. I made friends and found that the time outside relaxed and settled my mind. It took me nine years before I signed up for a race. I enjoyed it but continued for the next nine years to run regularly for fun.

I joined a Charm City Run training group with some friends at age 44. I had no race that I wanted to run, but I loved the coach and the experience. At age 48, I met up with a friend at her Charm City Run trail training group. After one run, I was hooked!  I went to the Timonium store and signed up for the group. That was four years ago. I run with the Ultra Group during both training seasons, winter and summer.

I have completed marathons, 50ks, and a 50 miler during these four years. I have made deep friendships that come with long runs and regular training. I found my passion at an age when some think running is in their past or long distances aren’t an option. 

Charm City Run training and coaches have led me to mountain peaks! I have explored trails all around Baltimore that I never knew existed. I have learned that I can do really hard things and love every minute of it! Where would I be without my training group? I’d definitely still be running, but I certainly would not have achieved the goals I didn’t even dream to set for myself. I am forever grateful to Charm City Run and you’ll find me in the training groups for many years to come!