This 96-year-old is trying to become the oldest person ever to run coast-to-coast

[Robert59]

High on the list of things I never thought I'd see is this: Ernie Andrus, who turns 97 next week, still marching across America.

I first met Andrus 6 years ago. He was in the middle of the Arizona desert, trying to become the oldest person to ever run coast to coast. Three years later, he actually made it to the Georgia shore — only to then turn around and start running back the other way.

Andrus is now a year into the return trip. We caught up with him outside Lufkin, Texas, plodding along slow and steady, as usual — albeit slightly slower — and noticeably less steady.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ernie-...o-become-oldest-person-to-run-coast-to-coast/

 

[Linda]

I could think of better things to do when I'm 97 than run across the Arizona desert. Running coast to coast.......I think it'd be more fun to be running after old men in a nursing home! If it had air conditioning of course.

 

[Warrigal]

Perhaps he wants to die with his running shoes on.

 

[win231]

I'm not so impressed by such attention seekers.

He's not "running;" he's walking. I think making it to 96 & walking should get him enough attention without risking his life.

I was reminded of a similar news piece. A doctor claimed he made his paralyzed patient who had a spinal cord injury walk.
To prove it, he got on the TV news, showing his patient walking while holding on to bars.
Well, that's OK, but he was wearing a huge, heavy belt with a big battery pack & special electronics & several wiring harnesses connected to different parts of each leg. I suppose that created electrical impulses that forced each leg in a jerky motion to take a few steps, while the guy had sufficient arm strength to hold himself up. Not much of a "miracle" there, but hey.....it got the doctor on TV with a few admiring gushes from some gullible audience members.
A comparable "Miracle." Ever see paramedics try to revive someone with those electric paddles after their heart has stopped? After each electric shock, their body jumps & the monitor shows a heartbeat - for a short time. "Hey.....he moved.....they brought him back to life!!!!"

 

[chic]

I find this kind of thing so inspiring. It helps me to do better and keep it all in perspective. Thanks so much.

 

[Nathan]

High on the list of things I never thought I'd see is this: Ernie Andrus, who turns 97 next week, still marching across America.

I first met Andrus 6 years ago. He was in the middle of the Arizona desert, trying to become the oldest person to ever run coast to coast. Three years later, he actually made it to the Georgia shore — only to then turn around and start running back the other way.

Well good for him, I'm sure his example will inspire others to take care of their health and MOVE their bodies!

 

[Sunny]

When I saw the title of this thread, I wondered, "What is he running for? Is this yet another Presidential contender?"