When one meets Ginette Bedard, one word comes to mind: indomitable - as in spirit, energy and outlook.
The 74-year-old Howard Beach grandmother, who says she “loves life,” just won her age group in the 31st annual race up the Empire State Building.
“It’s hard work, and I did very well,” said the bubbly senior. “I’m happy that I did it. I was so happy [to win] that I wasn’t even tired.”
Bedard ran up 86 floors - or 1,576 steps - in 22 minutes and 12 seconds, and competed against 215 other runners on Tuesday, February 5 to win in the 70 - 74 category. She also placed 50th overall among women.
“I didn’t even train, you just have to be in shape,” she said candidly, crediting her win to her daily exercise regimen - three hours of running, sit-ups and dumbbells.
“Running is not enough,” said Bedard. “Sit-ups are for the stomach and dumbbells are for shoulders and arms.”
Having come from France in 1962, Bedard says her inspiration has always been Jack LaLanne.
“I was always athletic,” she said. “I used to work the night shift at the airport, and in the mornings I did Jack LaLanne. He inspired me. He was my idol.”
Her running career began in 1975 with mini-marathons.
Thirty years later, she set a record for her age group in the New York Marathon, finishing in three hours and 46 minutes.
Bedard, whose 82-year-old husband Gerald also ran the New York Marathon a few years ago, is a mother of two - and a grandmother of two, and yet has no intention of slowing down.
“On April 6 I will run the More Magazine Marathon in Central Park,” she said. “[Running] gives me something to do.”
She also said her energy comes from sheer willpower, ambition and dedication.
“I love life,” she continued. “It’s too short to waste.”
