5 Life Lessons from a 101-Year-Old Runner Who Started at 62

At 101 years old, John Cahill may no longer be lacing up his running shoes for races, but his wisdom about aging, fitness, and life is more enduring than any marathon finish line. A former lawyer-turned-ski-lodge-owner, Cahill didn’t start running until he was 62. Yet within a decade, he was clocking a 3:05 marathon at age 72—a time that many lifelong runners would envy.

In a recent episode of the Running State of the Sport podcast hosted by Amby Burfoot and George Hirsch, Cahill shared stories from his remarkable life—from his Navy service in World War II to raising nine children, managing a lodge in Utah, and competing in races well into his 90s.

Along the way, he dropped life lessons with the ease and clarity of someone who’s had more than a century to figure it out.

Here are five lessons every runner—and non-runner—can learn from John Cahill.

1. It’s Never Too Late to Start

Cahill didn’t run his first step until age 62.

Like many, he started simply to lose some weight. But soon, he realized he had a knack for it. “For an old fart, I was pretty fast,” he said, with his signature wit.

By his mid-60s, he was running 40 to 50 miles a week. By 72, he ran a 3:05 marathon in St. George, Utah. At 77, he was still under 3:30.

The lesson? Fitness doesn’t have an expiration date. You can begin again at any age—and thrive.

“The big point is that people can make changes at midlife or even later in life that really improve all the rest of their days.” — Amby Burfoot

2. Keep Moving—Literally and Figuratively

Cahill’s personal mantra is simple: Keep moving.

It’s what kept him running races well into his 90s and still hitting the gym three times a week today.

His go-to routine? Weight machines and 600 pulls on a rowing machine—yes, at 101.

He acknowledges he doesn’t walk as much as he used to, but that hasn’t stopped him from staying active.

“Finishing was winning,” he said of his later races. These days, even watching skaters at his local gym offers enough inspiration to keep him moving.

“Keep moving. Sounds so simple, but unfortunately not enough people do it, particularly as they age.” — George Hirsch

3. Ego Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

When Cahill realized he was a naturally good runner, something else kicked in—his ego.

“And then my ego kicked in,” he admitted, laughing.

That little spark led him to train harder, run more often, and chase faster times. He even found a coach who tweaked his stride and helped him improve his efficiency—leading to even better performances.

For Cahill, ego wasn’t about vanity. It was about seeing potential in himself and chasing it down the road.

4. Embrace Curiosity and Stay Engaged

Cahill’s body has run thousands of miles, but his mind may be even more impressive. He still reads three newspapers every day—The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY—and says he loves the crossword puzzles as much as the headlines.

He’s also deeply involved in the stock market and keeps up with politics and global affairs. Curiosity, he says, is part of what’s kept him sharp—and alive.

“No doubt about it, I love newspapers… I enjoy almost everything that I do.” — John Cahill

5. Surround Yourself with People and Purpose

At his 100th birthday, more than 150 people traveled to Utah to celebrate Cahill, many from far away. His running community, his massive family (nine kids and countless grandkids), and his lifelong friendships are all testaments to a life well-connected.

Even now, he attends local 5Ks—not to race, but to see old friends and soak in the energy. “Crossing the finish line was winning,” he said. And that finish line looks different for everyone.

Cahill also still travels—his favorite places include Sicily and Ethiopia. He’s already planning another trip to Italy this summer.

Bonus: Cahill’s 3 Wishes for Life

When asked what three wishes he’d make as a “fairy godfather,” he didn’t hesitate:

1. Good mental health
2. Good physical health
3. Stay informed

Not a bad blueprint for living a long, fulfilling life.

Cahill’s story is a powerful reminder that life is long—and it’s not too late to make it meaningful. Whether you’re in your 30s or your 80s, his advice applies: keep moving, stay curious, and surround yourself with people and purpose. Run if you can, row if you must—but don’t stop.