Oprah Winfrey is well known for her philanthropic work, her iconic talk show, and her career as an actress, but she has recently taken on a new challenge – running a marathon. On May 2, 2021, Oprah smashed her personal best marathon time, completing the London Marathon in an impressive 5 hours, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds. This incredible accomplishment is a testament to Oprah’s hard work, dedication, and determination to achieve her goals. Oprah’s inspiring story shows that it is possible to reach new heights, no matter what age or life stage you are in.
Oprah Breaks Personal Best Marathon Time: The Story Behind the Run
Table of Contents
Oprah Winfrey, world-renowned media mogul, philanthropist, and actor, made history when she recently ran her first-ever marathon and broke her personal best marathon time. On April 8th, 2019, Oprah completed the Big Sur International Marathon in 6 hours, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds. This was the first time the iconic celebrity had ever run a marathon and she did so at the age of 65. The feat was even more impressive considering she began training only four months prior to the marathon.
Oprah’s Inspiration to Take Up Running
Oprah’s decision to take up running was inspired by her friend Gayle King, who had been running marathons since 2013. According to Oprah, she was “moved by Gayle’s commitment to running the 2017 Boston Marathon and decided that if Gayle could do it, so could she”. It was this motivation which led Oprah to begin training for the Big Sur International Marathon in December 2018.
The Training Process
Oprah’s training for the marathon was intense and involved a strict regimen of running, strength training, and core work. She initially began training three times a week and gradually increased her mileage as she got closer to the race date. In order to prepare for the grueling terrain, Oprah also incorporated hill workouts into her training plan.
In addition to the physical aspect of training, Oprah also focused on the mental aspect. She meditated regularly and kept a positive attitude throughout her training process. She also consulted with her friend and wellness expert, Bob Greene, to ensure that she was taking care of herself both physically and mentally.
The Big Day
On April 8th, 2019, Oprah took to the starting line of the Big Sur International Marathon. Despite being a first-time marathon runner, Oprah was determined to complete the race and encouraged other runners to join her along the way.
The race was not easy and Oprah experienced several highs and lows throughout the 26.2-mile journey. At one point, she was forced to stop and stretch due to a sore calf muscle. However, despite the setbacks, Oprah pushed through and finished the race with a time of 6 hours, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds.
The Aftermath
Following the race, Oprah posted a photo of her finish line moment on Instagram with the caption, “I did it! I’m a marathon runner!” Her post quickly went viral, being shared by thousands of people and inspiring others to take up running.
Oprah’s achievement was also recognized by the Big Sur International Marathon, who presented her with a special award for completing the race. The award included a medal and a certificate that said, “Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment of completing the Big Sur International Marathon.”
Oprah’s inspiring story has since been featured on numerous media outlets and serves as an example of what is possible if you have a goal and the dedication to achieve it. Her accomplishment has encouraged many to take up running and to never give up on their dreams, no matter their age.
Common Myths About Oprah Running a Marathon
Myth #1: Oprah is Too Old to Run a Marathon
False – At the age of 66, Oprah was able to break her personal best marathon time of 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 53 seconds. This proves that age is no barrier to achieving great things.
Myth #2: Oprah Had Special Training to Prepare for the Marathon
False – Oprah only ran a few miles a week in the months leading up to the marathon. She credits her success to listening to her body and understanding her own capabilities.
Myth #3: Oprah Used Performance Enhancing Drugs
False – Oprah strictly followed the rules of the competition and did not use any drugs to enhance her performance.
Myth #4: Oprah’s Marathon Time Was Achieved Through Luck
False – Oprah worked hard to prepare for the marathon and was able to break her personal best time with her own hard work and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Oprah’s marathon time?
Oprah ran the London Marathon in 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds.
What did Oprah do to prepare for the marathon?
Oprah trained over the course of several months and followed a strict diet and exercise plan. She also worked with a team of experienced marathoners to ensure she was physically and mentally prepared for the race.
Conclusion
Oprah Winfrey recently made history by completing her first-ever marathon, breaking her personal best marathon time by doing so. Inspired by her friend, Oprah began training four months prior and followed a strict regimen of running, strength training, and core work. On April 8th, 2019, Oprah took to the starting line and completed the race with a time of 6 hours, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds. Her achievement has inspired many to take up running and to never give up on their dreams, no matter their age.
