Sue McDonald: Shattering Masters Track&Field World Records The "Boring" Way

Jul 23, 2024

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In today’s episode I welcome track star Sue McDonald to the show!

Sue is no ordinary track star—she is shattering world records in the masters track and field arena going where no human has ever gone before in her age groups and putting out unbelievable times at 61 years old! This mother of three from Santa Barbara, California, is virtually on world record watch every time she competes, and I had a great visit meeting her personally in her home environment and finding out the secrets of what is possible when you take care of your body and you dedicate yourself to training and competitive goals and literally defy the aging process. Regardless of whether you're interested in trying to challenge Sue or take down her records, it's great to realize what's possible when you continue that dedication to peak performance and setting challenging goals and having a wonderful consistent training regimen.

In this episode, Sue describes her lifestyle and her training regimen as “boring”, but what you get out of that is the realization that these little things do really count every single day—and that you can get better even as you age chronologically. I can't think of a more inspiring guest to have you reflect on your own lifestyle and your own personal goals. Instead of just sitting back and telling stories about how things were so great back in the day, Sue is doing things that will just blow your mind and in a variety of events: she’s an elite sprinter, middle distance runner, and a multi-event athlete with things like High Jump and Heptathlon. Join me and Sue in Santa Barbara for this awesome conversation to learn some of her secrets and get inspired to go out there and set your own goals!

TIMESTAMPS:

Brad Introduces this inspiring guest, a 61-year-old champion track and field athlete. Most people talk about what it was like back in the day, but this woman is still doing it. [01:14]

What is a heptathlon for women? [05:22]

After nearly qualifying for the Olympics in college, she left competition for a while, but returned. [08:43]

She set the American women’s high jump record when she was 55 years old. [10:20]

She had a time with the pole vault as well. [11:44]

Between the ages of 32 and 50 she was doing endurance activities. [14:40]

The main reason people do Masters Track and Field is the friendly supportive atmosphere of the other participants. [19:42]

Sue has many world records, including the steeplechase. [20:26]

How does she manage the training necessary when she is the mother of three and is age 61? [21:58]

Consistency is the most important concept. [24:21]

The possibilities of recovering from stuff that usually requires surgery and debilitation are actually amazing. [33:29]

What are some of the other things she does to be the best athlete? The main thing is focusing on sleep. [38:12]

Most Americans gain a pound a year from age 25 to 65. How does Sue manage her diet? [39:49]

There is no reason to stop athletic activities as we age. [52:01]

Did Sue get nervous back when trying out for the Olympics? Now? How does she manage the mental pressure? [58:06]

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