By Don Lowe
When 58-year-old Becky Lowery of Nevada, Missouri, first decided to lace up her sneakers and go for a run about 15 years ago, she had a simple thought process that was not unlike many others with the same logic. “I started running in my early 40s in 2009 or 2010. At that time, I just wanted to get myself in better shape. I had tried running at various times before but did not enjoy it, so I just never stuck with it.”
“But this time, I began more slowly, while alternating between running and walking. Over time, I gradually increased the amount of running, until I was up to three miles.”
After that, Becky decided it was time for her to start entering competitive runs/races. She says, “A friend of mine told me about a 5K event in Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri), so I signed up. I almost placed in my age group.”
Running a good race against others in her age division served as enough motivation for her, and she says, “At that point, my competitive nature took over and I wanted more.”
“My uncle, Bruce Stansberry, ran somewhere every weekend, so I asked him for help finding a race to run. This time, I placed in my age group, and I was hooked on running.”
While Becky remains as passionate as ever about running, injuries slowed her down just a bit. “I used to run every day until I tore my labrum in my right hip in 2013.
“After my surgery, I cut back to running four or five days a week. Then, five years later, I tore my labrum again and had my second surgery (2019), so I had to cut back on running more. Now, I run every other day, or I run two days in a row and take one off.”
Injuries notwithstanding, she still perseveres through a consistent running regimen, and she says, “I run three to five miles (per day), depending on what I am training for at the time.”
Whether it’s exercise for good health or officially getting ready for a race, Becky has a preference on what time of day to take her runs. She says, “I hate mornings, so my favorite time is the evening. In the winter, I will go late afternoons. In the summer, I like to go later, a little before dark.”
When it comes to deciding how many events to run, she has a different perspective now. “When I started out, I looked for races every weekend. Now, I race about twice a month.
“I have several races in Kansas City that I love. They are great courses, and the money goes to a good cause. There’s the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired Trolley (5K) Run and Noah’s Bandage (5K) Run (honors Noah Wilson). I have personal records in these two.
“I also like the Kansas City Zoo (four miles) Run and Hospital Hill (half marathon, 10K and 5K) Run. I hate the hills but still do it every year. I love the finish and ‘I Conquered the Hill’ shirt.”
Becky has traveled across the U.S. to run and says, “I’ve run Disney twice (Princess half marathon, and Frozen 5K, then Wine & Dine half marathon). I loved the atmosphere. I’ve done a few vacation races at national parks in the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Mount Rainier. The views are amazing. My goal is to run in all 50 states.
“In the last couple years, I’ve started running in the Missouri State Senior Games, the Kansas State Senior Games and Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah, while focusing on the 400-, 800- and 1,500-meter runs. I qualified for the National Senior Games in Iowa this summer in all three events.”
There’s a lot to like about this adventure and she says, “I don’t always enjoy running while I’m doing it, but I love the feeling when I am finished, especially after a long run or a hard speed workout. I’ve been an athlete all my life and I love the feeling of meeting or exceeding my goals.
“I also love the people and the atmosphere. The other runners are encouraging, especially at the Senior Games. People you’ve never met are cheering you on whether you finish first or last and celebrating your victories with you. I also love encouraging new runners, while sharing my experiences and helping them get started.”
Becky believes running can be beneficial for anyone. “It’s important because it helps keep you healthy, both physically and mentally. It helps you get in good shape and is a great stress reliever. It’s also just a good time for you to think about things.”
This is fulfilling for her, and she says, “I never dreamed I’d be a successful runner, but somehow, I got hooked and wasn’t too bad at it either. Each distance milestone I’ve hit has been so rewarding.
“The first time I hit five miles, 10 miles, and completing a half marathon, triathlon and a marathon are things I never dreamed I’d do, but I did it. That feeling when I had just run 13.1 miles, then 26.2 miles was amazing. Seeing all my hard work pay off when I achieve my goals is a great feeling.”
Becky doesn’t intend to slow down much anytime soon. “A big inspiration these days is watching men and women in their 80s, 90s and even some that are 100 years old out there running races and setting records. That’s so amazing. I hope to still be able to do this at that age.”
Becky Lowery Fast Facts
Age: 58 years old
Family: Two nieces, Kori Lowery and Cassidy Desmond; one great-nephew, Beck Bertoldie; and one great-niece, Ivy Desmond.
High School Alma Mater: Nevada High School, class of 1984
College Alma Mater: Southwest Missouri State University, class of 1990
College Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education
Professional Career: Taught 4th grade for 27 years before retiring in 2019. Came out of retirement during the last two years to fill an emergency position.
Born and Raised: Nevada, Missouri
Hobbies: Play and coach volleyball