How an 83-year-old former Ironman athlete who took up running at 50 shares 3 lessons on longevity

A late start to endurance sport

Brocklesby, known as Eddie, began running at 50. Two years after her husband died, she ran her first London Marathon; five years later, at 58, she entered her first triathlon.

At 56, she joined Serpentine Running and Triathlon Club, which she says has supported her fitness and brought her many friendships. She later competed in Race Across America in 2008, 2010 and 2019 as part of a four-woman team with fellow club members.

Fun and company keep her moving

Brocklesby founded Silverfit, a charity promoting active and happier aging. She says enjoyable, sociable activities are central to keeping people active, and recalled receiving a standing ovation after emphasizing the importance of fun in a conference lecture.

Training adapted after injuries

Brocklesby has experienced injuries over the years and had hip replacement surgery in 2021. She said a person using a walker fell backward onto her in September 2025, fracturing her left leg and arm; she had not yet returned to outdoor cycling.

With help from her coach, she adjusted her exercise. She still works out 20 to 23 hours a week, including walking, indoor cycling on Zwift, strength training, Pilates and swimming.

A relaxed approach to health

Asked about self-optimization, Brocklesby joked that she had “failed dramatically” because she often drinks one glass of wine at night. She said she usually sleeps well and does not worry about keeping her sleep score consistently good or excellent.

She describes her diet as relatively healthy and makes a point of including protein. She eats little meat, has an egg each morning, and includes plenty of fish and vegetables in her meals.