Born on Christmas Day in 1928, Joy Johnson, a marathon runner, lives up to her name: She is a true “Joy.” I met Joy at Dick Beardsley’s Marathon Running camp about 4 years ago when she first came to camp. She has been a “regular” ever since, and both the coaches and returning campers look forward to seeing her every year.

Joy is running the New York City Marathon on Sunday – for her 21st consecutive year…and she’s going for the age-group win (80-90 age group). She has been putting in extra miles – 50-55 miles per week – and adding speed work to try to lower her time.

Joy is an inspiration to anyone who has ever had a dream…to anyone who ever doubted that they could accomplish a monumental task…to anyone who has ever worked hard to achieve anything.

I am so fortunate to know Joy, and she has certainly added much “joy” to my life. I’m rooting for her on Sunday. And, no matter what she runs, she will always be a winner to me.

She was recently interviewed for the Wall Street Journal – the article is in the paper today. Read the article in today’s Wall Street Journal.