I’m Barbara Blackford, “recovering” lawyer, runner, marathoner, cyclist, triathlete, traveler and coach.
Barbara at Superior Essex
For 30 plus years, I was a corporate lawyer specializing in finance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities. My work life was full of challenging and fun projects, but with 60 plus hour work weeks and lots of stress. I was more likely to stay up all night at the printer (remember those days?) than I was to go for a walk or a run.
When I was 48 and weighed 100 plus pounds more than I should, I was sick and tired of being overweight and out of shape and I decided to change.
Ponte Vedra, 2004
I started walking and soon enough, decided to up the intensity and try running – what a stress reliever! Then I ran a 10k – 6.2 miles! I was so nervous and scared, but I did it and I loved it! From there, my confidence grew and I took on new challenges – all after the age of 50:
- Half marathon (13.1 miles)
- Marathon (26.2 miles)
- 50 State Marathon Club. With four marathons under my belt, I read about this club and was inspired to do something fewer than 1,000 people had officially completed at the time – run a marathon in all 50 states. (I’ve now run 28 marathons in 28 states – 22 to go!)
- A triathlon
- A Half Ironman triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run)
- Ironman Arizona 2012 (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run)
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- Bixby Bridge, Big Sur Marathon, with BRF Olga Henao
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- Before the Acworth Women’s Sprint Triathlon
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- Checking in my bike at Augusta Half Ironman (70.3)
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- Start of 112-mile Bike Leg of Ironman Arizona 2012 (140.6)
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- 2012 Medals – Ironman, Half Ironman, Dopey Challenge, Miss. 50k, 3 Half Marathons
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- Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon 2014 with BRFs Olga Henao and Marietta Hollada
Along this amazing journey, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned about fitness, balance and life after 50. I’ve met amazing people who inspire me every day.
Today, I live in Atlanta with my husband Bob (the fly fisherman) and my crazy, lovable dog Sadie and sweet cat, CC. I am certified to teach mat pilates, and I’m a certified running and triathlon coach.
What‘s next? 2015 is the “year of the bike!” A 2500-mile bike trip from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Bangor, Maine! Join me in my adventures to get fitter after 50!
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- Bob Fly Fishing – Henry’s Fork
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- Cabin Cat, who came home with us from a cabin on the river
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- Our dog, Sadie