I first had the honour of meeting this inspiring woman of 80+ years when I was doing research for a healthy aging event looking for a motivational speaker, who like me, had a passion for living. Since that meeting a couple of years ago when I first spoke with BJ McHugh I believe that our meeting has affected my life and influenced many decisions that I have made on this journey into my next 50 years. She is an outstanding healthy living ambassador and I am proud to call her my friend.



BJ McHugh and Denise 2010



 BJ McHugh, an octogenarian and according to her facebook page is the fastest senior marathoner on earth.  For almost a quarter century she has set  dozens of world age based world records and I often see her out running near my home or enjoying a post run coffee with her running mates at our local village coffee shop.  



BJ always finds time to say hello and to chat and during our last visit she was bubbling with joy about her new book.  You see she has just co- authored a book with Bob Nixon CBC Producer called My Road To Rome which tells her incredible story of life. 

"My Road to Rome tells the story of my life, of how I made the transition from housewife, mother and smoker to world champion. I might be a force of nature, but I do not think I am a freak of nature. Most people over 50 can also enjoy amazing health, fitness and happiness. I tell you how I did it and how other women and men can do it too" states BJ in her book. 





Thank you BJ for making this journey of aging look so manageable and for showing us that age is no barrier.  You see I was involved in gathering some local community Mom's age 45+ to start a female hockey team called the Stanley Cupcakes and continue to empower other Boomers to become more. By sharing your story, I hope to inspire others to lead a more healthy aging lifestyle and to feel encouraged that the new road is worth taking.

A final quote from BJ's book... 

"Everybody is getting older at the same time and everybody always has a new potential.  If you missed being your best when you were young, then remember that every fleeting moment in the future provides you with another opportunity."

Learn more about Betty Jean McHugh's inspiring story at www.myroadtoromethebook.com or follow her on facebook at Fans Of Betty Jean McHugh.

Your fan, Denise