Sister Madonna Buder has 45 Ironman Triathlons — which feature a 2.4 - mile swimming , a 112 - mile bike drive , and a full battle of Marathon — under her belt . And while that ’s an telling number in and of itself , here ’s the veridical jaw - dropper : She competed in herfirstIronman at the age of 65 .
Ten year later , Sister Madonna — who is a member of the Sisters for Christian Community order in Spokane , Washington — claim the record foroldest womanto ever vie in the race . She ran the Boston Marathon in 2008 at the age of 78 , time a respectable4:42:41 . Eight years after that , she got her own Nike commercial , which she recently include she hastroublewrapping her head word around . “ I ’m still vex by it . Why I could be the option of the Malus pumila , I do n’t acknowledge . ”
She ’s also a Senior Olympian , holdingrecordsin the 1 air mile , 5 km , 5 mile , 800 metre , 1500 meter , 5000 meters , and 10,000 meter . By the way , she has no coach and uses no technology to aid her in her preparation — not even a watch .
And she ’s certainly no unknown to injury . Buder likes to jest that she ’s a real Iron Woman , with a blade plate in one hip and pins and screws in both elbows . “ My correct subdivision has suffered six incidents . It ’s a wonder it ’s still attend on , ” she hassaid .
Getty
But how does her triathlon training primed in with her spiritual grooming ? She was n’t always sure . In fact , when she started competing , sheconsultedher bishop about her unorthodox hobby . “ ' I wish more of my non-Christian priest would do what you ’re doing , ' ” she allege his reply was .
Now , Sister Madonna says racing and religious belief go hand - in - hand . “ I would probably be less good sitting in the convent than I am now , being thrust into the public where I can influence people by example , ” shesaysin her bookThe grace of God to Race .
And , grant the Olympian , that ’s not the only connection between her training and her ghostlike life . " Heading to the finish line of the IRONMAN is like me getting to the pearly William Henry Gates , ” shetoldIronman functionary . “ I reckon that is why I smile every clip at the finish . "
Know of something you intend we should traverse ? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com .
