ORANGE PARK, Fla. – An Orange Park woman is showcasing her running skills to the country.
Next week, 66-year-old Joni Neidigh is competing in the National Senior Games being held in Des Moine, Iowa starting July 24.
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“I love challenging myself,” Neidigh said. “I think it is important for all of us to be curious about what we can do, physically, mentally, cognitively and really make sure that we stretch those areas.”
Neidigh is running in two events at the Games: the 5K road race, which is 3.1 miles and the 10K road race, which is 6.2 miles.
“I’ve been inspired by teammates, in particular someone here locally who is a great runner. Shelly Allan, encouraged me to do this,” Neidigh said.
She is a member of the Florida Striders running club and Jacksonville Track Club.
Neidigh has a love for running, exercising and encouraging healthy living.
She says her running career started in 1983, sparked by her brother, Tom Johnston. He coached her before he died that same year.
“I continue to run to sort of honor him and deal with grief of losing a brother,” Neidigh said. “I developed that passion and turned that into something special to keep that memory alive and to also keep me healthier.”
Professionally, Neidigh is a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, so she works a lot with athletes on the mental side of things.
“It is never too late to start something,” she said. “It is important to explore what you might love. There might be something out there that you love to do that involves moving, and again helping your cognitive side and your mental side.”
Neidigh hopes to motivate others as she enjoys this chance to compete in her 60s against other talented athletes from across the country.
“I think running or any other sport or it can be considered a hobby, not everybody has to compete the way that I do,” she said. “But it encourages us to live and be curious of how long can I keep this life going and how great can it be?”
The National Senior Games will be from July 24 to August 4 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Neidigh says she will compete in her events on July 24 and 26.
She is also one of 10 people being honored with a Humana Game Changer Award.
That is a nationally recognized honor that celebrates senior athletes who Humana considers to exemplify healthy aging and inspire others to stay active.
