I first met Barbara Belanger in 2012 through Buzzards Bay Rowing Club. She was part of the female entourage that showed the Knotty Girls (the original Azorean rowing team) how it’s done. She was in her 70’s back then and I was in awe of how bada$$ she was.
When the Mattapoisett studio opened in 2015, Barbara expressed interest in strength training. She was still rowing regularly (year round) and running. Strength training was the perfect addition to her routine. I was totally flattered that she trusted me for this.
When Barbara’s husband passed away, her community pulled together (see what I did there?) and made sure she didn’t miss her Boutique Fitness workouts. I have learned so much from witnessing Barbara’s approach to life. It’s simple – Keep going.
Right around Covid, Barbara asked me if I could be her run coach. Needless to say I have had a lot more to learn from her than she has from me. But of course I said yes, and she has kept me on my toes ever since! She is beyond dedicated and over time I didn’t want to be her coach. I just wanted to be her friend. She’s the coolest person I know!
I tag along with her at road races whenever possible. People inevitably ask what the relation is. I say we’re friends, and Barbara says I’m there to identify the body. Lol .
One thing is for sure – she loves to laugh and have a good time. I saw more of this when she joined us on the studio trip to Faial, Açores in May, 2024.
Barbara’s granddaughter, Danielle, is one of my dearest friends. We also met through rowing. Side note, I’m godmother to Danielle’s oldest son, Elliot, which means that Barbara and I are actually family 🥰
When we announced the studio trip, Danielle reached out to me to let me know that Barbara wanted to go. The trip was for hiking, so Danielle’s mom, Lisa, also joined so that Barbara could have a hiking buddy 🙂 There was no way that I would ever say no to Barbara. You just don’t do that… and man was she a blast!
She stared every challenge in the face. From hiking the perimeter of the volcano to horseback riding in the rain, she was all in for all of it. She could also kick back with Gin do Mar from Peter’s Cafe!
In October, 2022, we ran the Falmouth half marathon together. We stayed in a hotel the night before so that the morning would be easier. For dinner I ran down to the hotel restaurant and ordered a mushroom pizza for Barbara. She sat on her bed, I sat on mine, both eating pizza, and she started telling stories about running New York and Boston. She also reminisced about some of her favorite track moments from Fairhaven High. She’s been sharing her stories with me ever since.
Race day was cold and rainy. Miserable, actually. Just when I didn’t think she could impress me more, she showed me her grittiest side and finished the race. Drenched and freezing, her crew kicked into action to get her fed and warm and she napped like a champ when she got home. The whole drive back to New Bedford I couldn’t get her ‘life’ and her ‘story’ out of my mind.
I recently crafted an interview for Barbara so she could share some of her highlights with you. Below are her responses. There are a couple of things you should keep in mind as you read this: Barbara is pretty quiet, but don’t let that fool you. She has one of the most competitive spirits I have ever seen, but she is incredibly humble. She is disciplined and methodical and at the beautiful age of 87, she is still striving for personal bests.
The Interview
Q: What is your birthdate?
A: January 7, 1937
Q: Where are you from and when did you move to Fairhaven?
A: I’m originally from New Jersey but have lived in Rhode Island, Michigan and New Hampshire. My family moved to Fairhaven in 1972.
Q: How long were you a teacher and track coach at Fairhaven High? What year did you retire?
A: I started out as a teachers aide at Hastings Jr High , went back to college earning a degree in 1977, and moved up to the high school when Hastings became a middle school. I began coaching in 1986. I retired in 2002.
Q: At what age did you start running?
A: I think I was 42.
Q: What inspired you to start running?
A: I was about 25 to 30 pounds heavier than I am today, and had recently turned 40. I couldn’t do anything about the 40 but I could about the weight, so I joined a group of teachers at Hastings interested in losing weight, ” the Lenten Losers”. It was a six week competition and given my competitive nature, I chose to add exercise to giving up everything fattening. I did laps at the Faunce Corner Club, before playing racquetball. I didn’t lose the most weight but did lose over 20 pounds which actually was a win and I kept on running.
Q: What was your first 5k?
A: It was a race on Bourne. My goal was to run at an 8 minute pace.
Q: What was your first 10k?
A: There were so many 10ks in those days and that was my preferred distance. My most memorable, though, was my first Fairhaven 10k…it actually was a bit longer because it started in the center. I won 25 dollars from the Sons of Norway for being the oldest female runner…I was 40 something!
Q: What was your first half marathon?
A: The New Bedford Half. I remember saying afterwards “the hell with Boston, no marathon for me!” However, it wasn’t long afterwards that I signed up for Newports Ocean State Marathon and I’ve run New Bedford 24 times since. Also did a half in Hyannis, my best, one in England and one in Paris which was my goal when I turned 70, and the most memorable. The Cape Cod for my 80th.
Q: What was your first marathon?
A: Ocean State in Newport. Also my best with only a couple thousand runners as opposed to thousands in New York and Boston.
Q: What’s your current workout schedule?
A: It’s pretty full. Boutique Fitness is Monday and Wednesday. Yoga is Tuesday and Friday. Rowing is Wednesday and Saturday. Running is Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Q: Can you share some accolades?
A: When I was 61 I was declared Best in State in the NE Runners Magazine… big article in Standard Times. Coaches Award for boys track conference championship in 93, 94 season. Most recently, national record holder for the 85 to 89 division in the mile. And I broke the national record in the 10k. The record was 1:24:58. My official time was 1:21:41.
Q: What are you training for next?
A: Secret. Setting goals. When one is achieved, choose another. And… my mantra, keep going until you can’t.
Q: Can you share some pre-race rituals?
A: My main concern is eating. I usually eat a pasta dish the day before a race at noon then a pizza from Nick’s in Mattapoisett. Always, oatmeal with banana cinnamon and walnuts early the day of and an hour and a half before, peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Coffee, and water with electrolytes. Dressing. I am prepared for any conditions and add or subtract as needed. I listen to 98.1.
Barbara’s passion for running continues to inspire those around her. As she looks ahead to future races, including the World Indoor Masters Championships, she embodies the spirit of lifelong fitness and determination. She knows that what she does at 87 will not be what it was in her 40’s. But she also knows that what she’s accomplishing in her 80’s is far more impressive.
Love you Barbara!
xoLara
Faial, Açores trip in 2025!
APRIL 29 – MAY 5
Join Lara for the 10 Volcanoes Trail Run in May! Sign up for a 10k, 25k, 42k, 65k, or a 115k and explore the island through grit and adventure.
