Senior runner ready for another 5000

By: RICK HOFF - Staff Writer | Tuesday, March 29, 2005 9:11 PM PST ∞

Gerry Davidson usually doesn't have much in the way of competition when she runs.

There aren't many people in her age division who can keep up with the longtime Fallbrook resident.

Most women Davidson's age might be more prone to spending a Sunday in the easy chair instead of pounding the pavement, but not her. At age 84, she's still on the run.

On Sunday, Davidson will be at the Carlsbad 5000 again, helping to celebrate the event's 20th anniversary. She missed the Carlsbad 5000 just one time in its previous 19 years and considers it one of her favorite races.

"I started running shortly after we moved here," said Davidson, who along with her husband, Bob, have lived in Fallbrook for the past 27 years. "There was a Leggs race down in San Diego, and after I ran it I was really hooked."

With Gerry doing the running and Bob giving racewalking a try, the Davidsons became familiar folks at numerous road races around the county.

"Running events have given a us a lot of extra pleasure," Gerry said. "We have met so many wonderful people along the way."

Running, and doing it well, have also given the Davidsons a chance to travel to prestigious tack and field events such as the USA Masters Track and Field Indoor Championships, which were held March 11-12 in Nampa, Idaho.

Competing in the Women's 80 age division. Gerry claimed gold medals in the 200 meters (with a time of 55.25 seconds), 800 (4 minutes, 57.62 seconds), the mile (10:54.48) and the 3,000 (21:27.04).

Bob Davidson, 82, competed in the 60 and 200 dashes in the Men's 80 division, placing fourth in both events.

"That was our first time at an indoor competition," Gerry said. "We try to do the annual outdoor meets. We are already planning for this summer's national outdoor meet, which will be held in Hawaii in August."

Another gold medalist from the North County was Bud Held of Del Mar in the pole vault competition. Vaulting in the Men's 75 division, Held cleared 8 feet, 8 1/4 inches.

With the Masters Indoor Championships out of the way, Gerry Davidson is now setting her sights on the Carlsbad 5000.

"Carlsbad is really an exciting race to do," she said. "I especially like the fact that they divided it into separate races for the open and the masters runners, and the women from the men. It gives you a little more space to run."

Athleticism runs in the younger generations of the Davidson family. Son Norm and his wife, Katie, live in Seal Beach with their three children.

"Our grandson, Scott, is 17 and will be playing water polo at UCLA after he graduates," Gerry said.

Granddaughter Amy, 15, is a track and cross country runner, and the younger granddaughter, 12-year-old Sarah, is a soccer player.

A member of the San Diego Track Club, Gerry keeps fit with a regular schedule of training.

"I train mostly on my street, because Mission Road has become so crowded these days," she said. "There are a few of us who also do some training at the track at Cal State San Marcos."

For those seniors looking to get involved in a more fast-paced lifestyle, Gerry offers a few words of advice.

"Nutrition is important," she said. "You have to have a healthy diet. And if you want to start training for races, you should start out by walking. A lot of older people don't have the physical bone structure to run hard."

Gerry said she doesn't see herself putting on the brakes any time soon.

"A byproduct of being a runner is being healthy," she said. "And it's always fun."

Contact staff writer Rick Hoff at (760) 740-3545 or rhoff@nctimes.com.

CARLSBAD 5000

> WHAT: 5-kilometer running event for both professionals and amateurs

> WHEN: Sunday. The Junior Carlsbad events are Saturday.

> WHERE: Carlsbad

> INFORMATION: www.eliteracing.com