“Age is nothing but a number.”

That’s what Ernestine Shepherd, 75, told the packed ballroom of nearly 600 people who hung on her every word and bum-rushed the stage to take pictures of her as she peeled off her jacket to show off her incredible physique.

Wow.

“Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it,” she added sweetly as she shared her journey into the Guinness Book of Worlds Records as the world’s oldest performing female bodybuilder. You can learn more about how Ernestine began working out at age 56 and fulfilled her dream after her sister passed away on her site, www.ernestineshepherd.net.

Her story is beyond inspirational and to see this woman in person was an awesome reminder that I have no excuses not to #DoBetter.

Simply awesome.

Her day begins every morning at 2:30 a.m. Gasp! After her daily devotionals she runs 10 miles. Oh, did I mention she said she’s rockin’ her headlamp, her eye-lashes and of course a cute matching outfit when she runs. Ernestine likes to look good. Got to love that.

BGR Co-Founder Ashley Hicks, Ernestine Shepherd and me on race day.

In order to achieve what you want Ernestine says it’s about “nutrition, nutrition, nutrition; strength training, and drinking a lot of water.”

I’m willing to bet I’m not the only one who could have listened to her talk all night; but we we’re also treated to an awesome pasta buffet dinner, and heartfelt tributes to Black Girls Run! Co-Founders Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks who then honored their running ambassadors who lead groups and get folks moving all over the country.

BGR Ambassadors (photo courtesy of running rockstar, Darlene Baltimore)

Kudos to the BGR team and their sponsors AARP and The Coca-Cola Company for putting together such a wonderful day of events.

If you missed it here’s the link to Part 1 of my recap: The Conference. Part 3: The Race is on it’s way.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: As a blog ambassador for the Black Girls Run! Drive to End Hunger Race Weekend my race and conference registration were complimentary. I treated myself to the Honors Dinner. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own.