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What Makes Olga Run?: The Mystery of the 90-Something Track Star and What She Can Teach Us About Living Longer, Happier Lives Hardcover – January 14, 2014

by Bruce Grierson (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 458 ratings
See all formats and editions
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A fascinating look at the way we age today and the extent to which we can shape the process

In What Makes Olga Run? Bruce Grierson explores what the wild success of a ninety-four-year-old track star can tell us about how our bodies and minds age. Olga Kotelko is not your average ninety-four-year-old. She not only looks and acts like a much younger woman, she holds over twenty-three world records in track and field, seventeen in her current ninety to ninety-five category. Convinced that this remarkable woman could help unlock many of the mysteries of aging, Grierson set out to uncover what it is that's driving Olga. He considers every piece of the puzzle, from her diet and sleep habits to how she scores on various personality traits, from what she does in her spare time to her family history. Olga participates in tests administered by some of the world's leading scientists and offers her DNA to groundbreaking research trials. What emerges is not only a tremendously uplifting personal story but a look at the extent to which our health and longevity are determined by the DNA we inherit at birth, and the extent to which we can shape that inheritance. It examines the sum of our genes, opportunities, and choices, and the factors that forge the course of any life, especially during our golden years.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Henry Holt and Co.
  4. Publication date
    January 14, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0805097201
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0805097207
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“While this book provides an accessible overview of the current science on aging, its charm comes from the tale of a woman who refuses to hang up her track shoes, and the younger man she inspires.” ―The New York Times

“Entertaining, informative, and surprisingly moving.” ―The Boston Globe

“An inspirational blend of hero's journey and science that delves into the mystery of longevity, health and personal fulfillment.” ―Shelf Awareness

“Grierson offers an exemplary answer to the longevity question . . . Dedicated runners and weekend warriors, as well as athletes of all types, will find hope in Olga's story.” ―Washington Independent Review of Books

“An inspiring book that should appeal to the legions of worried agers.” ―Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“If you need some motivation to reach your potential, this might be the story for you.” ―Cape Cod Times

“Exhilarating…[Grierson's] deft re-creation of the moving and humorous bond between Kotelko and himself gives the book its center. A stimulating and inspiring read for all.” ―Library Journal (starred)

“Grierson's fellow boomers have much to learn from Olga's example.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Eye-opening and insightful.” ―Kirkus

“Smart and engaging, What Makes Olga Run is also profoundly inspiring. It will make you wish you were half as fit and exuberant as Olga, whatever your age, while providing a fascinating look at the latest science on aging.” ―Gretchen Reynolds, author of The First 20 Minutes

“I am nuts about this book and about Olga. But the real kick was accompanying Bruce Grierson - a very good writer - as he took a smart, deep look into the new science of aging - and not aging - at the high end. I know this field a bit, and I still learned important new stuff...all of it great news. Hint: work out like a lunatic 'til the day you die. And jiggle your feet the rest of the time. Olga 'redefined' Grierson's life; she may redefine yours.” ―Chris Crowley, co-author of the Younger Next Year books and Thinner This Year

“In Olga, Grierson has a magical character with whom to explore the fascinating science of aging--a nonagenerian undecathlete. (That is, a 90-something who excels in 11 different events.) We are left with the empowering knowledge that, to a startling degree, aging itself is a choice.” ―David Epstein, author of The Sports Gene

About the Author

Bruce Grierson is the author of the books Culture Jam and U-Turn. He has been a freelance writer for twenty-five years. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine and Psychology Today, among other publications. He lives in North Vancouver, Canada.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co.; First Edition (January 14, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0805097201
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805097207
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 458 ratings

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Bruce Grierson

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
458 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kcorn
5.0 out of 5 stars Totally upended my assumptions about aging and athleticism
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2014
Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )Verified Purchase
Reading about Olga Kotelko, a woman who took up track "for fun" at age 77, was a revelation. This isn't just a book focusing on a gutsy woman who pushes the boundaries. It is also an invitation and a reminder that it is never too late to get moving and even to become a competitive athlete. If Olga can actually improve her speed and performance as she ages (in many cases breaking her own records from 2 years before) why can't the rest of us?

Author Bruce Grierson admits to some self interest in his sleuthing for the secrets behind Olga's amazing lifestyle. He'd been fit. He'd been a strong and committed runner. But by age 47 it all fell away as his stamina, memory and drive waned. He assumed this was part of his normal aging process -until he met Olga, an instant reality check.

But is she an exception? I don't think so. I've taken notes as I read and I plan to follow many of the habits she does. Exercising more, of course, but also changing my routines in other areas of life, from drinking more water to focusing on fun.

Perhaps Olga has a special genetic advantage. But the possibility remains that her longevity is as much about her refusal to believe that she can't be a strong and competitive athlete -even in her 90s.
4 people found this helpful
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John E.
4.0 out of 5 stars great motivator to keep physically active to advance your career and life performance
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2014
Verified Purchase
During my sales career my 1st mentor told me his highest career performance achievement was the same year he completed his 1st marathon, which was counter intuitive because his run training took time away from his job tasks ... My best career year in sales was the same year of my 1st century bike ride & longest swim, the 4.4 mile Bay Bridge event, both demanding higher training hours weekly than ever before, dedicated to completing 1st Ironman event. This book reveals why both career achievements & event physical training occurring concurrently just naturally enhances life performance.
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Beverly Ann McCall
5.0 out of 5 stars Defying Aging
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2015
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Simply loved this book and found it to be inspirational as well as providing a sense of hope. In What Makes Olga Run? Bruce Grierson in collaboration with Olga Kotelko captures a quest for the reason why a 93 year old woman defies the aging stereotype. Grierson searches for the secret to this track star’s secret by examining an array of contributing factors. Factors looked at include, diet habits, sleep habits, use of spare time, family history, personality traits and attitude. Their quest allows them to work with scientists around the world to add to the data collected in the area of aging. Grierson does a great job revealing this wonderful woman’s lifestyle, goals, and philosophy. Throughout the book, the bottom line is that we need to make sure we use our bodies and our minds so that they can work to their fullest potential and for a long time. Being active, being around others, building friendships, being optimistic and positive all contribute to aging gracefully. But, the reader also needs to know that the DNA we received also plays an important part the aging process. DNA is a part but not the whole which is a relief because the reader walks away knowing that they have some control in the shaping of their health and longevity.
5 people found this helpful
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a serious reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2014
Verified Purchase
I would recommend this to nearly anyone. It is simply inspiring. If you are interested in fitness, aging well, longevity etc. this is a must read. Olga has a lot to teach us about aging in a healthy way and finding something to be passionate about while continuing to do it into your 90s. The only downside to this book is that I do not think the author has enough knowledge about nutrition to address it (and fortunately he does not address it much). He dismisses the entire paleo/primal nutrition approach in one sentence, which was something like "There is no real paleo diet these days." I would read this book for ideas about fitness, sports etc. for those who want to age well. But I would recommend books like "The Primal Blueprint" for those who would like to see current thinking on paleo/primal eating and would like to see a serious treatment of that topic area. This book is very inspiring on the fitness front, but on the nutrition front, it's a meh. You cannot age well without both fitness and good nutrition (as well as other things, but I'll keep this short). That said, I would highly recommend it.
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MinneO
5.0 out of 5 stars Get off Your Butt and Get Movin'!
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2014
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Here's a great book for anyone who is lucky enough to be aging! Olga took up soft ball after retiring from years as a school teacher and finally took up track and field competition in her 70's. The author, by contrast, is a sedentary couch potato trying to regain some semblance of fitness. He accompanies Olga to medical centers who are interested in finding "the secret" to her success, and through their friendship learns her story and way of life. I realize that I do not have the natural talent to compete as Olga has, but simply setting aside my laptop to walk each day will increase my strength and enjoyment of life. Olga is an inspiring role model, and Grierson has told her story well. Give your copy to your doctor when you finish reading it. People need to realize that older people need to work and do things instead of sitting around losing muscle mass. So Olga's best advice is simply "Get off your butt and get moving!" Dale
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Jesus saves
3.0 out of 5 stars Give credit to the Creator
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2014
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Olga is fascinating. Her personal story is interesting. What she does daily, for a routine - is what I was "after". However, the author, Bruce, has believed the "lie" of evolution, and it is weaved throughout the book. I found myself having to "skip over" many, many paragraphs, where the reader has to "endure" talk of your prehistoric roots. Garbage. Hogwash. All around us, we see evidence of a Creator. Why not give glory to Him? Olga goes to church - I want to hear more about that - and what she believes.
10 people found this helpful
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NovaGuy
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story and food for thought.
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2014
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As a senior myself (just turned 70), I'm always on the lookout for information about healthy lifestyles. Olga's story is inspirational in many ways, even if most of us will never take on the challenges she has stepped up to. The author's insights and compilation of information on health and aging using Olga's specific story were quite useful, and worth considering. I intend to step up my own physical activity once I finally retire, not at Olga's level, but more than I do now. This book was inspirational in that sense.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Bookbrat
5.0 out of 5 stars Olga's passion for life.
Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
What a delightful read!! John Grierson outlines the fabulous life of a woman filled with energy and passion for life. This well-written book is full of interesting information regarding this woman and others who surpass the expectations of physical and mental strength well into their 80's and 90's. Olga was an inspiration to us all.
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love love angel kitty
4.0 out of 5 stars What do I have to lose????
Reviewed in Brazil on April 3, 2015
Verified Purchase
Great book. It inspires me. We can always start a new thing, set new goals, improve...
And live and run for Mira than a 100 years 😍
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GangstaGranny
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book and very readable. The story of Olga ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
Fascinating book and very readable. The story of Olga, the 90+ aged athlete, is inspiring and the implications are profound
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Politjunkie
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, inspiring and very interesting
Reviewed in Germany on April 2, 2014
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Very well written and great for anybody interested in how we age well. Highly recommended and a great read. Go for it!
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z1g506
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2017
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Item as described, arrived promptly.
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