Your Cart is Empty
Joseph Diehl didn’t know if he’d make it past the age of 72. After all, to his knowledge, very few people in his family ever had due to heart conditions running strong in his bloodline. At the age of 73, however, Diehl has not only surpassed generations before him, but he is running strong.
In fact, on Oct. 7, Diehl will toe the line of the Moab 240 with the goal of being the first person his age to complete the distance.
Diehl began running as a teenager on his high school track and cross country teams. Not only was he the team captain, but he even broke the mile record at his school. Running was just one of those things that stayed with him through his twenties and thirties, where he competed in several marathons including 5 Rock and Roll Marathons during its beginning years.
However, as time went on, like many do, Diehl’s lifestyle migrated away from running as he settled into family life and career. During those years, Diehl said that his health started to deteriorate. He said that had developed an affinity for junk food, and as a result, in his late sixties, he found himself in his doctor’s office facing a fate all too familiar.
“I went to see a heart specialist, and she said, 'Why are you here? When was your event?’ To which I retorted, ‘What event?’ And the doctor replied, ‘Your heart attack.’” Diehl recalled. “I told her that I was just here to prevent a heart attack. Two stress tests later, I found out my arteries are clogged up more than the I-5 freeway through downtown Seattle.”
Diehl explained that he had a friend who reminded him about his years as a runner, and who invited him to start walking. The first walk he described as being discouraging, saying that he was “Tired after only one block.” Diehl’s wife of 28 years encouraged him to walk two blocks, which he did. Around the same time, his doctor told him about the benefits of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).
“I was told of the benefits of HIIT by my heart specialist,” Diehl said. “She then explained that men in my age group, on average, have a 62% blockage. Well, it didn't sound like good news to me. I started running harder, longer and doing HIIT to reduce plaque buildup.”
Coupled with a new lease on life and blending the old self with the new, Diehl went full force losing 46 pounds and regaining his love for running long distances. Just last year, in fact, Diehl ran five marathons. It was during one of those marathons that he found himself needing a little help.
“I ran a marathon that went through a 2.4-mile tunnel through a mountain at Snoqualmie Pass, and we were told that we would need a light,” Diehl said. “I really didn’t pay much attention to that part, and figured I would be just fine. When I got to the tunnel it was pitch black. I couldn’t see anything. I was literally running into the wall. A woman with a Kogalla light came up to me and had me run with her. She had to slow way down for me, but she stayed with me the whole length of the tunnel, and it was unlike any light I had experienced.”
Diehl said that this woman spoke about running ultramarathons, and that conversation intrigued him. Not only did he get himself one of those lights, but he decided that he wanted to get better at running and enter into the world of ultrarunning.
“You know, you need to have resources and tools to be able to get better at things,” Diehl said. “That light was a tool to get me through the tunnel, and so was the runner who had it. I started to think that maybe having a coach would be another resource to help improve my running, so I hired one.”
Diehl said that when he hired his running coach, he told her about his interest in running ultramarathons, and her response surprised him.
“I told her I wanted to do ultramarathons, and she was like, ‘I’m going to be honest with you; the races out there are geared toward younger runners.’” Diehl recalled. “I didn’t know what that was supposed to mean, but it was then when she told me about cutoffs. She had just completed the Moab 240 in 2021, and noted that it was the more experienced runners who ended up having the fortitude to finish - assuming they could make those mysterious ‘cutoffs.’”
In most ultramarathons, runners need to arrive at aid stations by a certain time or they will be removed from the race. This is in an effort to keep track of all of the runners, as well as to stay in line with permit rules. This much was explained to Diehl, but it wasn’t until his first experience with said cutoff, when he knew exactly what his coach was talking about.
As Diehl began his entrance into the ultramarathon world, he quickly learned that even if you felt fine enough to continue on, that didn’t mean that you would be allowed to.
“You get to an aid station, and they say, ‘OK, you aren’t going to make it.’” Diehl said. “I said (to the race officials) ‘What do you mean? I’m on my way. You know I’m feeling great!’ And then they say, ‘No, we have to pull you from the race and we’re going to take you to the finish line in a car, and you’re going to have what they call a DNF which is, did not finish.’”
While Diehl has several “DNF’s” next to his name on race results, he said it hasn’t deterred him from continuing on. Not only that, each unfinished race has sharpened his resolve to both finish what he started, and to also let race directors know that “old people” like him want to finish.
“During the Cascade 100, I was doing really well,” Diehl recalled. “I got to mile 36.5 aid station, and they said they were pulling me. I told them that I had 63.5 miles and 20 hours to do it. I told them that I could do this, but they told me that they had to pull me.”
“Older runners should be given a little bit of slack, right? We don’t mind finishing with nobody around and there’s no hoopla, applause and bands playing. Just give us a chance because we’re prepared to finish.”
Diehl said that he realizes that race directors have to follow protocol with permits in order to keep runners safe and liability low. He acknowledged that some race directors will let runners start a few hours ahead so that people can finish in the allotted time. One time, however, despite being told he couldn’t complete the race, he still managed to trek the entire course.
“At an ultra at Tiger Mountain here in Washington, I got to an aid station and I think I was at like maybe mile 42 or something, and was told that I didn’t make the cutoff, so I ripped my bib off and handed it to the RD and I said, ‘OK, I’m on my own then, right?’” Diehl recalled. “So I handed them my bib and I followed my All Trails app to the finish line. There was nobody there when I crossed the finish around dusk, and I looked around and got to my car. I had to get back there anyway. The RD called me later that night and told me why he needed to follow the rules. I told him that he had to do what he had to do, but I was going to keep running.”
“For many, a DNF is a curse, but for me it’s a badge of honor. I’ve been writing letters and talking to race directors, telling them, ‘Hey, you know what? We are the ones who are in our sixties and seventies who really started the races that you are profiting from, right? So, we are really the ones that, you know back in the 1960's and 70’s signed up for these races and they became popular, including the Boston Marathon and other major marathons, right? So it’s like, respect your elders.’”
On a quest to earn respect.
Author Ari Brown is a mom of nine, trail and ultra runner and freelance writer who has had articles published and syndicated in national publications. In her free time she likes to ... Wait! What free time?
Follow Joe on the Moab 240 Live Tracking Page. Starts on race morning Oct. 7: Moab 240 Live Tracking
Learn more about the Moab 240 ultra-marathon: Moab 240
Wow, inspiring story! I’ve been thinking about starting to walk/run for similar health reasons as well as to prep myself to get back into snowboarding again. Building stamina is an important part of that plan and seeing you do it gradually until you won a marathon is pretty amazing. It shows how resilient our bodies truly are. Thanks for the read!
Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing.
Fantastic… keep on running and inspiring the rest of us.
Awesome! Keep up the great work , Joe! What an inspiration.
I’ve never received so many kudos in my life! Thank you so much, to each and every one of you for your support and kind words. For that… I am grateful. My love of the outdoors and the awesome beauty of nature in remote areas – keeps me going. For those of you who are following in my “trail-shoe-footprints” (Altra’s and Brook’s), here are some huge tips and advice that I have learned through the school of hard knocks: (1) take it slow but always push to the next level; your body and subconscious will urge you to stop or quit, but mindset is the key; (2) running is actually a science – not an art… so get a good coach who can teach you cadence, stride, principles of running up AND down steep elevations, breathing, fueling and hydration… and how not to fall down; (3) when confronting a bear or moose, STOP… walk backwards slowly… until that animal moves on (I’ve encountered three bears over the past year); and (4) know that earning a finish, or a DNF, or a “shout out” from an elite runner who is inspired by you, means you are a winner. Never give up.
Way to go Joe! You’re an inspiration!
Glad you can do this. I’m 72 and cannot even walk a block due to health issues
Go Joe! You are an inspiration!
Awesome story Joe! You keep it up!
Way to go! Such an awesome thing you’re doing.
I am really impressed!
Great job
Joe, I have never ran an Utra and at age of 57, you give me hope and inspiration to do it. I just had right arm surgery due to an high speed veloldrome crash 42 years ago, and been told by my Doc any racing will be from Dec 2022. But Im doing one in 10 days…. Hope the wife approves. Here I come Cape to Cape Margaret River.
I’m in my mid-50s. You’re article inspires me to know I have many years of being active left. Thank you!
never give up!!!
Having had a heart attack, this past April, and being an ultrarunner prior to my heart attack, this article gives me hope to maybe run this distance again! Thank you for the motivator and for continuing to be an inspiration to others!
Having had a heart attack, this past April, and being an ultrarunner prior to my heart attack, this article gives me hope to maybe run this distance again! Thank you for the motivator and for continuing to be an inspiration to others!
Keep it up!
Yeah Boyz!!!! Keep on Treking!!!!
His story should be in every cardiologist’s office!
Send to the American Heart Association! Inspirational – his story should be in every doctor’s office.
Simply amazing…..and gives me Hope, :-)
Way to go! So inspiring!
This is so inspiring….needed this kinda motivation today!
way to go………. Joe
KEEP IT UP
Good Luck today, Joe!! You can do it!!
RUN FOREST RUN!
Very inspiring. Amazing journey!!
Amazing story! What an inspiration!
Joe you are an inspiration to so many! Such a great story of a life well lived! I love running ultras so very much and meeting great people like you makes it even more gratifying👏🏼
Joe you are an inspiration to so many! Such a great story of a life well lived! I love running ultras so very much and meeting great people like you makes it even more gratifying👏🏼
This site contains much insight into the success of running as a heart disease deterrent.
Wonderful how he has overcome his disease
You are awesome Joe!!! You are an inspiration to so many! I wish you the best!!! Thank you Kogalla and Joe for sharing!!🙂
Go, Joe!!! – Wishing you a great run, both in life and the race
Glad to read your story. Just goes to show what sort of LIVING you can do at any age. Sadly, too many people are not seeing the potential to optimize themselves at any time….I sure wish more would find the will-power and motivation to hold themselves in high esteem and DO IT.
Joe that determination will get you there. I was 60 and ran my first 100k, Trained hard and a year later I ran my first sub-24 hr 100 at Tunnel Hill. I wish you the best. Release the beast inside. You already have the drive. You’ve come a long ways. Don’t stop! Have a great race :)
That is so cool, I myself just turned 60 and am doing a 50 miler in December. I have paced at 100 milers and don’t know how you guys do it especially the nature runners. Good luck.
Joe cool!! You rule!!
Joe, you are a shining light and an inspiration to us all!
wow! you are a true inspiration. prayers for you on your upcoming ultra!
We are behind you and inspired by you.
Joe is an inspiration for me to continue to train. I will be looking into HIIT.
Kudos to you joe, and best wishes tomorrow. The older generation is a very inspiring group of individuals. Their determination to push forward through life. And fill their lives with unforgettable adventures. Is very powerful.
Run, Joe run. Thanks for showing us how to do it right.
Inspiring us all, go, Joe!
As someone in his fifties and was once a cross-country and track and field runner, Joe has given me the “kick in the butt” I needed to lose weight and start running again. Keep inspiring people Joe and good luck on the Moab 240!
From one old fart ultra runner to another, Hang Tough, Joe!!!!
This story is definitely inspirational. Thank you for putting this story together for us to read!
Hey Joe-What a great story! You are an inspiration to all who are struggling to stay healthy in the “Over 60” group! Rock on & Keep the Positive Vibes!
Hey Joe! I am here to cheer you on! I wish I could run with you but Bone Cancer in my spine has caused major paralysis in my feet, ankles and legs and I have had to relearn to walk twice. This makes three times learning and I can now barely walk with crutches! I do not remember the first time because I was less than one year old. You can run for both of us! Good luck and God bless!
Way to go, Joe!
Keep up the great work Joe!
Well dang, that was incredibly inspiring!! Especially about his DNFs. What a cool dude good luck at Moab 240!
Joe, you are amazing!
Such an inspirational person. Thanks for sharing.
You and Kogalla are bright lights. Amen telling the Race Directors to “Respect their Elders.”
Talk about inspirational and a lesson in resilience. Way to go Joe never giving up and always trying. Best of luck at Moab!
Talk about inspirational and a lesson in resilience. Way to go Joe never giving up and always trying. Best of luck at Moab!
Talk about inspirational and a lesson in resilience. Way to go Joe never giving up and always trying. Best of luck at Moab!
Good luck to you! I too suffered a heart attack. I was 48 and had 100% blockage in one artery. I’m also using running as my method to have a healthier life. Best wishes to you and may you continue to rock it!
I too have heart issues that run in my family so I keep running, you are an inspiration, go out and get it!
Good luck
Blessings
This is such an inspirational and positive article. It’s uplifting to see somebody beat the odds- and regain their health- at an older age. Thank you.
Absolutely amazing! Way to go Joe! Kiddos to you on a job well done! Your story is so inspiring…Thank You!
Joe, you are a true inspiration for all, young and old. Congratulations on your transformation.
He’s doing better then people half his age! Way to go!!!
Goes to show you that age will not define us! Joseph is a true testimony of strength and willingness. May all these comments be embedded within your heart and mind to the finish line.
Certainly good inspiration for doing what you can, no matter the level, and that it is never to late to benefit from exercise.
Groovy. Very inspiring!
My new mantras as I’m truckin’ down the trail and comin’ round the bend: “What Would Joseph Do?” And “Be Like Joseph!” Hope to run into and with you someday, my friend! \vvv/
Awesome no matter what age u r always capable of doing anything u put your mind to
This is so encouraging! Never give up!
Way to go Joe!
You’re in good company at 73. The most prolific female 100-mile runner in the world, Sandra Brown from England, is also 73 and still going strong. Just last month she finished her most recent 100+ mile race. She’s one of only two people on the planet to have completed over 200 races of 100 miles or longer.
You’re both a big inspiration to this “young pup” who just turned 60. Thanks for showing us that we don’t have to give up running ultramarathons just because we’ve put on a few more years – or a few more decades.
Rooting for you to have a successful finish at Moab 240.
Ever UPward & ONward my friend . . .
I never had a paw paw and looking at this man’s story makes me think anything is possible the strength the drive he has is amazing lovely story
Incredible story! Good luck to you in all your endeavors! Truly an inspiration to us all.
Joe, you found the path back to life. Even brighter with a Kogalla! I’m a new runner at 53, and can’t tell you how excited I am to see how much you enjoy Moab. Every single mile is gonna be a new victory for you. If I was on the fence about any races for myself now, you have certainly inspired me to get my name on the roster. After cancer my confidence has dropped off, but seeing what you are gunning for gives me hope and will to run further. Happy trails to you!!
Truly an ultrarunner mindset! Other side of 50 here and a chunky, slower ultrarunner. Totally agree, give me the time, I can cover the distance. You go get those 240 miles 💪🏽
You have seen the light and made me see the light
You are so inspiring!!! I hope as I get older I have as much ambition as you!!!
Enjoy Moab 240!!!
Love your story!!! You are such an inspiration to us all! I will keep you in my prayers as you continue your amazing journey!
Joe,
Have a fantastic journey!! You inspire me to keep running and moving forward .😊 All the Best to you !
A great inspiration!
Awesome
What amazing journey!!! Go make it happen at Moab!!!
Joe, what an inspiration for all of us to take a look at our health. What an adventure you are on and taking Kogalla along to light your path with every step. I wish you all the best on the 7th. Can’t wait to see an update and how you finished. Way to keep moving forward and taking charge of your life. Best of luck
What a great story Joseph! I love how you just keep going and allow noone to determine when you should quit. You are an inspiration to us all! Keep moving forward!
So impressive! Way to push yourself while also knowing your limits. Very motivational story!
Way to take charge! Bet you’ll always have your light with you going forward and onward. Good luck on the 7th. You’ve got this!
Wow , that’s a very inspiring story ! I can understand how he feels about cut off times but that should give him more push to make them ! I wish him the best in the Moab 240 and whatever adventure lies ahead !
Go joe!!!!!! You’re an inspiration for all, continue the adventure
As a 64 yr old runner this is so encouraging!!! I’ll be rooting for you while you do Moab 240. Go represent us older runners!! Wahoo!
I love this with all of my heart. I am 51 years old. A desk job + COVID put a few pounds on me over the years, plus I’m dealing with some joint issues. I just signed up for weight training and started running training so that I could do the unimaginable for myself too. I want to run at a bucket list event that’s doing 3 -1/2 marathons in 3 days in 3 national parks in 2023! I am so excited about this, even if the goal does seems beyond my capabilities. This article inspires me to forward no matter how dubious i might think my goal is… and you sir…. with your ‘DNF-SHMEE-NF’ press-on attitude – just won my heart. ❤️
I have a friend who is 76 and he recently took up bicycling. He almost died from Covid a few years ago and decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle earlier this year. He now bikes around 10 miles a day. He now stands straighter and can walk and get around much easier. As he gradually increased from struggling to balance on his bike, to now being an enthusiast, he became aware that he was rolling back his odometer simply by being active. Our bodies have a “use it or lose it” aspect. If you CHOOSE to live a sedentary life your body will stiffen up and merely walking to the front door will be difficult. Not everyone can run an ultra-marathon or ride a bike 10 miles, but you can extend your life by spending less time on the couch and more time being active in a way that you are comfortable with.
An incredible inspiration
Ah yes, cutoffs and DNFs, I feel ya! Keep working on those RDs! So inspiring! Best of Luck at Moab! I too wish for a Kogalla the next time I am in the Iron Horse Tunnel at Snoq. Pass.
You are an inspiration to me.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Leela
October 24, 2022
Thanks for sharing your story.