By Michelle Schwartz
If you’re not careful while running on the Cross Seminole Trail in Lake Mary most mornings, you might get recruited by a pair of running veterans – Frank French and Bill Braceland. The two have been known to find would-be runners out there struggling to get through two miles, transforming them to half-marathoners in no time.
“We started with a gal a few months ago,” explains Bill, “and what do you have her running now, Frank? Eleven miles?” Frank’s humble nod suggests that this is no big deal, runners being a helpful breed by nature. These two combined have completed 40+ marathons. And did we mention that Bill is 83 years old, and his buddy Frank is 77?
These unlikely enthusiasts met at a race several years ago when Bill suggested that Frank join him and his 70+ group during their morning runs.
“It’s a group that sticks together at the start and finish of most races,” says Frank. “It’s one of my favorite parts of running, I meet folks from all over the world.” While competing in local 5K and 10K races as well as half- and full-marathons all over the country, each of them boasts an awards room that could sink a ship.
“We usually win something for our age group,” Bill explains, with a twinkle in his eye. “Of course, often we’re the only ones in our age group. I don’t really outrun them, I just outlive ‘em.”
Laugh as they may, these two truly believe they’re onto something. Bill found running years ago, after losing 100
pounds. “I went to volunteer with my wife at one of the Disney marathons. I saw all these people and thought, ‘I can do that.’” Twenty-six marathons later, he’s still doing it, while inspiring his entire family along the way. A father of five, he recently led 14 of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in the Disney World Half Marathon. And have the youngsters been bitten by the running bug? “Nah, they can’t keep up with me,” laughs Bill.
Frank, also a married father of five, discovered running in the 1980s, but thought his athletic career might be cut short after a valve replacement in 1998. With his cardiologist’s permission, he was back on the road shortly after and has run more than 15 marathons since. Other than the blood thinner he needed post-op, Frank takes no other medications. Bill requires an occasional ibuprofen for his spinal stenosis, but no meds for him either. None. “We found the answer,” Frank claims proudly. “Running gives us amazing energy and keeps us healthy. We meet so many positive people and we truly get a high that lasts all day.”
“After our 11-mile run in the morning, I come home and have a big bowl of cereal and I’m ready to cut the grass or weed the yard,” says Bill. “I would never have this much energy without our runs.” There seems to be no end in sight, either.
“We’re always looking for our next finish line,” agree the two, who are by no means leaving skid marks on the Cross Seminole Trail. “It’s sort of a run/walk,” explains Frank, “but speed doesn’t matter as long as you’re out there.”
Bill agrees. “At our age, there is no time goal. Any race where we finish vertically… that’s a successful race.”