When most people start thinking about slowing down, she was just getting started. At 50, Sheila Isaacs' daughter gifted her a bicycle to encourage some light exercise. That simple gesture sparked a passion that would change her life — and lead her to triathlons, marathons, and global competitions well into her late 80s.
Back then, she had never worked out seriously. But cycling around her Long Island neighborhood quickly became a joy. Soon, she heard about a local triathlon. She didn’t even know what the sport involved until she discovered it meant a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride, and 10 km run. Confident in her swimming and newly hooked on biking, she decided to teach herself to run.
According to Women's Health, by age 53, Isaacs had signed up for her first triathlon. She told everyone she knew, ensuring she couldn’t back out. Months of training followed — joining a masters swim club, upgrading her bike, and gradually working up from barely running a lap to completing the full distance. On race day, she was the oldest woman competing. She finished with pride and even won first place in her age group.
What began as a single challenge became a lifelong pursuit. Now 87, Isaacs has raced in 200 triathlons, at least six marathons, countless half-marathons, six half-Ironmans, and the prestigious Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. She has competed in 25 national triathlon championships, winning eight, and has five world championship victories to her name.
At 67, she became the first known athlete to complete a triathlon in all 50 U.S. states. She’s earned All-American status multiple times, but she insists her motivation was never medals — it was the thrill of the sport and the joy of movement.
Her workouts look different now than they did decades ago, but the dedication hasn’t faded. She alternates swimming, cycling, walking, and weight training, never repeating the same workout two days in a row. She listens to her body, modifying routines when needed, and meticulously logs every session in a notebook she has kept for 30 years.
Stretching is non-negotiable — 20 to 30 minutes every morning — and she credits it for her near-injury-free career. Most importantly, she keeps fun at the heart of her races, treating them as an opportunity to swim, bike, and walk alongside fellow athletes rather than a competition to beat records.
Recently, she completed her 200th triathlon, joined by her daughter and granddaughter. Whether she races again or not, she trains daily because exercise makes her feel her best. Her story is a living reminder that it’s never too late to begin something extraordinary. As she approaches 88, her message is simple: embrace the challenge, adapt with age, and find joy in every mile.
Back then, she had never worked out seriously. But cycling around her Long Island neighborhood quickly became a joy. Soon, she heard about a local triathlon. She didn’t even know what the sport involved until she discovered it meant a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride, and 10 km run. Confident in her swimming and newly hooked on biking, she decided to teach herself to run.
According to Women's Health, by age 53, Isaacs had signed up for her first triathlon. She told everyone she knew, ensuring she couldn’t back out. Months of training followed — joining a masters swim club, upgrading her bike, and gradually working up from barely running a lap to completing the full distance. On race day, she was the oldest woman competing. She finished with pride and even won first place in her age group.
A Career Measured in Races, Not Years
What began as a single challenge became a lifelong pursuit. Now 87, Isaacs has raced in 200 triathlons, at least six marathons, countless half-marathons, six half-Ironmans, and the prestigious Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. She has competed in 25 national triathlon championships, winning eight, and has five world championship victories to her name.At 67, she became the first known athlete to complete a triathlon in all 50 U.S. states. She’s earned All-American status multiple times, but she insists her motivation was never medals — it was the thrill of the sport and the joy of movement.
Training with Time as a Teammate
Her workouts look different now than they did decades ago, but the dedication hasn’t faded. She alternates swimming, cycling, walking, and weight training, never repeating the same workout two days in a row. She listens to her body, modifying routines when needed, and meticulously logs every session in a notebook she has kept for 30 years.Stretching is non-negotiable — 20 to 30 minutes every morning — and she credits it for her near-injury-free career. Most importantly, she keeps fun at the heart of her races, treating them as an opportunity to swim, bike, and walk alongside fellow athletes rather than a competition to beat records.
Recently, she completed her 200th triathlon, joined by her daughter and granddaughter. Whether she races again or not, she trains daily because exercise makes her feel her best. Her story is a living reminder that it’s never too late to begin something extraordinary. As she approaches 88, her message is simple: embrace the challenge, adapt with age, and find joy in every mile.
