Adina Crawford is proof that it’s never too late to transform your life. At 60, she’s a marathon runner, a yoga teacher, and a passionate advocate for body positivity. But her journey didn’t start in the gym or on a yoga mat, it began on the couch. For years, Adina wasn’t active, but everything changed when she decided to take her husband’s advice to “find something that you like to do”.
At 46, she laced up her first pair of running shoes and discovered a world of fitness, resilience, and personal growth. Now, Adina inspires others with her story, showing that even small steps can lead to extraordinary transformations. Here’s a closer look at her journey and the secrets that keep her thriving.
Finding her passion through running
Adina’s fitness journey began when she signed up for a beginner-friendly running program. The supportive community and structured coaching gave her the confidence to start. Just three months after her first training session, she completed a 5K race and was hooked. Running soon became a cornerstone of her life.
Her progress wasn’t without challenges. As she increased her mileage, she faced physical aches and mental hurdles, but she found a new ally in yoga. Initially, she turned to yoga for relief from soreness, but it quickly became much more and she started practicing to strengthen her body and sharpen her mental focus.
Adina now believes that yoga and running are a perfect match. Yoga not only enhances flexibility and endurance but also improves posture and breathing, which are critical for runners. “Yoga will make you a better runner”, she says.
Becoming a yoga teacher and an advocate
Encouraged by her yoga teachers, Adina became certified to teach yoga herself. It wasn’t always easy stepping into the role, especially as someone older and curvier than the stereotypical yoga instructor. But she embraced her authenticity and used it as a strength. “I want to bring people into a space where they feel safe and comfortable and there is no judgment”, she shares. Adina’s voice, often described as calming and encouraging, has become a source of inspiration for her students.
What’s the key to Adina’s success? She believes in taking small but meaningful steps. Whether you’re starting a fitness journey or trying something new, she advises finding an activity you love and committing to it. Research, ask questions, and embrace the process.
She also emphasizes the importance of community and self-compassion. “Meet your body where it is”, she says. For her, fitness isn’t about competition, it’s about building strength and creating balance, both physically and mentally.
Adina Crawford’s journey shows that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. From a reluctant beginner at 46 to a marathon runner and yoga teacher at 60, she’s an inspiration for anyone looking to make a change. Her message is simple yet powerful: Every moment is a fresh beginning. Whether you’re running your first mile or exploring yoga, take it one step at a time and celebrate the progress you make along the way.
