ZIEGLERVILLE — Looking to relive a few winning moments from her earlier life, Frederick Living resident Barbara Ackerman, 95, recently completed a one-mile course as part of the Steady Freddie 5K and Sticky Bun Fun Run/Walk held on the community’s pastoral campus. Having previously competed in the New York City Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.
, finishing third in her age category, Ackerman wanted to once again experience the thrill of participating in a race. She began running as a hobby while in her 40s but had not competed in recent years. She was excited to once again participate in a run/walk event and jumped at the opportunity provided by Frederick Living, the continuing care retirement community where she has lived for the past seven years.
Ackerman practiced for weeks with a daily walking regime to get herself ready. “I had only done pieces of the route before and had never done the whole one-mile course,” she said, but “no, I wasn’t tired the next day.” Several members of her family — including her daughter, nephew, and several great-nieces — joined in the walk to support her during the milestone event.
“It was such a surprise, but it helped to make it the best day ever.” The Steady Freddie 5K and Sticky Bun Fun Run/Walk was sponsored by Frederick Living — a non-profit, continuing care retirement community located near Zieglerville — to welcome the greater community to the campus and to promote additional opportuniti.