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Pat Magnuson is a runner, literally and metaphorically. Now 78, she still zips through each day, chasing after new travel, recreational and learning opportunities.

While being interviewed at the Kathleen Clay Edwards Branch of the Greensboro Public Library recently, Magnuson noticed a flier for a night walk through adjoining trails. “That sounds like such fun,” she said, tucking the flier in her pocket. “I think I’ll go.”

In past years, Magnuson has earned blue ribbons for running in the Senior Games sponsored by the Greensboro Recreation Department. Now she is more apt to be found on Wednesday morning hikes with the Senior Hiking Club or walking with friends on Saturdays at Battleground Park. Magnuson confesses, though, that despite recent health problems, she sometimes attempts a slow trot or run-walk.

When outside exercising, Magnuson wears T-shirts she received for participating in past running or walking events, especially those benefiting a charity, such as The Human Race, sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center, or the annual Women’s Breast Cancer Walk.

In the past, Magnuson cared not one whit for exercise. Employed as a children’s librarian for the public school system in Cos Cob, Conn., she preferred reading. Both she and her husband, Ed, smoked, ignoring their health until their two teenage daughters, Jackie and Diane, came to their rescue.

After watching a school film, which showed the black, diseased lungs of smokers, the girls begged their parents to quit, so their lungs would heal and they wouldn’t get sick.

That brings up something else you need to know about Magnuson — she listens, ferreting out the merits of what someone tells her. Her daughters won her over. Right away, for their sake as well as her own, Magnuson gave up cigarettes and set new goals.

Running fit neatly into her new agenda and later, in 1986, she ran in and completed the New York Marathon.

Asked if she chose to move to Greensboro because it’s a great place to run, Magnuson smiled. “Actually,” she said, “I moved to the area because it’s where my sister lived.”

During family visits, Magnuson and her husband became fond of the area. So, after retiring, it made sense to relocate here. H er sister, Norma Rowland, died of lung cancer only two years after the Magnusons made Greensboro their home.

Still, Magnuson has never regretted settling here. An endorser, a joiner, a celebrator and a friend, Magnuson has participated in Shepherd’s Center for 17 years and belonged to the Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club for five.

She’s on the trip-planning committee for Senior Resources of Guilford County and takes pride in serving as an elder at Faith Presbyterian Church.

Each year, Magnuson looks forward to performances by the Eastern Music Festival and loves exploring art museums.

Life hasn’t always been an easy run. Magnuson’s husband of 53 years died in 2007 and Nancy, the couple’s beloved cat, died two weeks later.

On Nov. 6, 2008, Magnuson became ill, requiring hospitalization and rehab until Christmas Eve.

Through 2009, Magnuson has worked diligently to regain her health. Nickel and Penny, two cats adopted from a shelter, help by keeping her company.

Health, Magnuson realizes, depends on more than eating the right food and exercising frequently. Staying involved is also important.
Always happy to help others, when asked to be the designated driver for a recent Halloween party, Magnuson agreed. She said the nonalcoholic punch was quite tasty.

Describing what works best for her, Magnuson said, “I love life and people. No one’s a stranger to me, and I’m never afraid to ask questions.”

Contact Sandra Redding at sanredd@earthlink.net