A Lifetime of Motion
While most 90-somethings embrace retirement’s slower pace, Lewis Ress is too busy balancing legal consulting, podcasting, tennis matches, and training for his latest challenge: Sunday’s Life Time Miami Half Marathon.
By the Numbers
- 15 full marathons completed
- 60+ half marathons run
- 118 races run by wife Esta (before knee replacements)
- 1 skydive-to-ultramarathon combo by son Brad
From Courtroom to Finish Line
Tennis Roots, Running Wings
The Brooklyn native’s athletic journey began at age 5 with tennis. By 1977, he’d won Florida’s 45+ Clay Court Championship. Today? Still playing singles twice weekly. “Doubles players baby me,” he laughs. “In singles, they’ve got nowhere to hide.”
The Family That Races Together
“Lewis used to dump water on my head mid-race yelling ‘Go!’ Now I’m his loudest cheerleader,” says wife Esta, 87, a former marathoner.
Training Like Time Stands Still
Ress’ Weekly Grind
- Long runs: 9-10 miles at peak training
- Speed work: Intervals on bridges/hills
- Cross-training: 18 holes of golf + tennis matches
The Mental Marathon
“Running’s my moving meditation,” Ress says. “I dedicate miles to departed friends and sing Sinatra tunes to myself. Slower? Sure. Happier? Absolutely.”
Why Miami’s Course Captivates
Scenic Therapy
The route past Biscayne’s cruise ships and Ocean Drive’s art deco hotels isn’t just race terrain—it’s Ress’ happy place. “Runners here are earth’s kindest souls,” he notes. “We swap stories while chasing sunrises.”
Age Is Just a Bib Number
Marathon co-founder Frankie Ruiz calls Ress’ participation revolutionary: “He’s proving endurance isn’t about PRs—it’s about rewriting your narrative, one step at a time.”
The Finish Line Philosophy
“Focus on slowing down? That’s devastating. Focus on living? That’s the real win.”
— Lewis Ress
As Ress gears up for Sunday’s 4.5-hour journey, one thing’s clear: This attorney-turned-athlete isn’t just running a race—he’s drafting life’s best closing argument against limitations.
