Most Runners Never Get Close to a World Record—Nancy Rollins Is Built Different

Nancy Rollins - Circuit Spotlight

The Chicago Racing Circuit by CARA has had many amazing runners over the course of the last 45 years, but few runners ever get close to a world record—Nancy Rollins is built different. Rollins, who was inducted into the CARA Hall of Fame in 2005, started her running journey over four decades ago and today is still running strong! Nancy has completed hundreds of races including the Boston and Chicago Marathons, and once even held an age group world record! We recently caught up with Nancy as she took a trip down memory lane.

Q: Tell us about your running journey! How did you start running?

A: I was athletic in my childhood through high school growing up with two older brothers. I loved baseball at a younger age and played tennis from ages 11 to 18. After high school, I was drawn to working in the medical field and became a nurse. In 1977, I found my favorite job—working in inpatient psychiatry at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. At that time, I had little interest in exercising…but then I met Kevin.

Kevin worked on the same unit, and although he was seven years younger than me, we started dating. As we got acquainted, he encouraged me to try running. My first response was "oh, I hate running," But he said "Try it. I think you will like it." Once I eased into the sport, my fitness developed, and I really enjoyed it. We stopped dating after a year, but I kept running. We remained friends and I had the chance to say, "Thank you!" Spring of 1980, I was inspired to run The Charles A. Stevens 10K race for women. I still remember walking towards the start seeing several hundred women of all ages and my passion was ignited. That same season I went on to run several races between the 5K to 20K distance. The season culminated with running the 1980 Chicago Marathon with a finishing time of 3:45. I was hooked!

Q: How long have you been involved in the Chicago Racing Circuit?

A: I fortunately was connected to the beginning of CARA in my early years of learning about the sport and competing. I am fairly sure I participated in the beginning of the CARA Circuit. I enjoyed meeting different runners, in the Chicago area all ages but sharing the passion of striving to run your best. My memory is, other than the years I was pregnant with our two sons, now ages 37 and 41, I participated in the Circuit.

Q: What is your favorite part about the Circuit competition?

A: I enjoy the variety of distances and also that the courses are accurate, and the races are well organized. There is such a welcoming enthusiastic vibe to the races, and it is especially fun because you really get to know many people who participate in the Circuit. There is a friendly spirit to the competition, and we are all striving to do our best. Runners are a great bunch of people.

Q: What does running mean to you?

A: I am grateful for the ways it has impacted my life, body, mind and spirit. We cannot control everything but running helps me maximize my health and fitness. Aging is a reality of life, but I am happy to embrace each life stage. I also feel blessed by how participating in races promotes community. I transitioned career wise at age 46 to becoming a Licensed Counselor and am reminded often of how people thrive being part of a meaningful community. Being part of CARA and the races promotes this in so many ways, and it is such fun!

Q: Describe your most memorable Circuit race experience.

A: I have so many that it is hard to answer. I remember running the Chicago Marathon and I am sorry to say I do not remember my age but I believe I am in my late 50's. I know my marathon finish times were more like 3:40-3:45.I remember running north on Lakeshore drive and knowing I was running too fast at only 7 miles, and thinking "you are not getting any younger, go for it, take a risk" and ended up running a 3:31:02. I held the age group world record for 1 week, ha! It was a thrill. Usually, I am much more sensible.

Q: What advice would you offer to a new runner or someone who wants to start running?

A: Have patience, allow your body to adapt and ease into the sport. Listen to your body, resist comparing yourself to others. Have a kind patient inner voice that encourages your progress and learns from the times you feel tired, or a run does not go as planned. Join a running club so you can enjoy community as you learn about this wonderful sport of running.

Q: Anyone you would like to thank or give kudos to that has helped you on your running journey?

A: Early years, my running buddies. Tom Brunick was a wonderful coach in my early years of racing. He led track workouts for Chicago runners. Greg Domontay coached me to develop more speed in my 40's and Pat Savage helped me develop further in my 50's. My greatest support, who continues to be in my life and running competition, is my dear husband Carle (Rol) Rollins. I met getting onto the bus to run the 1982 Boston Marathon. We have been married 41 years!