Vincent L. Gulley - Didn’t Start Running Until 56
Called to Run. Committed to Live.
Vincent L. Gulley didn’t grow up an athlete.
He didn’t run track.
He didn’t compete.
He didn’t have that identity.
In fact, he didn’t begin running until the age of 56.
Not because he was chasing performance, but because he made a promise. After losing his brother at 55 to congestive heart failure, Vincent watched his mother bury her firstborn. Standing there at 53, he knew one thing: He didn’t want her to go through that again. So he gave her his word - she wouldn’t have to bury him because of his lifestyle.
At the time, he didn’t know what to do. He had never been involved in sports. He started and stopped. Tried different workouts. Struggled to stay consistent. Spent an entire year filled with anxiety, convinced he might follow the same path.
Then something shifted.
“God whispered into my spirit and told me to run—to encourage myself and to be an encouragement to others.”
That became the turning point.
“I want to live.”
From that moment forward, running wasn’t optional. It became purpose.
Training With Purpose, Not Just Performance
Today, Vincent trains with a simple goal:
To stay prepared for life.
During the week, he runs 3–4 days, typically covering around 10 miles per session. Because he works full time, many of those runs are structured by time - often about 90 minutes. On weekends, he extends those efforts, running 2–3 hours and averaging around 13 miles.
He also trains in the gym at least three times per week, focusing on strength and durability rather than size.
“I’m building endurance strength—not bulky muscles. I just want to stay strong and ready.”
His preparation is simple and intentional.
He spends just a few minutes loosening up, starts his runs at an easy pace, and allows his body to naturally settle into rhythm over the first several miles.
In the gym, he takes a similar approach - light warm-up sets, then focused, steady work.
What Most People Get Wrong As They Get Older
As both an athlete and a coach, Vincent sees a pattern - especially in older athletes.
“The biggest mistake I see is people stop believing in themselves.”
He doesn’t believe intensity should disappear with age.
“You can lift less weight—but keep the same intensity.”
Because what often happens is this:
People train at a lower level…
Then try to compete at a higher one.
And that’s where injuries and setbacks begin.
Competing Against the Only Person That Matters
For Vincent, competition isn’t external.
“The person I’m competing against is the old me.”
Each day is about improving - even if it’s just a little.
That means being mindful of what he puts into his body, how he trains, and how consistently he shows up.
“I want to live my best quality life. No shortcuts. Just do the work.”
Built Later - But Built With Purpose
What makes Vincent’s journey stand out isn’t just why he started - it’s what he’s done since.
- Ran 75 miles in a single day to honor his mother and grandmother
- Completed his first 100-mile trail race
- Became an RRCA Certified Running Coach at age 60
- Competed in the National Senior Games, with his 78-year-old mother there to watch
“To have the word ‘athlete’ assigned to my name… that meant everything.”
Especially for someone who never had that identity growing up.
Coaching, Faith, and Moving Forward
Vincent now coaches with a philosophy rooted in simplicity and accountability:
“No excuses. Execute to the best of your ability. Keep the faith—and you will elevate.”
He encourages those he works with to embrace discomfort - not avoid it. Because progress doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you’re willing to go where most people won’t.
“You don’t have to know everything. Do what you know. Listen to your body. Believe in yourself.”
Just Getting Started
At 61, Vincent saw something he never expected:
He saw the word athlete next to his name... And it changed everything.
“It told me it’s never too late.”
For him, this isn’t the end of anything. It’s the beginning.
“I’m not retiring out of life—I’m just getting started.”
And his philosophy is as direct as it gets:
“You can defeat death by giving life everything you’ve got… and when your time comes, you die empty.”
AthleForte is proud to feature Vincent L. Gulley as part of our Athlete Spotlight series — individuals who embody preparation, performance, and longevity.
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