Episode 64: There is Always Another Race! Dr. Steven Jonas on Triathlon, Longevity, and Aging
At nearly 90 years old, Dr. Steven Jonas continues to embody the principles of lifelong movement, resilience, and healthy aging.
In this deeply meaningful episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Dr. Steven Jonas, whose remarkable life journey has carried him through medicine as a physician, academia as a professor emeritus, accomplished author, public health pioneer, ski instructor, triathlete, and triathlon historian.
What makes Dr. Jonas’s story especially powerful is that he did not grow up as an athlete. As a child, he struggled with traditional sports and never viewed himself as athletic. Everything changed during medical school when a spontaneous ski trip with two friends introduced him to alpine skiing — a sport that would completely transform his relationship with movement and physical activity.
Through skiing, Dr. Jonas discovered confidence, balance, joy, and belonging. His passion for the sport eventually led him to become a certified ski instructor, teaching in Breckenridge, Colorado, and spending decades immersed in a sport he deeply loved.
Years later, after recognizing his own declining fitness while working in public health and preventive medicine, Dr. Jonas began running in his 40s. What started as short training runs evolved into local road races, marathons, triathlons, duathlons, and Ironman competitions. Over the next four decades, he completed an astonishing 257 triathlon and duathlon races, in addition to hundreds of road races ranging from 5Ks to marathons.
Together, Dr. Gordon and Dr. Jonas explore:- The life-changing power of discovering movement later in life.- Skiing, balance, and finding a sport that fits your abilities.- The origins and early history of triathlon and duathlon.- The evolution of the wellness and health promotion movement.- Why triathlon became “a sport for everybody.”- Exercise as medicine and healthy aging.- Consistency, longevity, and purpose across the lifespan.- The emotional meaning of crossing finish lines.- Lessons from nearly 90 years of living with vitality, resilience, and purpose.Dr. Jonas also reflects on his work with and contributions to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative, the foundational years of the preventive health and wellness movement, and the friendships and identity he built through decades of endurance sport participation.
Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that human performance is not solely about speed or competition — it is about participation, joy, resilience, community, and continuing to move forward through every season of life.
“There’s always another race,” as Dr. Jonas shares with the audience.
This is an unforgettable conversation about movement, meaning, longevity, and the enduring spirit of a man who helped shape the modern wellness movement while continuing to live its message every single day.As the host, Dr. Gordon expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Jonas for joining the show, recognizing him as a true pioneer in health promotion and the triathlon community. His contributions across medicine, academia, athletics, and public health have impacted generations and continue to inspire others to pursue healthier, more active, and meaningful lives.It was an absolute honor to welcome Dr. Steven Jonas to The PhD Journey Unplugged. A friend, mentor, visionary, and leader.Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical or health advice.
