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From Silent Pain to the First Step: How Grief, Loss, and the Void of Absence Gave Rise to a Journey of Movement, Discipline, and Overcoming at 77
At 77 years old, retired grandfather Everton Vanderley shows every day that age does not limit dreams and that pain can be transformed into strength. After losing his wife, with whom he was married for 25 years, he faced the greatest obstacle of his life: the silence of absence. However, instead of succumbing to the void, he found a new purpose in running to continue living.
The information was shared in a special report that portrays Everton’s journey of overcoming, showing how sports became a tool for emotional, physical, and spiritual reconstruction. According to the content, the change began after his wife’s passing in August of last year, when his son decided not to leave him alone.
Initially, Everton lived in Três Corações, Minas Gerais. Worried about his father’s isolation, his son invited him to move in with him and, in a simple conversation, proposed the idea that would change everything: to attend the condominium gym. The suggestion seemed modest, but it was enough to ignite a flame that had been dormant.
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It was at that moment that the first step happened. Still without grand expectations, he decided to give it a try. However, as with everything he takes seriously, he quickly set an ambitious goal: to participate in the traditional São Silvestre race. The goal was clear and had a set date.
Discipline, Method, and Overcoming: How Kilometers and Medals Were Born
With a defined focus, Everton began his training. On January 5, he and his son participated in their first street race, a 5 km event held at Parque Tietê in São Paulo. Despite the short official distance, the challenge was immense. To prepare, he even did treadmill training of up to 15 km, just to ensure he could complete the 5 km outdoors.
The beginning was tough. Short, almost timid steps marked not only the physical effort but also the emotional weight of grief. Yet, as the weeks went by, those steps transformed into kilometers. The kilometers, in turn, became races. And the races turned into medals.
Discipline became the foundation of everything. Everton established a training routine three times a week, always respecting gradual progression. He started by running just 3 km, alternating between running and walking. Each week, he increased exactly 25 steps per training session, adding 75 more steps each week. According to him, this method prevented complacency and constantly pushed the body—and the mind—to surpass themselves.
Moreover, Everton emphasizes that it made no sense to stay at the same distance. For him, progress was essential. With each stage conquered, a new challenge emerged, always with responsibility and awareness of his own limits.
The result of this commitment is impressive. In less than a year, Everton has already run over 2,000 km. To put this achievement into perspective, that distance roughly equals leaving the city of São Paulo and arriving in Belém do Pará, traversing a good part of Brazil solely with willpower, discipline, and faith in life.
Inspiration That Inspires: Sports, Faith, and Purpose in Later Life
Today, Everton does not run just for health. He runs for overcoming, memory, and purpose. In each race, he aims to perform well, not as a joke, but with seriousness and pride. He himself states that he likes to “look good” and does not take this commitment lightly.
Living in a condominium in northern São Paulo, Everton has become a true inspiration for neighbors and friends. His routine has become an example, his training has become an invitation, and his story has begun to motivate others to break free from a sedentary lifestyle. Some residents report that, after just a few months of being around him, they were already running significant distances, directly motivated by his attitude and discipline.
Another aspect that profoundly marks his journey is faith. Even without sponsorship, Everton covers all the costs of the races, which are not low. According to him, today a race rarely costs less than R$ 200, while larger events, like the São Silvestre, can reach R$ 999, not including equipment and additional expenses. Still, he remains steadfast.
In a memorable occasion, even without being able to officially register for a marathon, Everton replicated the entire distance on the gym treadmill. Upon finishing, he did not celebrate with applause or photos. He simply knelt and praised God. For those who witnessed it, this gesture held more value than any medal.
Each achievement represents a victory over pain, fear, and the idea that “it’s too late.” More than restoring health to the body, sports have restored hope to the heart. For Everton, taking care of life is a mission: getting off the couch, walking, running, and setting an example for others to believe that it is possible to start over.
This is not just the story of a runner. It is the story of a man who transforms lives, who proves that older age can be the strongest moment of a journey, and that it is never too late to take the first step. Everton only stops during interviews. Outside of that, he continues running, talking, encouraging, and collecting medals—because, as he himself says, there is still much more room in his heart.
And you, will you continue waiting for “the right moment,” or will you take the first step today that can transform your life, just as Everton did at 77?
Muito orgulho do Sr Everton. Que se supera a cada dia, dando exemplo a tanta gente. Siga sempre em frente e que venham mais medalhas. Um forte abraço.
Tenho 72 anos e participo constantemente de corrida de rua. Exceto este ano por falecimento da minha cunhada, não fiz os 15 km na esteira (São Silvestre), no dia 30 de dezembro.
Minha foto de perfil do Facebook é a foto de 1/2 maratona que fiz aos 68 anos
Tenho 74 anos corro meia maratona e outras corridas 5, 10. 15 KM.
E vibro em todas as corridas que faço não só aqui no RJ como em outros estados: São Silvestre, Pampulha, Garoto.