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We’re thrilled to welcome a new ElliptiGO rider to our community—Sue McDonald, an athlete whose extraordinary track and field career continues to defy expectations. With over 40 years of athletic experience, Sue broke nine world records in 2023 alone, in events like the 400, 800 and 1500 meters, along with the mile, 300 hurdles, heptathlon and 2000 meters steeplechase.

For her efforts in 2023, she was awarded the USATF Masters Track and Field Athlete of the Year and the World Masters Athletics Female Athlete of the Year

Her success across a range of disciplines—from sprints and jumps to throws—demonstrates her versatility, all while maintaining a focus on fun, multidimensional training and mental resilience.

A former high jumper and heptathlete in college, Sue quickly rediscovered track and field at the age of 50, setting American and world records along the way. She attributes her success to a balanced approach that includes strength training, smart nutrition and a mental game that keeps her calm under pressure.

Sue says that age is just a number and that anyone can continue to improve and set goals at any stage of life. She believes that so strongly that she founded the Pursuit of Excellence Track Club (POETs), where she inspires athletes of all ages to embrace track and field and coaches them to be their best. 

Recently, Sue began riding the ElliptiGO bike and quickly fell in love with its cross-training benefits. She now enjoys riding along the beach near her home in Santa Barbara, integrating the ElliptiGO into her training. “As I’m in my 60s now, it’s the perfect time to embrace cross-training,” Sue says. “It’s a key part of my strategy for reaching my track and field goals for 2025 and to add more world records I’ve already set!”

Here’s a closer look at Sue’s experience with the ElliptiGO, including how it’s helping her achieve her goals:

How did you hear about ElliptiGO?
“I first learned what an ElliptiGO was when one of the running club coaches (Rusty Snow) started training on one after he got injured years ago. My husband, who was training for Ironman triathlons, was the first in our family to try the ‘GO’ up Gibraltar here in Santa Barbara. This year, I wanted to incorporate more cross-training, and a few friends—like my friend Bob in Los Angeles, who owns four ElliptiGOs—shared great tips. Bob often rides with pro runner Colleen Quigley, and he’s been an excellent resource for me!”

How have you been using the ElliptiGO?
“I use the ElliptiGO at least twice per week: once for a recovery ride and once for a tempo workout, a few hours after a hard track session. This lets me get more aerobic training without the impact, keeping my hard days hard and my easy days easy.”

What do you love most about riding the ElliptiGO?
“What I love most is being able to ride outdoors anytime I want, feeling the wind in my face, and enjoying the beautiful Santa Barbara scenery along the beach and mountains. Plus, unlike traditional cycling, the ElliptiGO offers a full-body workout that engages my legs, arms, and core—it’s a fantastic overall aerobic workout.”

Do you have any ElliptiGO rides planned in addition to your training rides?
“My husband and I are planning a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley to ride in the wine country—he’ll be on his road bike, and I’ll be on the ElliptiGO!”

What would you tell other runners considering an ElliptiGO?
“There are no drawbacks to incorporating an ElliptiGO into your routine several times a week instead of running. As we age, our joints and tendons wear down from the impact, and I’m feeling that myself. It’s been great timing to get an ElliptiGO! Just recently, I ran a workout I did over a year ago during indoor track season and hit faster times and more volume while running fewer miles—9-10 miles per week now versus 20-24 miles a week last year.”

Have you noticed any changes since using the ElliptiGO?
“My enjoyment of cross-training has skyrocketed! I missed going on runs wherever I felt like it, but the impact on my body was a concern. Now, I can still go out and ride faster and longer, and it gives me a much better workout. I’m excited to see how I can improve my times in 2025, adding more world and American records before I age out of my age group!”

Anything else you would like to share about your ElliptiGO experience?
“Training on the ElliptiGO is fantastic—it lets me do the same workouts I would typically do while running, but faster and longer. The best part? Every time I get on the ElliptiGO, I can’t help but smile!”

Sue is excited to continue pushing her limits and is looking forward to what the future holds, with the ElliptiGO as a key part of her cross-training regimen. For more information about Sue McDonald, and coaching opportunities, or to follow her journey, visit her website or follow her on Instagram at @suemcdonaldfitness.