Ecris Williams has covered a lot of miles in her 86 years. Whether by racing cars or running races, the spirited senior is no worse for the wear.
“She’s tough and gritty,” says Ray Pugsley, 55, owner of 10 PR Run & Walk stores. The stores support the PR DC Elite Race Team where Williams frequently runs. “It’s incredible. There’s no quit in her.”
A Tough Exterior
The longtime Reston resident turns heads and blows minds with her remarkable exercise ethic. A competitive runner for more than 65 years, the native-born German likes to present a prickly exterior, jokingly calling herself “The Mean Old German Lady.” But at her job as a swimming instructor for aqua fitness classes at Worldgate Athletic Club in Herndon, her students see right through her steely persona.
“I tell her all the time, ‘We’re not scared of you, Ecris,’” says Potomac Falls resident Rico Short, 69, a longtime participant in her class. Williams is known for her challenging but fun workouts. Still, don’t make the mistake of thinking class time is chat time…