May 2024 Athlete of the Month
By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist
Joseph Leonard Loretto,78
Felipita Loretto, 75
Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico
Senior athletes know that you need to move to enjoy longevity. Joseph Leonard Loretto and his wife Felipita just celebrated their 56th anniversary, and they say time has taught them that advice also applies to having a successful relationship.
The couple, who are tribal members of the Jemez Pueblo, have bowled together for decades and are also runners. Both have been regulars in the New Mexico Senior Olympics since they became eligible and have participated in the National Senior Games when possible since 2009.
Leonard stays busy as the owner of a custom woodcrafters business, and Felipita is a certified fitness instructor at the Jemez Senior Center. They both perform occasional tribal duties as well.
Leonard started National Senior Games in Palo Alto, California, in 2009 and his wife joined in for Houston, Texas, in 2011. His work prevented him from competing in 2017 (“I felt so bad I was going alone,” she recalls) and both ironically could not participate when The Games were in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2019. “There were some traditional duties we were required to do at the same time as The Games,” he says. “It was right there in our backyard, but some things are more important.”
A Tribal Running Tradition
Running has a deeper meaning to them than most because of The Runners of Jemez, a society rooted in tribal history and tradition. Leonard, who has completed the Pikes Peak Marathon 13 times, is a member and realizes eyes are on him. “The society hosts traditional 3-mile runs, and the men run barefoot,” he says. “We have to show people we can run, especially the youth. You can’t force people to do something, but we can be an example to show that we can do a lot of things at our age.”
Felipita, who also ran one full and one half marathon at Pikes Peak, recalls there was only volleyball for girls during her school years, so she started running for fitness in her late 20s. Attending fitness classes inspired her to become a group fitness instructor, and she now holds several certifications. As a Certified Community Health Worker, she focuses on serving people with diabetes at the pueblo. “We try to educate our people about what it is and how to manage it,” she says. “I conduct senior fitness classes three times a week at the senior center, and I hope to start a tai chi class soon.”
Both agree that doing sports together and encouraging each other has been an important part of their bond. “I like spending time doing these things with Leonard because he works so much and I have my job,” she notes. “We have fun bowling together. He is my mentor and my motivator and encourages me to keep going with running.”
Leonard had more experience with school sports and played with the Jemez Blackhawks in Indian baseball leagues through the years. He recognizes he was a role model to Filipita but now says the tables have turned. “She’s the one who keeps me moving more and more now,” he testifies. “With her doing her exercise classes, it makes me feel bad to sit and watch TV. She motivates me to get up at 6 a.m. and go to my exercise and ride on my bike. I also have a bike at the shop to ride on breaks.”
The Lorettos have never reached the medal stand in national competition, but awards are not as important to them as taking the journey. “I always say that we are all winners when we cross the finish line and prove we can do it,” Leonard says.
The couple is excited to go to Des Moines in 2025 and have enjoyed traveling around the country as much as their competitions. “When you get out of the reservation and your work, it’s already a vacation,” Leonard jokes.
