So, in case my 60 year old father running in his first half marathon wasn’t inspiring enough, I’ve got a little more inspiration for the weekend to get out there and run!
There was a story in the Metro this week (that’s a free newspaper that’s usually given out in the subways) about a man named Fauja Singh. I was feeling down last week from my horrible training and this story just made me smile. Mr. Singh is 101 years old. The article is about him announcing his retirement. Retiring from what? Running. Not just running, running marathons! He ran his first marathon at 89 years old! Can you believe that?!?! His FIRST MARATHON AT 89 YEARS OLD! Not only did he, obviously, survive that one, he went on to run in another 7 marathons. He is the world’s oldest marathon runner. This is just amazing to me. 8 marathons between the ages of 89 and 101. Wow.
In the article, Singh is quoted as saying “I want the young to be inspired to take up physical activity and maintain it through their lives. Hopefully they will see the folly of taking drugs. I also want the elderly to embark on getting fitter. If I can run my first marathon so late in life, no one should use the excuse of old age as a barrier.”
It’s never too late, you’re never too old, you just have to get out there and start!
I totally agree!!!
I’m still amazed by this guy, even a week after reading about him!
Oh my goodness, I read this too, crazy right?!? I kept feeling like I was starting to run when I was “older” and I was only 30!
Same here! I thought if I could barely run in high school, how am I supposed to start at 29? But this guy, OMG, I still have no words for how awesome that is.