Runversation: Late starts to the finish line

Consider this. While your retired peers are on a pilgrimage with their grand kids, you’re off running across cities and continents. The world of running has a habit of turning older marathoners into mascots. Because well, who doesn’t like to listen to the story of a grandfather who gets across the finish line in just about six to seven hours? Thousands of senior citizens have proven they can healthily complete a full marathon distance or beyond and within these thousands are a small pack of extreme competitors who can still maintain remarkable agility.

Hariharan Ramalingam, 67, hadn’t embraced competitive running until he was a grand 59 on a birthday cake. But in less than a decade, he has run 95 marathons across 32 cities in India and 13 cities in all the seven continents - those are some astounding numbers to digest. He is also one of the few Indians to have entered the coveted Seven Continents club. Despite his late start, Ramalingam says his athleticism has improved with age.

“With focused training, one can achieve the same results as anyone, of any age. Just because you are over 65 doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of running. It may have been years since you have set foot on a track and you may be assuming that you are a senior citizen with no more race in you.  If you’re nervous about getting into running at an advanced age there are a number of steps you can take, but sometimes taking the first step is the toughest part.”

Seniors or veterans don’t have to succumb to the societal suggestion that the best of life is in the rear-view. With a doctor’s endorsement and a spouse’s encouragement, one can go for the thrill of a marathon or simple a run. You don’t stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running. One can choose to live by these rule.”

Ramalingam adds: “Nothing else makes me feel as alive and well as running. When I’m out running it’s a great way to meet other like-minded people and stay connected with your community. Sometimes, you just need a little reminder that as clichéd as it may sound — age is just a number... that the only thing stopping you from going out there and doing whatever it is you really want to do is, well...you.

“I am curious about how good I can be, and how much I can push my body and mind to reach my personal limits. I think the buzz I get from running improves my productivity and creativity.

And as a word of advice for the ‘seniors’ who want to take a plunge, he says, “With running, especially if taken up later in life, it’s a realistic expectation that you can improve with age — albeit with some precautions. It is this expectation that can ensure the motivation to continue. Who knows where it will take you. Just run towards the finish line. Who cares how long it takes to get there.