We’re very fortunate that so many of our supporters run marathons to raise funds for us. Veteran runner, Paul, 80, has run more than most, including 35 London Marathons! This means that he and his wife, Liz, have raised an amazing £89,000 over the years to support young people and families affected by liver disease. Paul tells his running story and offers some tips to beginners here.
I’d always been pretty fit, and had served in the navy for 12 years, but I was almost 37 before I took up running. I saw a local poster advertising the first Reading Half marathon, back in 1983, and a week later I was running it. I enjoyed the event but, crazy though it sounds now, I did no training. I couldn’t walk for a week afterwards and that taught me a big lesson. I went out training to avoid a similar situation in the future and of course, I got the running bug!
I did the Reading Half again the following year. In fact, I’ve done that event every year since, apart from 2007, and that’s because I was in Adelaide, competing for the British Prison Service in the World Police and Fire Games.
I did my first marathon in Poole in 1989, and I’ve now done 35 London Marathons and about 50 overall. My best marathon time was two hours 49 minutes, which I’m very proud of. My wife, Liz, also runs and we even celebrated our golden wedding anniversary by running the London Marathon together!
There are obvious benefits to running in terms of keeping fit physically but it’s also tremendous for mental health and it really is great for anyone, whatever your age or ability. Obviously, you slow down as you get older so if you’re competitive like me it’s tougher to accept but I still enjoy my running. It can be hard at times to get motivated, especially if it looks like rain, but training has to be done!
There’s no big secret to running as a senior person. I eat a sensible diet – lots of fruit, veg, fish and pasta. I’m not a burger or a pizza lover but I must admit I do like a slice of cake!
I took part in the World Police and Fire Games in Alabama last year. My longest distance in that was a half marathon but I also completed three other races – cross country 10K, 10K track and 5K track.
To anyone out there who’s thinking of taking up running, I’d say give it a go. These days it’s easier to start off with Couch to 5k and weekly Park Runs. Encourage a friend to go with you, then you’re less likely to cancel and you’ll be so proud of yourself once you’ve been out and done it. Just train at talking pace, not too fast, then gently increase your distance and speed will come naturally.
I wish the best of luck to anyone starting off. You’ll soon know if it’s for you and I hope that running brings you some of the many benefits it has brought me.
