Nowadays, more people are aware of the importance of regular exercises. People who go jogging are frequently found around my neighbourhood. Sometimes, I wonder whether I can start, but I don't want to wear outfits which show my body shape and lines too clearly.
By the way, several marathons are held across Japan today. Those events had been held for only athletes for a long time, but now they are open to the public. The event named the Ehime Marathon will be held in my prefecture too on Feb. 5th. This marathon is so popular and highly competitive that more than double the number of people were trying for 7000 positions. My acquaintances, who belong to my Lions Club, will take part in the marathon and I'll go and support them.
By the way, I wondered who was the oldest who completed the full marathon and looked for one on the net. According to an article, 100-year-old Briton, Fauja Singh, became the world's oldest marathon runner, completing the race in Toronto in eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds in October 2011. Ginger curry, tea and "being happy" appear to be the key to finishing the race.
He says;
"The secret to a long and healthy life is to be stress-free. Be grateful for everything you have, stay away from people who are negative, stay smiling and keep running."
I agree!
Thank you for posting your comment to my blog. I checked your facebook page. You graduated Sibuyan college. I remember the name of Sibuyan. It's the tomb place of the Japanese battle ship Musashi.
Posted by: KUMO | Oct 08, 2012 at 05:28 PM
Thanks for posting this! I was rnnniug next to an octogenarian in the first (& only) marathon I ran in 1997 (during last year of residency!). His pace was very near mine. He must have finished in under 5 hours and had been rnnniug marathons for years! I was very aw inspired. I can no longer run d.t. an injury but can still do high impact aerobics, hot yoga, the elliptical etc.Great reminder one is never too old!Best,Rajka
Posted by: Ricardo | Oct 08, 2012 at 04:44 PM
Peter;
You're right.
I googled "Fauja Singh", and found several articles associated with him.
Fauja Singh at the Toronto Marathon (2011). Fauja Singh (born April 1, 1911) is a British centenarian marathon runner of Indian Sikh origin.
Shiroi_Tora;
Yeah, they are basic keys!
Posted by: KUMO | Feb 06, 2012 at 12:51 AM
In short...simplicity, optimism and chasing goals and dreams. Words to live by. Even were they not a key to longevity...they are basic keys to happiness. Life is simply too short to live unhappily.
To read of the elderly who are still very happy, is a sign of hope to all.
Much of our happiness is a result of our choices in life. The ones we will make in the future...can alter our happiness from that moment on.
We have to make happiness as a goal of priority.
I am already happy...now if I can just live to be 100 and still be able to run a Marathon! :)
Posted by: Shiroi Tora | Jan 30, 2012 at 05:02 PM
Fauja Singh sounds Indian.
Posted by: Peter | Jan 30, 2012 at 01:48 PM