Runversation: The myth about age and running

Age is just a number. But when you are still able to run with one on your chest, it’s all that matters

What is the explanation science has for the process we call ageing The experts are still working on the question because they don’t fully understand it as yet. There are theories, suggestions and ongoing research, but they don’t have solid answers, yet.

Generally, as you advance in years, there are voices asking you to slow down — in all aspects of life. Maybe they’re about horror stories of broken bones and heart attacks. Look at so-and-so, they say. Another goes, ‘quit training’, then there’s ‘overdoing it is bad for you’ and finally, ‘take a step back, you’ve earned your rest’. The myriad benefits of running are attainable for everyone. There are not too many who start running the same year as they get their driving licence. You don’t have to be of a specific age, people of all ages run. You are never too old to do anything and you can always start slowly. Age is not a barrier, reminding people that they can set their own goals... goals that suit their stages in life. It’s never easy starting out, but we could be doing a little more.

Also, running need not be all about fitness. It could also be about building bonds between generations that we could all do with a little more of.

There are stories abound of people turning to sport as they enter the so-called ‘old age’ — or just carrying on playing sport, gloriously oblivious of their age.

Now, here’s the story of 56-year-old Venugopal Raju Penmetcha (pictured) — a chartered accountant, who worked in manufacturing for 16 years and started his own construction company. He once ran with his brother (who was training for a half marathon) for 200 metres and was left completely exhausted and out of action for two days. And that’s when he decided he had to do something about his fitness. He took up serious running and now, five years later, his life has completely changed. He has since run over 16 full marathons, a couple of 50, 75 and 100-km ultra marathons. He has also taken part in 200, 300, 400 and 600 km cycling races. “I kind of felt like trying it out. That’s it. It was life-defining, revolutionary. I was hooked... happily running four-five days in a week. My body and mind aligned into a perfect meditative rhythm, and I realised that I could not only handle the physical requirements that would be required to run long distances, but I would embrace it as a symbol of my new-found physical and mental endurance,” says Venugopal. And he doesn’t believe in the whole ‘age’ debate. “Running in your 50s, 60s or over is just like any other pursuit. You have to be committed. You’re reinventing yourself every season, wipe the slate and start over. It has nothing to do with age, because once you decide you’re going to run, you’re going to run! The only difference will be how you approach your training and how your body responds. So the next time your age comes up, laugh it off,” he adds.

The author can be reached on gs.sudhakarrao@gmail.com