I
f you ever have mornings where you feel a little
sluggish or lazy and have trouble getting to your
workout, think of this inspiring runner to get a
swift motivational kick in the pants.
81 year old Ed Whitlock is originally from England, but settled
in Canada after completing his engineering studies. As a
teenager, he liked running, but life kept him away from it for
years. In his 40s, Mr. Whitlock rediscovered the joy of run-
ning. And he has been running ever since. Not just long
distances, but pretty quickly too! He is the only man in his
70s to have run a marathon in under 3 hours. As if that wasn't
enough, he has accomplished this feat more than once! Here
are a few training insights from a gentleman-marathoner that
are sure to fire you up.
Total Fit Magazine: You were recently injured but are back
in training and racing. Have you changed anything in your
routine since the injury?
Ed Whitlock: My planned routine is unchanged. However,
whenever I return from injury it is always a matter of progres-
sion to get back to the level I was before the injury. The longer
the time off from injury, the longer and more difficult it is to get
back to full training.
TFM: In September, you added another record to your impres-
sive list, by setting the unofficial world half-marathon record.
How do you reward yourself after breaking yet another re-
cord?
EW: Quiet satisfaction.
TFM: You returned to running in your 40s. What brought you
back to the sport, and kept you going for the past 40 years?
EW: To some extent it was an accident. I went to a local track
club to help out. Not being given anything specific to do, I
started jogging around the track and gradually got involved.
TFM: Are there any secrets you can share on training, nutri-
tion or life, to help us become as fit as you are, and remain
so, for as long as you have?
EW: I just eat a normal every day diet, somewhat low on meat
and high on carbohydrates. I do not take any supplements,
except for vitamin C for cold prevention, and glucosamine
with the hope that it will help with some arthritis in my knees.
I think the main advantage I have is genetic. Being judicious
about when to pay attention to aches and pains is also im-
portant; it's always a delicate balance between caution and
over-caution.
TFM: You mentioned arthritis. Running can put quite a strain
on joints. Have you had any joint surgery or do you have any
tips on maintaining healthy joints?
EW: I have had no surgery, but as I said, I do take glucos-
amine, although I'm sceptical about its efficacy. I try to train
in a low impact way of running, by minimising the bouncing.
This is also helped by my low weight. My gait is different
when racing.
TFM: You train for slow 2-3 hour sessions in your routine.
What other complimentary activities do you have in your
routine other than running?
EW: All I do is run. If I can't run I veg out.
TFM: Surely you must enjoy something other than running?
EW: I do some vegetable gardening and waste a lot of time
on the computer.
TFM: Do you have a funny running anecdote?
EW: I really can't think of one. Running is deadly serious!
TFM: What is your most cherished moment in your running
career?
EW: I suppose that would be my marathon at age 73, in just
under 3 hours (2:54:49). There are quite a number of races
I look back on that still give me satisfaction, including some
from my teens.
TFM: Are there any other goals you have yet to accomplish?
EW: One of the advantages of age-group competitions is that
every 5 years a new set of objectives comes about. So roll on
85! I wonder if my knees will hold together that long.
We certainly hope the knees stay fit for many years, so you
can continue to run like the wind and motivate us.
Ed Whitlock
RUNNING THROUGH
THE RECORD BOOKS
TOTALFIT INSPIRE
Written by Caroline Petit-Turcotte
Photography by Kathi Robertson
20
Vol. 2, Edition #3
www.TOTALFITmagazine.com