Running Like 16 at the Age of 68
At age 68, I ran and jogged 13.1 miles on Super Bowl Sunday on February 7, 2016, in Huntington Beach, CA. I wasn’t alone; I was with my son, Salman Syed; Dr. Ahsan Khan, President of LA East Jama’at; Zahid Mian, Qa’id Finance; and twenty five thousand plus other participants. Running and jogging along the coast on a beautiful sunny day felt like a practice run. I felt pretty young when I learnt I was running along with a lady who was 89.
I have been running for as long as I remember but I have been running half marathons since 2005. Not only does it help me stay healthy it also helps raise funds for various charity organizations.
In 2008, the doctors found out that I had blockage in 3 arteries. After many examinations, the doctors decided not to do a bypass or place any stents. They decided to treat my condition with medication. After two months of rest, the doctors decided that it was safe for me to resume running. I was determined to treat myself with diet and exercise. I became more aggressive in running.
I am a living example of the fact that discipline, determination, motivation, watching diet, and doing a little exercise can cure many health conditions. Everyone experiences aches and pains with the age but at age 68, I feel pretty good about my health. If I can do it, anybody can do it.
I have preached to fellow Ansar members for years that running and jogging not only is a big accomplishment it also forces one into a disciplined life style. About 12 years ago, I was suggested a back surgery for my lower back pain. Instead of surgery, I took the path of running and jogging. Not only did I get rid of the back pain, I continue enjoying normal life, which was not possible with the back surgery.
Please get out, start walking 15-20 minutes a day, but regularly. Increase your walk to 25-30 minutes and continue until you are comfortable with the speed and distance. Don’t start running until you have built speed.
Planning for another ½ Marathon in February 2017.
Rashid Syed
