Monday, April 11, 2011

Age is just a number...some inspiration for all

A few posts ago I wrote about the Gareau-Riuz Boston marathon scandal.  If you missed it, I forgive you and you can read it right here.

In that post I mentioned a few famous Canadian runners.  I forgot this guy:

Do you know him? His name is Ed Whitlock.  He is a young 80 yrs old Canadian.  Yesterday,  he ran the Rotterdam Marathon in 3:25:40!!!!  At 80 years old.  He broke the old world record of  3:39:18   for his age group 80-84.   On Runner's World website you can read more about his records;  he has several, like being the first man over 70 to break 3:00 for the marathon, at age 74 his time was 2:59:10. 

Today it was announced that the great Joan Benoit Samuelson will run Boston next week.  I hope that I can find the marathon on TV so I can tape it, won't be home to see it online. 

No running for me today.  I was scheduled to have a root canal, for real this time.  The dentist decided to prep for a crown and see if that is enough to fix my tooth.  So I have a lovely temporary plastic crown for 2 weeks and then I get to go back in the chair for the permanent crown.  Good times, I hate going to the dentist and I also hate how much it hurts my wallet. 

Post 10 miles run, I have pain in my knees.  I hope tomorrow is better.  Going up the stairs is not fun.  I wonder if Ed gets knee pain at 80 yrs old?

Today is the start of week 10!
This is what I did last week:

WEEK 9:
Mon: 5 miles: 5 miles, was HELL: dehydration. 
Tue: stretch and strength + XT: 3 miles at the gym

Wed: 3 miles easy: 3 miles tempo
Thu: Speedwork:  9x400m: 9x400m: 5 miles total
Fri: REST: Rest
Sat: XT or 4 easy miles: 3 miles easy

Sun: 10 miles: 10 miles

Total : 29  miles

WEEK 10:
Mon: stretch and strength + XT: dentist
Tue: 3 miles easy:

Wed: 5 miles:
Thu: Speedwork:  10x400m:
Fri: REST:
Sat: XT or 4 easy miles: 

Sun: 11 miles.


 

10 comments:

Michael said...

Wow, that is incredible. Most people no matter what age would love to break 3:30 - and at 80 he's still that fast!! Crazy! Sorry about the dental visit - boo :(

Nelly said...

That guy is incredible! 3:25 marathon at age 80 is insane!

Kate Geisen said...

He's amazing! I can't imagine. And at 80. Wow.

Have you tried ice baths after running? It's miserable at first, but it really does help. And I hear you on the dental bills. My husband has terrible problems with his teeth...I think we could have a new car if we didn't have to keep paying the dentist. Ugh.

Amanda@runninghood said...

Wow, simply amazing!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I have to find you the clip of Harriet Anderson, she is 79 and has done 18 straight years of Ironman racing and Lou who is 80 and 21 years of Ironman racing, I will be happy to stay glued together to race in my 60's

XLMIC said...

I am so impressed with your sticktoitiveness in your training :) Thanks for sharing this incredible story about the octogenarian who is faster than I was when I was running my fastest :P It is inspiring!

Kurt @ Becoming An Ironman said...

I'm a sucker for active elderly! I can only hope I'm able to do anything close to that in 55 years.

Unknown said...

That guy's amazing!

I was swimming the other day and a gentleman in the lane next to me starting asking if I was a triathlete. We got talking and he was 81 and hoping to race another tri this summer (he has qualified for Kona twice and raced it three times with the help of the lottery). Amazing!!!

And my Father-in-law will celebrate his 75th birthday the only way fit - competing in his 11th Ironman on his b-day!

Emz said...

When I grow up can I please be him?
Amazing.
Amazing
Amazing.
Oh & sorry I was totally captain stupid on your fueling question. I'm sure you are used to it by now.

Loving that 11 on Sunday!!!!

Jenn said...

Are you kidding me! That is AMAZING! Inspiration for SURE!!!

Yes, I am very thankful I work at the Dentist and have free dental. Sad when a tooth can cost as much as a car:)

Nice job on the workouts last week! Hope this week goes well!