hi,
an inspiring article is attached below.
this was published in mumbai mirror on 23 03 2010
regards.
SENIOR CLASS
Sixty seven-year-old marathon regular, adventure sports lover and karate
student Mahadev Samjiskar on why life begins after 60
He’s a familiar figure for morning walkers at the Borivali National Park. As
Mahadev Samjiskar covers the length of the park during his three-hour 12 km
routine every morning, his energy levels put even joggers half his age to
shame. And a look at his achievements reveals why Samjiskar gives the term
‘retirement’ a whole new meaning. For the record, this super-agile 67-yearold
has participated in nearly 11 marathons, half-marathons and walkathons; run in
about 19 local events, completed the high-altitude Kailash Mansarovar trip, and
recently got the purple belt in karate. The unique aspect about these feats —
he started each of them after turning 60.
NO RETIREMENT BLUES
Samjiskar says he was never a fitness freak. “The regular Mumbai existence,
revolving around the locals, ensures enough exercise,” he quips. “I used to
walk to catch my 8.40 am local, then walk from the station to my office, and
back.” But after retirement, he seriously started thinking about health. “I
looked around, most senior citizens were struggling with health problems. I
decided then that I’d never be a liability for my kids. I’d be independent and
live my life to the fullest.” Thus started his two hour walks at the National
Park. Simultaneously, he took up yoga. “Both worked wonders for my fitness,” he
says displaying the numerous medals and certificates he’s garnered over the
years at various events.
MARATHON MAN
In 2005, Samjiskar, then 62, decided to give the Standard Chartered Marathon a
shot. “I was already brisk walking, I thought why not try running too?” he
says. He changed his regimen to include a rigorous two hour run, along with
yoga and stretching exercises. “Initially I’d feel breathless. People around me
would be concerned, but I was determined.” His first outing at the Marathon
resulted in a humble rank of 184 at two hours and 51 minutes. But in the
following years, his ranking and time improved drastically. In 2009, he won the
gold medal in the Super Veteran category (65 plus) in the half-marathon
clocking a distance of 21 kms in two hrs, four mins, 59 seconds. This year, he
stood third in the same category though he improved on his own timing (two hrs,
four minutes and 34 seconds). “I missed the gold only because I was running
with a wounded foot, an injury I sustained during my karate training,” he says.
Needless to say, the
exercises brought their own benefits. “My BMI or weight never gave me any
problems. Also, the slight back pain and spondyloysis issues I faced earlier,
got cured on their own,” he says.
KICKING FIT
Samjiskar’s next agenda was mastering karate, a sport he got fascinated with,
after attending a beltawarding ceremony. “On a whim, I enrolled for a class,”
he says. Though his body resisted for the initial six months, he took to it
smoothly thereon. Coach Sachin Chavan attributes it to his consistency.
“Regular practice helped him overcome his limitations,” he says. Such was
Samjiskar’s dedication, he even won a bronze at a state-level championship
where his opponent in one of the rounds was a 23-year-old SAF medallist. A few
months later, his efforts were duly rewarded when he got the purple bet. “In
two years, I’ll be a black belt,” he promises.
NEW FITNESS PEAKS
He took to adventure sports with a similar zest — rappelling, mountain climbing
etc with his trip to Kailash Mansarover being the culmination. At 65, he was
the oldest member in the 26-day 19,800 ft expedition. “The sheer challenge
motivated me to go the peak despite adverse conditions. Besides, I had my
marathon experience and karate to bank on,” he laughs.
NEVER TOO OLD
Age, for him, is just a number. “It’s all in the mind, if your mind wants it,
your body follows,” is his mantra. No wonder he believes that health is the
biggest investment for a senior citizen. “Ill health leads to negative
attitudes and more problems,” he says listing out tips to stay positive and
healthy after retirement. Doing nothing becomes monotonous. How many films will
you watch and books will your read anyway? Get out of your house, the outdoors
invigorate the mind and body Keep away from vices Try to lead your life without
depending on medicines.
—CO-ORDINATED BY LEKHA MENON
THE60 + FITNESS GUIDE
Kalpesh Vinerkar, head trainer, Leena Mogre’s Fitness
gives a few pointers to being fit at an advanced age: Walking and running are
the best exercises for senior citizens. Remember these points if you choose
running as your fitness regimen
Start with a warm-up session for 15 mins, then run for an hour and wind up with
15-minute stretching exercises.Take it slow and steady Never run on a hard
surface If you feel breathless, stop immediately. Recover, and then resume
Drink lots of water and use proper shoes Try to strengthen particular muscle
groups, in particular, abdominal muscles or those or upper body.These support
the lower body.
Choosing a sport
Sporting activities are also good, provided you don’t have any major health
problem Choose your sport by your interest and fitness level because any game
requires stamina, flexibility and speed Swimming and badminton are also great
exercises at this age Follow a healthy diet and check your blood pressure every
month if you pursue a game.
Mahadev Samjiskar enjoys competing with youngster s at his kar ate class
Advertisement
Your Mail works best with the New Yahoo Optimized IE8. Get it NOW!
http://downloads.yahoo.com/in/internetexplorer/
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
thatha_patty+unsubscribegooglegroups.com or reply to this email with the words
"REMOVE ME" as the subject.
