Runtastic Success Story: My first 10K at 60

I will turn 60 this July.  On January 21st, 2012, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure (170/110) and high cholesterol (270) and had to start taking medication as well as control my diet.  I have been a morning walker since my teenage years and by this time I was walking around 3-4 km every day.  So, my blood pressure and cholesterol levels were a shock to me and it  took me six months to recover.  It was then that I decided to fight the problem.  I researched various methods to lower my BP and cholesterol and at some point I read about Mr. Fauja Singh, who completed a marathon at the age of 100.  That’s when I decided that I wanted to run, too, and eventually stumbled upon Runtastic and its various training plans for running.  To get started, I chose a 5K. I started training with Runtastic in September 2013, and within 6 months I completed my first 5K run in 35 minutes.  I was able to gradually lower my BP to 120/80 and get my cholestrol levels in check.  I also reduced my weight from 163 lbs (74 kg) in 2012 to my current weight of 150 lbs (68 kg).  Although I will have to take my medication for the rest of my life, my doctor recently lowered the dosage.

Right now I am doing 10K walks and runs and hope to run my first 10K at 60! Without stopping for a walking break, within the next 3 months.  Plus, I am planning to participate in a 10K run at the PUNE Marathon held in Pune (Maharashtra), India, every year in December.

A big thank you to Runtastic for bringing a new found energy and self confidence in my life and for giving me hope that disease can be fought as long as you’re determined and motivated to do so.

Thank you once again!

If I can do this while almost 60 years old, anyone can do it!