Gina Jackson Personal Fitness

HealthDay News reports a “new” British study found that aerobic exercise keeps one young; actually shaves 10-12 years off one’s biological age. I say “damn skippy to that!” Buster Martin, the 101 year old marathon runner (also a Brit) is proof - although with a rather curious training regimen.

Working plumber Buster Martin ran Sunday’s Roding Valley half marathon in Essex in five hours 13 minutes, and is now focusing on London’s 26-mile event. On finishing the run, the first words of the ex-member of rock band The Zimmers were: “Where’s my beer?”

Mr Martin, who has 17 children, started work at Pimlico Plumbers in London three years ago because he was bored. He drank a tankard of ale before signing autographs and chatting to fans near the finish line of the Essex race. BBC News

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Since everybody is training for spring, running marathons and things, I just thought I should report briefly that my 3 for 3 running plan is still “in effect.” Got new shoes to support the training, which I encourage regularly to all my clients (you can shop for shoes at FinishLine.com for a huge discount on good running shoes).  I am still running around the track and still using the drills recommended by every running coach to keep up the good fight and finish my stated goal.

After all, the British study states,

“Jogging and other types of aerobic exercise improve the body’s oxygen consumption and its use in generating energy (metabolism). However, a steady decline in maximal aerobic power begins in middle age, decreasing about 5 ml/ (kg. min) every decade, according to the information in the analysis. When maximal aerobic power falls below about 18 ml in men and 15 ml in women, it becomes difficult to do any activity without experiencing major fatigue. A typical 60-year-old sedentary man has a maximal aerobic power of about 25 ml, nearly half of what it was at age 20.

But research shows that a long period of relatively high-intensity aerobic exercise can increase maximal aerobic power by 25 percent (about 6 ml), which equals 10 to 12 biological years.”

The analysis was published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Additionally, if you are planning to start your own program to catch up with Buster (or join me on the track this Spring), you may want to check out the steps needed to enjoy an injury free run, no matter what your age with this video:

[local /wp-content/themes/mimbo2.2/images/injuryfree.swf Injury Free Run]