An 80-year-old marathon runner has revealed the diet and daily routine that keep her fighting fit. Retired teacher Mary Palmer, originally from Scotland, recently completed the 26-mile Barcelona marathon. She told Spanish outlet COPE that her training includes a three-stage workout and a simple breakfast of spelt bread with sesame and olive oil, plus a hard-boiled egg.
Palmer starts her day by walking briskly to a local park on an empty stomach, then runs ten laps of one kilometre each, followed by stair climbing. After that, she returns home for breakfast. She explained that the bread and olive oil provide healthy fats and complex carbohydrates for energy, while the egg supplies protein to maintain muscle mass and aid recovery.
To target inflammation, she makes an infused tea with chamomile, ginger, and turmeric, adding lemon juice and honey before drinking. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and ginger are maximised by the lemon juice’s vitamin C, and the honey gives an energy boost. After breakfast, she runs another 5km on the beach, then jumps into the sea to cool off before running back home.
Palmer, who ran for the Shamrock 7 Students Nepal charity, said exercise is essential for older people. 'It’s very important to keep moving, engage in sports, and take care of one’s health. Exercise is essential for our generation,' she said. Out of 27,000 participants in the Barcelona marathon, only a few hundred were over 65.
