Running commentary: Nicholas’ story
Dr Nicholas Cambridge contacted us after reading Professor Hart’s article Why you shouldn't be afraid to run after middle age. Nicholas is a retired GP who runs regularly aged 75 - so we wanted to learn more…
“I’ve always believed that running is good for you, and as a GP I always encouraged my patients to do some form of exercise.
At 75, I still do the Bromley Parkrun on Saturday mornings and am hoping to improve my recent time of 29min with regular training three times a week. My best time is just under 24mins when I was 60.
I started running in 1981 during the running boom and keep a running diary. So far I have run 16,374 miles.
What do you get out of running from a personal perspective?
I always feel refreshed after a run and excited when I set a personal best. When I started running in the 1980s I joined Barnet and District AC. At that time, my favourite event was cross country. The only race I have ever won was their 7 mile cross country handicap. I enjoy the companionship in meeting other runners.
Do you think running has helped keep you healthier for longer? How?
Having regular exercise and eating sensibly has kept me slim and reasonably healthy. I am able to enjoy swimming and running when I go on holidays. Many years ago, we were ‘hunter gatherers,’ which is so unlike today’s lifestyle. By taking regular exercise and eating healthily we can look forward to a healthier and longer life.
As a GP I used to encourage my patients to take up suitable exercise, providing there were no contraindications. I only took up Parkrun in August 2008 – I did my first Parkrun was in Banstead Woods - on my wedding anniversary, with my wife’s permission!
I retired in December 2008. If I would have retired a few years later I would have encouraged my patients to take up Parkrun. This is a free 5km event on Saturday mornings at 9.00am, with about 1,000 venues throughout the UK.
Tell us about your experience of the London Marathon
In the autumn of 1982, I queued all night with others outside a post office to get my application stamped for entry into the 1983 London Marathon - and luckily was accepted.
During the race, at about 10miles the organiser Chris Brasher came alongside me. I told him what a wonderful event it was. He then disappeared into a pub, had a pint of beer and a round of sandwiches. Later on, further down the course, he passed me and wished me good luck. I completed the Marathon in 3hr 21min.
Do you do other forms of exercise as well as running?
I enjoy swimming - especially sea swimming when abroad on holiday. I also enjoy going for walks. In the past I played competitive squash, ran the London marathon in 1983 and later competed in triathlon’s from 1985 to 1987. After our twins were born, I had to stop doing triathlons as I did not have enough time to train properly.
What health challenges have you overcome in your running career?
In 2013 I developed late onset asthma shortly after running a PB of 23min 35sec at Battersea Park for a 5km race. My late onset asthma presented with severe prolonged coughing - and I cracked a few ribs. Having never smoked, we initially thought I developed an atypical chest infection. However, eventually I was diagnosed with asthma, which is well controlled with a DuoResp Spiromax inhaler.
I have also had two episodes of atrial fibrillation - both times lasting for 48hrs. The first time it settled down in A&E after I was given a single dose of diltiazem. The second time it settled down spontaneously. However, I was started on an anticoagulant called Rivaroxaban and an anti-arrhythmic called bisoprolol.
My blood pressure and cholesterol are normal. By continuing running and keeping to 5km runs I believe this will keep my heart exercised and healthy.
What are your current running goals?
I would like to to improve my Parkrun 5km time for my age group 75-79. So far I have reduced my time to 29min 12sec. By running three times a week and listening to my body and not overtraining, I believe I can reduce my time by one or two more minutes.