Ready, Set, WALK. (Part II)

Last week, I wrote about a book by Jeff Galloway touting the benefits of taking walk breaks while running marathons.

In my neighborhood, I have, as living proof, a friend who could be used as a model for health, and one of his secrets is walking.

His name is Clair Bennett and he’s pushing 87 years old. He went over to France during the D-Day invasion during WWII. The guy has a long life history as a geologist, construction manager, parks and recreation director, and now he’s been retired longer than I’ve been working a full time job.

When I asked about his age the other day he said he turns 87 in a few months but didn’t feel it. “I feel more like I’m in my late 60′s,” he said.

His secret? He wakes every morning at 3:00 am, eats vegetables for breakfast. That’s right, I said vegetables. Then goes for a two mile walk every day, ran or shine at 5:00 am with his daughter and big fluffy dog “Bear.”

And he’s still going. I have no doubt that he will be around long after his 87th birthday.

I don’t think he’s run any marathons but to me, his life is a marathon. He’s likely put in just as many miles, and he’s around to live life to the fullest.