A man who started running at 55 has completed 50 marathons. Here are 3 things that made getting fit easier.
At 55, Dennis Beggs decided to transition from walking to running as a way to manage his time better while caring for his mother with Alzheimer's disease. His first foray into running, a quarter-mile jog, left him discouraged, but he persevered and gradually increased his distance each week without tracking his progress. This determination paid off when he unexpectedly placed second in a 10k race on Independence Day, which inspired him to consider running a marathon.
Beggs's first marathon in October 2017 was challenging, but it instilled a newfound commitment to running. Now, at 63, he has accomplished numerous running feats, including completing ten marathons in ten weeks. In January, he embarked on the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents over seven days, all to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
His fitness journey exemplifies the benefits of starting slow and progressively working up to more intense activities. Beggs noted that his initial walking formed a strong foundation, allowing him to incrementally extend his runs. Personal trainer Sohee Lee supports this approach, highlighting that a gradual workout schedule leads to more sustainable fitness gains without overwhelming oneself.
This lifestyle shift has produced significant changes for Beggs, both physically and mentally. He experiences increased energy, weight loss, and improved nutrition, understanding that feeling good reduces cravings for unhealthy foods. Running offers him a meditative space, where he can contemplate daily tasks, pray, or work through challenging decisions, leading to a sense of mental clarity and emotional stability.
To maintain his physical health, Beggs incorporates Thai massage and yoga into his routine, particularly during winter months when farm work is less demanding. He believes that the intense stretching from Thai massage helps reduce injury risks and aids recovery. Studies suggest that practices like active recovery improve blood flow and muscle relaxation, further supporting his commitment to staying fit and healthy through running.