An octogenarian marathon enthusiast, Mary Palmer, revealed her fitness regimen and diet secrets that keep her in top shape. The retired teacher from Scotland recently completed the Barcelona marathon, showcasing her dedication to running even in her 80s.
Residing in Barcelona, Mary’s daily routine involves brisk walking to a local park on an empty stomach, followed by running 10 laps of a kilometer each and climbing stairs before breakfast. Despite being considered an amateur runner, Mary undergoes three intense workout stages daily.
To sustain her demanding physical routine, Mary relies on a simple yet balanced breakfast of spelt bread with sesame and olive oil, paired with a hard-boiled egg. She emphasized that this meal provides her with essential nutrients for energy and muscle recovery.
In addition to her diet, Mary tackles potential inflammation by brewing her infused tea with chamomile, ginger, and turmeric, enhanced with lemon juice and honey for anti-inflammatory properties and an energy boost.
After breakfast, Mary embarks on a 5km beach run on sand and finishes with a refreshing sea dip before heading home for the final phase of her daily training. She emphasized the importance of preparation for the marathon, highlighting the physical and energy demands of the 42-kilometer race.
While thousands participated in the Barcelona marathon, only a few hundred runners were over 65, showcasing Mary’s dedication to fitness at her age. She stressed the significance of staying active for health and charitable causes, aiming to raise funds for the Shamrock 7 Students Nepal project through her marathon efforts.
Reflecting on her post-retirement pursuits, Mary emphasized her goal to support education initiatives in Nepal through her marathon fundraising, underscoring the importance of physical activity and philanthropy in her life.