Primla Hingorani, 76, popularly known as ‘Aunty 72+’, says her irrepressible zeal, passion for running and walking has kept her healthy and free from of all diseases. She has no diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, back aches and knee pains. Read her inspiring fitness mantra.
Could you tell us when and how did you develop your passion for running?
My passion for running has been there since my childhood. I was always good in my academics and sports. After marriage, life changed. Being mother of three children my active life went into an overdrive. With the extra co-curricular activities of my children, my job was like running a marathon a day. I was also working at that time. I worked in a private company for 27 years. I won many prizes in sports even as a working, married woman. Those days prizes were as home appliances, crockery and cutlery. I am also fond of walking. I did not realize that my passion for running and walking has been a blessing in disguise for my good health.
After you completed 70 years of age, how many kilometers have you been running on an average per year?
Per year, if I calculate 4 km per day, I have covered approximately 1500 km per year at 70. I normally walk when the sun is rising as a supplement for Vitamin D.
How many marathons have you participated in the last two years?
I have honestly lost count of how many marathons I have participated. Initially, when I started there were very few marathons, but gradually pre-pandemic we had marathons almost every Sunday. Then it became multiple runs on Sundays at different locations for different causes. I had been participating in Mumbai Marathon from its inception in 2004 till 2020 (2021 there was no Mumbai Marathon due to pandemic).
Has running helped you fight age-related physical decline? Do have any chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis?
I am honestly blessed, not to suffer from any chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis or for that matter, I don’t face any knee problem, back ache, or frozen shoulder as on now, (as I say one split of second is enough to shatter you).
While running helps you keep physically in good shape, do you do anything to boost your cognitive fitness and abilities?
Once my children were married, I had lot of time to give to myself. My physical work had minimized. So I joined various other activities.
- Aerobics - I joined aerobics under leadership of Mr. Kumar Bhut. He is my fitness guru. His encouragement boosts my energy and gave strength to my fitness. He always praised me and calls me aerobic ambassador. I remember his words that “Attain your health and retain it”, which is a must.
- Dance - I also joined Shiamak Dance Class with Juniors and Seniors which brought lot of excitement in my retired life.
- Swimming - I also restarted swimming which had taken a back seat.
How do you prevent yourself from falling and getting hurt while running, especially considering your age?
To prevent myself from falling, I see to it that I don’t overstretch. I wear comfortable shoes and never over tire myself. I have been lucky, I have never experienced any fall till now.
What are some of topmost challenges in running now?
Topmost challenges these days are limitless.
- Republic Day to Independence Day Challenge.
- 5k, 10k, half marathon, 42.3 km full marathon.
These are virtual running challenges. Otherwise there are Ultra Runs, 12 hrs. Run, Triathlon etc. etc. There are many 50+ participants, but one needs lot of professional training. I don’t venture for these runs. As I want to continue my passion of 5 kms as long as I can.
Besides health, what is the other aspect that motivates you to continue running when others have long retired?
Besides running my passion to volunteer for social work keeps me running to remain fit. I volunteer for:
- Education of underprivileged kids.
- River March Project.
- O-Slum Mumbai Project.
- Project Mumbai connected with Plastic Recycling.
I am a Pinkathon ambassador, an organisation that organises runs to create awareness on breast cancer. My mentor, lead ambassador Ajit Rajani Pathak also keeps motivating me to run regularly to maintain good health.
Do you still aspire to achieve any particular goals? What is next milestone going to be?
I don’t have any particular goal. I want to give more time for my volunteering work.
My dream is to see Beautiful Educated India. So that Indians don’t go abroad for studies and get settled there.
My family’s birthday wish encapsulates me and my philosophy the best.
Standing strong as a rock, there’s nothing that can stop,
The inner power in her, that inspires one and all…
Come rain, come sun,
She will still go for a run, and let the world be in a stun…
As she has in her, the wisdom and the beauty,
To fulfill every duty.
What about your diet, do you have any rules and regulations to increase your stamina?
My diet is very simple. I am pure vegetarian, avoid spicy food. (Sometimes I do eat junk food), I never over eat. I eat every two hours, but very limited intake and I drink lot of water. I am happy with my stamina. I am very fond of milk and milk products as supplement for calcium. Though there are many forwards to avoid milk and be vegan and fast for 16 to 18 hrs. But I don’t feel like changing my routine. I want to continue to run.
Is running good for seniors? What running tips would you advice for older adults?
In my opinion, limited running may be good, but I don’t know much. I have many senior friends who at 70+ run everyday 10+ kms. It is their personal choice.
How many running shoes have you bought in the last two years?
Last two years, I have bought 4 pairs of comfortable shoes of reputed manufacturers (not counting pandemic year).
Has your habit of running filtered down to your children?
My children do take care of their health, but don’t want to participate in marathons. It is their personal choice. They are healthy by walking everyday and doing stretches. May be they will take challenges once they are retired like I did after my retirement.
What are some of the important life lessons you have learnt along the way from running?
Lessons…well, I have always been fit and healthy. Running and other activities like aerobics, dance, swimming has given strength to my stamina and due to social media, I have got recognition.
