Fauja Singh

Marathon Man

“The secret to a long and healthy life has been taking care of my mind, body and soul. Everyday I challenge myself to think, exercise, eat healthy and pray”

As I write this, today is Fauja’s 110th birthday and still going strong.

Born in Punjab, British India on 1 April 1911 the youngest of four children, Singh did not walk until he was five years old. His legs were thin and weak, and he could hardly walk long distances. He says “all my life people have set limitations on me, they said I would never walk. Then they said I would never farm.”

He attributes his physical fitness and longevity to abstaining from smoking and alcohol and to following a simple vegetarian diet. He has been quoted as saying "I am very careful about different foods. My diet is simple phulka, dal, green vegetables, yogurt and milk. I do not touch parathas, pakoras, rice or any other fried food. I take lots of water and tea with ginger. I go to bed early taking the name of my Rabba (God) as I don’t want all those negative thoughts crossing my mind."

Speaking about the marathon, he said: "The first 20 miles are not difficult. As for last six miles, I run while talking to God."

Further reading about Fauja:
Book - Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon Amazon link

Wiki page: wiki/Fauja_Singh