by MARY-ANN CAME
AT AN AGE when many people are slowing down, marathon runner Liam Hanna is keeping a steady pace in preparation for the Australian Master Games in Adelaide this month.
The 71-year-old has already competed in some major events this year including the London Marathon in April and the World Masters Championships in France, where he won a team gold medal in the cross country and a bronze in the 10,000 metres.
Liam returned from Europe to compete in the Adelaide Marathon.
At the Australian Masters Games he will compete in the M70 division over 5000 metres, 1500 metres and his specialty, the half marathon.
Liam started his running career relatively late at age 35 and acknowledges his success is largely genetic.
“My father was a sprinter, my brother was a sprinter, and so the running ability is in my genes and suits my personality,” he said.
“I’m a bit of a Forrest Gump – I live to run. I ran third in the Adelaide Marathon in 1981 but ran my personal best at 42 in 2 hours and 31 minutes at the World Veteran Games in Melbourne.”
Running has given Liam a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. These days he aims to run a marathon in under 31⁄2 hours but has cut back his training and realises he has to allow longer periods for recovery.
His advice for anyone wanting to start an exercise regime is to work within
your own comfort zone.
“Start off gradually and build up gradually. Take the time to let it become part of your routine.
“As an older person we are more prone to injury so we need to be kind to ourselves.
“Not everyone aims to be a marathon runner: moderate exercise for 30 minutes three times a week delivers life-style benefits.”
