72-year-young Jeyaram sets fitness goals

At a time when most of his age mates are enjoying with their grandchildren, this 72-year-young long distance runner, Ramasamy Jeyaram, is gearing up to make a name for himself at the highest level.

The Chennai-based Jeyaram is the oldest participant in the Ironman Challenge 70.3 Goa, an event where around 1,000 contestants from 27 countries are expected to compete on October 20. Having switched from triathlon to cycling in 2016, the father of two is making a comeback in this discipline after three years.

In the Ironman Challenge 70.3, the contenders will have to swim 1.9 km, cycle 90 km and run 21.1 km. “I have done the same tasks twice in the past in Chennai. Something that is new to me is swimming in the sea. We usually do that part in swimming pools in other local competitions. Since this is an international one, getting past that level will be a challenge. There is a cut-off for each stage, so I will have to do even better,” Jeyaram told DT Next.

Jeyaram was introduced to long distance running in 2012, thanks to his elder daughter, who felt he had the base to compete in such testing events. “Chithra used to run in the United States of America and I just picked it up from her. I had worked in power plants throughout my career. There, we usually ran for about four or five km in the morning. Apartfrom that, we had a daily walk for an hour. I had done that for almost 25 years,” he added.

After being recommended to give it a go, Jeyaram joined Chennai Runners in August 2012. As part of learning the nuances of the discipline, hehad been involved in training sessions as early as 5 am. Just a couple of months later, he made his competitive half-marathon (CTC Chennai BuckinghamCanal) debut. He has completed 11 half marathons, 7 full marathons and 3 ultra marathons thus far.

“At the start, I was amazed at how people completed 42km (in the full marathon). Later, I was able to do it as well. Without Chithra’s backing, I wouldn’t be here,” remarked Jeyaram. Despite beingmuch older than his fellow competitors, he is still going strong.

Asked how he motivates himself as age is not on his side, Jeyaram responded, “I have the stamina to cover long distances. I just keep pushing myself to get to the next level. That’s how I moved from half-marathon to full, and then to ultra.”