TAMPA, FL (WFLA) — For Dr. Donald Mellman, running is a passion. He even puts it in the top three most important parts of his life. (Personal life and professional life are the other two.)
He started running more than 30 years ago, and he uses running as a way to clear his head, solve problems and stay healthy.
“The Greeks had it right. Sound mind, sound body,” said Dr. Mellman
He knows a little something about a sound body. He is a neurosurgeon, and in his mid 70s, he is running two races at this year’s Gasparilla Distance Classic. He will line up for the 5K (3.1 miles) on Saturday and the 8K (5 miles) on Sunday.
“Go as fast as I can the whole way and see what happens,” he explained.
Dr. Mellman says the biggest difference between running in his 40s and his runs now is the speed. “It gets slower,” he remarked.
Runners and walkers need to listen to their body at any age to stay healthy.More: Train injury-free for the Gasparilla Distance Classic
“Being aware of your joints and aches and pains and not overstepping your boundaries,” said YMCA Trainer Anthony Bellapigna. “If you start to feel like you’re in pain after your runs, it’s a sign you’re pushing it a little too much,” he continued.
Bellapigna has his clients do slow, static stretches after a run or walk to help with recovery. Making sure to keep the entire body fit will make it possible to finish a long run or race.
“Think about it. You’re standing the whole time you’re running, so it could be a half hour you’re standing and walking on your feet,” said Bellapigna.
That is important for Dr. Mellman to remember as he eases back into running after back surgery. He recognized the pain in his body and canceled races last fall to adequately heal, but he already has plans to run a marathon in a few months.
“I’ve sort of reset my running button, and I’m going to work up to the Army 10-miler in October and Marine Corps Marathon in late October,” said Dr. Mellman.
He equates running to life’s ups and downs saying, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes it’s going up a steep hill or going down a steep hill or flat, but just keep going.”
The Gasparilla Distance Classic races are February 20th and 21st. On Saturday, the 15K and 5K races will run down Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa. The following day, it’s the half marathon and 8K races.