For many distance runners, Sunday is typically the day for the long run.

So if you’re having a tough time getting off the couch and slipping on those running shoes, perhaps an 81-year-old GTA man might be your inspiration.

Among those planning to take part in next month’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Milton’s Ed Whitlock.

The 81-year-old started running about 40 years ago, and says he hopes to keep running for many more years.

“I still enjoy running, it still feels much the same as it did,” Whitlock said.

As for his advice for runners?

“Do as much training before the race as you can, then establish before the race what a reasonable pace is.”

“Don’t be too ambitious about it and be very cautious about running the early part of the race so you don’t hit the proverbial wall,” Whitlock said.
     
Whitlock holds many world records in senior distance running. At the age of 73 he ran a marathon in an astounding 2-hours-and-54-minutes.