This 102-Year-Old Marathon Runner Is Insane
Mike Fremont, a 102-year-old marathon runner, has defied the odds and set multiple world records in his age group. At 90, he broke the record for the fastest marathon in the M90 division, completing the race in 6 hours, 35 minutes, and 47 seconds. He also holds the world record for the fastest half marathon in his age group with a time of 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 26 seconds. In addition to his remarkable athletic achievements, Mike has also overcome significant health challenges, including surviving metastatic colon cancer.
Overcoming Cancer and Embracing a New Lifestyle
Mike Fremont’s survival story is nothing short of inspiring. At 69, he was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, a form of cancer where the cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. The prognosis was grim, and doctors told him that he only had three months left to live. Instead of undergoing surgery, Mike made a life-changing decision to adopt a Whole Foods, plant-based diet based on macrobiotic principles, which emphasize balance and moderation in food choices. Two and a half years after his diagnosis, Mike’s tumor began to bleed, leading to its removal. To everyone’s surprise, there were no metastases in the rest of his body. Mike believes that his plant-based, macrobiotic diet played a significant role in his recovery, although there is no definitive scientific proof to support this claim.
Starting Running Later in Life
Mike began his running journey later in life, at the age of 36, after the tragic loss of his first wife to a brain hemorrhage. He found that running helped him cope with the grief and stress that followed her death. He continued running 10 miles three times a week until the age of 98. Although he no longer participates in marathons, Mike still runs shorter races like 5Ks and maintains a regular routine of running five miles three times a week. Besides running, Mike stays active by canoeing and doing calisthenics.
The Role of Genetics and Perseverance
While some might attribute Mike's longevity and athleticism to good genetics, his story suggests otherwise. Mike's father was an athlete and a college gymnast but tragically passed away from liver cancer at the age of 69. His mother also died in her 70s of a heart attack. Additionally, Mike has struggled with asthma since birth. Despite having what might be considered "bad genes" for longevity, Mike's perseverance, dedication to exercise, and a healthy diet have helped him defy the odds and live well past 100.
Mike's story is similar to that of Orville Rogers, another remarkable centenarian who took up running after being diagnosed with heart disease in his 50s. Orville lived to be 102 and also set numerous running records in his age group. This demonstrates that while genetics can play a role in longevity, lifestyle choices like exercise and diet can make a significant impact on one’s health and lifespan.
Mike’s Plant-Based Diet
For over 30 years, Mike has followed a Whole Foods, plant-based diet. He believes that an unhealthy diet and stress are among the biggest contributors to poor health and shortened lifespan. After his cancer diagnosis, Mike embraced a macrobiotic vegan diet, which is rooted in Zen Buddhism and aims to balance the yin and yang elements of food. This diet emphasizes reducing animal products, eating seasonal and local foods, and eating in moderation. While the macrobiotic diet includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, sea vegetables, and small amounts of fish, Mike claims that this diet helped him recover from cancer. However, no scientific organizations or cancer societies recommend adopting the macrobiotic diet specifically for cancer treatment.
Mike's daily diet includes whole grain bread, rice, oats, potatoes, tofu, onions, leafy greens, carrots, beans, vegetables, mushrooms, hemp, and fruit. His typical breakfast is oatmeal with blueberries and other fruits, and he eats beans daily. Although some critics might argue that Mike’s vegan diet is not optimal for his health, the results speak for themselves. At over 100 years old, Mike has not only survived cancer but also achieved extraordinary athletic feats and maintained a vibrant, active lifestyle.
The Power of Lifestyle and Longevity
Mike’s story challenges the conventional wisdom that a person’s longevity is entirely determined by their genetics. While genetics may play a role in aging and lifespan, lifestyle choices—such as diet, exercise, and managing stress—are equally, if not more, important. Mike has lived 30 years longer than the average American male, and his resilience, discipline, and active lifestyle are a testament to the power of maintaining good health at any age. By staying active, eating a nutritious diet, and maintaining a positive outlook, Mike Fremont has not only defied the odds but continues to inspire others to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Mike is also an environmentalist who advocates for the protection of local rivers, further proving that a fulfilling life can be shaped by the choices we make. His story is a reminder to everyone, especially those in their later years, that it’s never too late to start prioritizing health and fitness.
Conclusion
Mike Fremont’s life is an extraordinary example of how a combination of perseverance, lifestyle choices, and a positive attitude can lead to a long, active life. Despite challenging genetics and a cancer diagnosis, Mike has defied expectations by maintaining an active lifestyle, setting world records, and living well beyond 100. His story proves that longevity is not just about genetics but about the decisions we make every day to take care of our bodies and minds. Mike’s life is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, we can continue to achieve great things, no matter our age.