The Long Run: Boston Marathoner Keijo Taivassalo

Keijo Taivassalo is 82 years old, and at the 2021 Boston Marathon he demolished the competition, winning his age group by more than 30 minutes. We think Keijo is the embodiment of the Eat Move Think approach to living a long and healthy life. So what’s his secret? We had Medcan’s chief medical officer, Dr. Peter Nord, sit down with Keijo to explore the life of the master marathoner, and the lessons the rest of us can draw from it.

Episode 93 webpage features video of the entire podcast!

LINKS

Keijo embodies the Five Secrets of Longevity that we covered in a previous episode featuring Dr. Peter Nord. Check it out. 

Read this CBC article by Gregory Strong about Keijo. 

See Keijo Taivassalo on Twitter and Instagram.

Check out the University of Toronto track club where Taivassalo trains.

 Read this article by Noel Paine on Taivassalo in Canadian Running Magazine.

Watch this CBC video on Taivassalo. 

INSIGHTS

When Taivassalo was growing up in Finland, it was the norm to use cross-country skiing not only as exercise, but as transportation. He cross-country skied to school in the winter, as did many others. Dr. Nord says that finding ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, without it feeling like exercise, is a great way to promote longevity and keep active into your later years. [21:58]

Taivassalo attributes his good health to getting a good night’s sleep and a stable diet. He makes sure to get eight or nine hours of sleep every night, and follows a Mediterranean diet (something we mention often lately!), which consists of lots of fish, fruits and vegetables and helps to reduce inflammation. “I eat meat too, but not too often,” he says. Establishing routines for good sleep and diet habits have helped both his mind and body stay sharp. [18:28]

You might imagine that a marathon runner requires rigorous training, but Taivassalo paces himself. Following a program by University of Toronto Masters coach Walter Faion, he starts his first training days running three miles a day, and works his way up to a long run of 23 miles. In the last weeks before a marathon, he scales back his mileage to ensure that he stays rested. With overuse injuries, he reduces his mileage but doesn’t stop moving. It’s important to listen to your body and to be aware when it’s telling you to slow down, or to stop. [14:51]

Researchers have linked time outdoors to lower mortality rates. As a runner, cross-country skier and a Finn, Taivassalo is outdoors a lot, and he thoroughly enjoys it. Finland has very short summers, but Finns take advantage of the outdoors all year round and are known for their relaxed culture and appreciation of nature.

Running is a solo activity, but Taivassalo really enjoys being part of his running club in Thornhill, and getting together with other runners at the University of Toronto track club. “It’s easier… You can talk and have a more relaxed run.” Finding a community you enjoy, whether it is related to fitness or not, can boost your wellness and help you live happier, longer. [16:17]