Fitness key to happiness

THERE'S no slowing Jim Reed of Stratford down.
The 74-year-old still competes in marathons, belongs to three walking and tramping clubs and is planning his next summit climb to the top of the mountain.
Jim retired from his own joinery business in Stratford aged 68.
In May this year he completed his 200th marathon, covering the 42.2 kilometres at Rotorua. Jim has been doing marathons for 30 years and is one of only three people in New Zealand to reach that milestone.
He used to always run the distance but 14 years ago he had a hip replacement. That didn't stop him competing. He kept entering the events as a walker rather than a runner.
Jin likes to keep on the move. He is a member of the Stratford Wednesday Walkers, an informal group that enjoys walking, often in Eastern Taranaki.
"It's a social interaction thing as well and that's really important. Out walking in the country with other people you talk and enjoy each other's company in great surroundings.
In 1979 he joined the Stratford Runners and Walkers Club and he enjoys weekly walks with them all around Taranaki.
He has been tramping for 50 years and is a member of the Stratford Tramping Club.
Jim has tramped around much of the mountain and has 38 summit climbs under his belt. His last trip to the top was when he turned 70 and he is planning another summit climb next year when he turns 75.
"Keeping fit and exercising should be done before you get old, then you'll be fit when you hit your later years."
"I tell myself that every hour I exercise I'll live an hour longer. That may not be true but it keeps me going."
"Age is no barrier to getting out there and keeping fit. There's guys in their 80s doing marathon all round the world," he said.
"Physical activity gets the heart going and pumps the blood around."
"I had a bit of arthritis but after half an hour of walking you warm up and feel much better. I feel really good after a walk or tramp."
Jim bought himself a racing bike when he was 19 and began competitive racing with the Stratford Cycling Club.
He still enjoys cycling and has taken part in many fun runs, one around Lake Taupo with 4000 people taking part. He has ridden around the mountain about six times, but his cycling highlight was in March this year when he traveled to Central Otago with friends and cycled the 150km Central Otago Rail Trail, along an old railway track among magnificent scenery.
Jim has helped his son build a house in Levin and has a long history with the Stratford Lions Club, helping with Meals on Wheels for many years.
He plans are just to keep fit and keep moving.