Say Hello To Anita Janu, The 50-Year-Old Marathon Mom Inspiring All Around, One Race At A Time

No, it’s not easy for most 50-year-olds to jump out of bed, brimming with energy in the morning. Many struggle with back pain, weak bones and obesity issues. The same could have happened with Anita Janu, but instead, she starts her morning with miles of running, often touching the 34-kilometre mark. She also wins marathons and joins her daughter across the finish line. And yes, she’s 50 years old. (More Sports News)

Anita has completed 23 half marathons and 13 full marathons so far, making it a point each year to participate in a race and bring her family along. Inspiring, right? Her daughter thinks so too — that is what made her start running and achieve a fourth-place finish in her first Delhi Half Marathon.

As of 2024, around 92 million people in India are obese, with over 50 million of them being women, especially those aged over 40. India ranks among the top three countries for obesity. The urban populace of the country now sleeps at 12-1 AM on an average and wakes up around 7-8 AM, before heading to their 9-to-5 jobs.

Yet, among these bustling cities, there are families that still follow the nursery rhyme: Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Sleeping at 9 PM and rising at 5 AM, this Janu family — mother, father and daughters — has overcome weight challenges to stay fit and healthy.

Was Anita a runner from the beginning? No, she started running in 2015 when she was over 40, an age by when most athletes have retired. She had no idea that her first race in Jaipur would spark a lasting passion for running that would shape her and many others' futures, including her two daughters.

Running and becoming an athlete was never her dream. "I weighed over 94kg at times and wanted to lose weight, not just to avoid health problems but to feel good and fit into my favourite clothes again. So, I started working out and running became my favorite pastime."

As she prepares for her eighth consecutive Delhi Half Marathon, which is slated for October 20, 2024, Anita has an empowering message for women in their forties and fifties who find themselves wearing XL or XXL sizes unwillingly.

"Dear Ladies! This is your time!"

She adds: "At 50, when your kids are old enough to care for themselves, the stress of their schoolwork is behind you and your husband has retired from his busy job, you finally have the time to focus on yourself. This is when you begin to feel young again."

Looking fat is not a problem, but not being able to walk the streets while shopping, struggling to climb the stairs and feeling nostalgic when you see younger people is what the problem is. The marathon runner says, "Forget about physical health — it's your mind that truly smiles when you work out and look good."

Anita sticks to the diet plan from her trainer, saying no to fast food, momos, noodles and anything made with maida (refined flour). But that doesn’t stop her family from enjoying delicious meals.

Her day starts with a refreshing glass of chia seeds soaked in water overnight, often paired with a splash of lemon juice. She snacks on a handful of nuts — almonds are her go-to — before heading out for her workout. On weekends, she undertakes ranging up to 34 km and covers 15 to 20 km daily. In all, she works out five days in a week.

After her runs, the mother-and-daughter runners treat themselves to a healthy breakfast and enjoy a flavourful lunch (keeping it filled with whatever their mood craves). Dinner is a simple affair, and then Anita wraps up her day by getting to bed by 9 PM, ready to rise early and tackle another day!

Isn't it difficult to stick to that routine every day in a world where parties often start at 9 PM?

"Yes, it is. We have to sacrifice our social life during race training. But we enjoy running together on the tracks, so it’s worth it."

Not every woman needs to follow the same routine; they can focus on their own weight-loss journeys. "And believe me, it works and makes you happy," she says.

"It’s your willpower that needs to be strong; what else do you have? What options are on your table when it comes to dealing with overweight issues?

If there’s nothing but pain, it’s time for a change. You might even discover a new reason to start a fresh chapter in your life," she adds.

Anita's transformational journey would never have been possible without the support of her husband, a retired Indian Army officer. With his fitness background, he finds no difficulties in running alongside her in several marathons, which brings their family together.

During the Delhi Half Marathon 2023, the entire family participated, including their younger daughter, who is currently at the National Defence Academy. They all run together in at least one marathon each year.