Cricketer, cyclist, marathoner --at 59 Cecil is going strong
LUCKNOW: An ace cricketer among his peers, a cyclist, a marathoner and most of all an inspiration for the silvers – he is Cecil Paul, who is doing his bit to be an encouragement for others to stay happy, healthy and strong, even after retirement.
This former BSNL official has been a sportsman to the core, playing cricket way back in the eighties for his department and even Jyoti Club of Lucknow, winning laurels on several occasions as an all-rounder -- leftarm spinner and batsman.
His popularity as an athlete got a boost when he took up long distance running in 2015. Since then there was no looking back for Paul as he continued to bag medals and trophies one after the other for his marathons – his drawing room is proof of it wherein dozens of medals -- for his various achievements in long-distance – put the visitor to his house in awe of his sort-of glorious run in life.
To name a few, he has participated in the Tata Mumbai Full Marathon (42.195 km) in 2018, 2019 and 2020; Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (21.1 km) on five occasions; Tata Steel Marathon (25 km) in Kolkata (2019) and The Run Full Marathon in Lucknow (in 2018 and 2019), among others.
All the marathons he completed successfully with impressive timings. His full marathon best timing is 4 hours 18 minutes and half marathon 1 hr 50 minutes.
His cycling, too, is no mean feat at age 59 years as he pedals about 50 to 100 km once a week as exercise. His cycling best is 150 km in about 7 hours.
Now comes the motivator
ALL THE MARATHONS HE COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY WITH IMPRESSIVE TIMINGS. HIS FULL MARATHON BEST TIMING IS 4 HOURS 18 MINUTES AND HALF MARATHON 1 HR 50 MINUTES
part. With all his achievements and still going strong any athlete/sportsperson/layman, who have crossed 50, can take heart from him, emulate him and indulge in any sporting activity they were involved in years ago.
“Forget your age. Don’t ever count it. Do all sporting activity that you missed out for some reason or the other now, as time flies faster that you can think. Do consult your doctor about your physical limits before you start to pursue your sporting passion once again,” says Paul to the silvers who want to take up sports again to stay healthy and happy.
He aims to continue his spirited run for as long as he can. At present he is practising for The Run Full Marathon in Lucknow, possibly in November, and any other long distance run that is held this year.