Ed Whitlock is an international track and field superstar.

At age of 81, he recently smashed the age group world record at the Toronto Marathon, breaking it by more than 16 minutes! He also crushed the world record in the half-marathon, all while coming back from serious injuries.

He now holds just about every record in the 70-plus age group, including records in the mile, half marathon and marathon distances.

Ed offers his advice for coming back from an injury at any age, but especially after the age of 80.

Ed, who has been studied by gerontologists because of his athletic achievements, answers the question whether he thinks he’s a genetic freak of nature or whether his success is built upon his refusal to ever give up.

But no matter the hand you’ve been dealt in the genetic lottery, Ed says it’s up to you to improve your own health.

“People can do much better than they think they’re capable of if they’ll only try,” he tells Growing Bolder.

Wait until you hear about the unusual place he heads to each day to do all of his training. Plus, he shares his running secrets.