Running in the 80s

Andrew Mathieson
VIVACIOUS 80-year-old Lloyd Morgan doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about.
Shying away from a growing reputation built on the back of a succession of marathon dashes, he’s quick to reticently say: “I don’t think there’s much of a story there.”
But his running exploits have taken just a few years to reach levels that Lloyd could never have dreamt in nearly 50 years of practicing medicine.
The retired Lorne doctor is now a regular face at every Great Ocean Road marathon.
In fact, a furrowed if not debonair Lloyd was the public face at this year’s launch.
Onlookers shake their heads and watch in amazement at Lloyd trudging along at his own pace.
On unforgiving, feet-numbing roads, he can’t look to previous glories from younger days for inspiration to find the finish line.
His lack of a running history only makes the Lloyd Morgan story more remarkable.
“I really didn’t do any real running until 2005,” he reveals.
“The first run in 60 years was that January for the Mountain to Surf – it’s the day before the Pier to Pub.
“That was the first proper timed run I have been in for, well, exactly 60 years.
“But there’s really nothing else to tell.”
Jogging in the past had barely been anything more than a fleeting interest.
The former schoolboy would find a quiet spot on the beach, start running and take in his surrounds.
He’d only do it just twice a year, during school holidays over a fortnight.
“At school I didn’t believe in the virtues of sport,” Lloyd grins.
“I was only interested in passing exams.”
Lloyd can now count six half-marathons including racing the Puffing Billy train and the inaugural Run to the ’G as well as one full 42km run on his flourishing list.
Of course, nowadays Lloyd’s physiotherapy skills played their part.
And not just after the race, either.
When loosening up his troublesome back, Lloyd suddenly feels he’s years younger.
A pair of orthotic devices slotted inside his sneakers has also given him a new lease.
“My back and also my knees have actually improved,” the octogenarian boasts.
“I’ve had some trouble before.
“I think I have less pain from the joints now than I did three or four years ago.”
Lloyd has also had concerns over the rhythm of his heart.
But that was never going to stop him.
Like a good doctor, he knows his limits and always keeps a check on his pulse.
“The other reason why I like running now is that I regard it as an example,” Lloyd adds.
“Hopefully, other people will follow.
“Not necessarily for the 80-year-olds but the 40-year-olds – there you go, half my age – ought to be jolted into exercising more.”
The next big challenge promises to be the Australian Masters Games in Geelong next February and then perhaps the World Masters Games.
Lloyd’s world games ambition has earned a corresponding pledge to commit from former pollie Stewart McArthur, another veteran runner who voters dumped after 25 years representing the seat of Corangamite in federal parliament.
Lloyd is quick to point out their relationship is built on a friendly rivalry.
“The only time I associate with him is for the marathons,” Lloyd says sarcastically.
“He’s very determined now because he runs every day. He’s got more time to run now too, you know?
“Oh and he’s 10 years younger than I am.”
At the moment, Lloyd is one-up on Mr McArthur after the most recent race.
“At one stage, oh about seven kilometres in, I passed him and he just smiled,” Lloyd says.
“He was telling me at the end that it spurred him on.”