GUTS to GLORY

Above: Jack on the last leg of this year's Helvetia HalfMarathon. Below: Rhonda and her son encourage Jack with their "Go Jack" sign in last year's Portland Marathon.

The Story of Jack

This is the story of Jack. Jack likes to walk. Jack has walked many miles since being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002. Prior to that he had his right ankle fused due to an on-the-job injury and suffers from the early stages of lung disease due to asbestos exposure while working many years as an electrician. But this doesn't stop Jack. Jack did not consider himself an athlete before 2002. That year proved to be a turning point in Jack's life.

Jack had surgery to remove his prostate early in 2002. With a catheter still attached, Jack was able to walk to the mailbox and back — about 150 feet. Within six months with the encouragement of his wife, Eileen, his family and neighbor Rhonda Atwood, Jack signed up with a local marathon training program, Portland Fit, to train for his first marathon. Six months later Jack and Rhonda walked across the finish line of the Portland Marathon.

To this date Jack has walked 10 half marathons and 10 full marathons and he is planning on walking another half marathon and two more marathons this year. With each event Jack has improved his finishing time and finishes before many runners to their dismay. “People have actually come up to me to say they could see me in front of them the entire race and were unable to catch me even though they were running,” Jack chuckles.

Jack walks for many reasons other than for his health. What better way to meet new friends than join a group with the same goals. He walks alone and with friends. On Saturday mornings he trains with his daughter who is training for her first half marathon in November.

So the next time you need a reason to start a walking program think of Jack and the obstacles he has overcome. Jack will be 68 in October and has no plans to retire from walking anytime soon.