From Heart Attack to Half Marathon: Mr. Harris’ Journey
On Sunday, in Temple, Texas, Mr. Harris will take on the challenge of running a half marathon just seven months after suffering a heart attack. He will be joined by his recovery team from Baylor Scott and White. Reflecting on the day of his heart attack in May, Mr. Harris recalls feeling a tingling in his arm and pain in his shoulder blades. “It was like my batteries were dying,” he said.
A Surprising Diagnosis: How Mr. Harris Overcame the Odds
Despite having no history of high cholesterol or high blood pressure, Mr. Harris’ heart attack came as a shock. For months, he looked forward to his cardiac rehab sessions at Baylor Scott and White in Temple. Little did he know, those sessions would lay the foundation for his future goal of running a half marathon.
Training for a Half Marathon After a Heart Attack
Fast forward to November, and Mr. Harris is now training for a half marathon with the guidance of his medical team. When a sign was posted asking for participants to join the team in the marathon, Harris decided to take on the challenge. According to cardiac rehab manager Jarret Cowell, Harris’ commitment to transitioning from rehab to marathon training was inspiring.
Setting New Goals: How Mr. Harris Transformed His Recovery
At 53, Mr. Harris knew that surviving a heart attack was a rare experience for someone without common risk factors. Determined to make the most of his second chance, he set a new goal to participate in the half marathon.
A Striking Transformation: Mr. Harris’ Progress
According to Cowell, the difference between the man who started day one of rehab and the man preparing to run a half marathon is remarkable. What began as walking on a treadmill with labored breaths has evolved into a full-fledged half marathon training regimen. Harris’ outlook on life has also transformed. After being told how close he came to dying, he now lives by the motto, “If you can go do the things you want to do now, do them.”
Race Day: Mr. Harris and His Team Look Forward to the Finish Line
Both Mr. Harris and his cardiac rehab team are eagerly anticipating the race. For Mr. Harris, the half marathon is more than just a race—it’s an item on his bucket list that he is excited to check off. Crowell and the team are proud to have been part of his journey, and Harris remains confident he will cross the finish line before some of his teammates. “I mean, I got to wait on them to finish,” he joked.
