Running from the Shadow of My Grandfather: How I Started Running

For those who have followed my blog, you know I’ve shared my struggles with weight during college. I dabbled in running back then, but at a heavier weight, it led to knee swelling and pain. So, I turned to low-impact activities—rollerblading and calorie restriction—following Weight Watchers until I reached a more manageable weight. By the time I entered my early 30s, as a newly married father of two (eventually three), I knew I needed a form of exercise I could stick with long-term.

One of my biggest motivators was a fear of following in the footsteps of my grandfather—running from the shadow he left behind.

A Family History of Heart Disease

When I was 11, my maternal grandfather took me to the driving range, sharing his love for golf. I cherished those moments with him. But at just 63 years old, he suffered a fatal heart attack—right in my home. It was a devastating loss, and as I grew older, I learned that he was not alone in his family’s struggle with heart disease. He was the oldest of five siblings, four of whom suffered heart attacks. Only one survived their first attack and lived into their 90s. The rest passed away between ages 55 and 70.

That history deeply impacted me. It wasn’t just about how long I lived—it was about how well I lived. I wanted to be present for my kids and ensure that I aged healthily. I wanted to expand my healthspan, not just my lifespan.

What made this even more urgent for me was the number of traits I shared with my grandfather. Like him, I am tall (he was 6’2″ and I am 6’3″). He was slow to go gray—so am I. He didn’t lose his hair—I still have mine. He was colorblind—I am as well. He had kidney stones—I’ve had them too. These similarities made me feel an even stronger connection to his legacy and, more importantly, made me determined to do everything I could to avoid the same fate.

Choosing Running Over Cycling

In the early 2000s, I considered getting into cycling and triathlons. But when I saw the price of high-end road bikes—$7,000 or more at the time (now easily double that)—it became clear that running was the more affordable option. Even replacing running shoes a few times a year didn’t compare to the cost of a bike.

And so, my running journey began.

Finding My Stride

I ran my first marathon in 2006 and have since completed seven marathons and around 20 half marathons. The half marathon remains my favorite distance—it’s challenging but doesn’t require the same brutal training and recovery as a full marathon.

Over the years, running has become an essential part of my identity, but I also recognize the importance of balance. It’s easy to push too hard in pursuit of health, but I’ve learned—sometimes through tragic experiences—that moderation is key. And that brings me to the next part of this story, which I’ll share in my next post: lessons learned from fellow runners who, unfortunately, didn’t find that balance.