TAKE A BREAK: No Boundaries for Father's Day
Runner has heart to continue, despite attack
Maybe you've seen them.
Runners by the score in the midst of a marathon.
Seemingly a sea of people.
But try to see through that mob on the move, and you can find them.
Individual stories of inspiration and motivation.
Stories like the Senez family's.
63 year old Bob Senez of Clifton Park saw his kids running, watched his wife pick it up, and knew this was a good family activity just waiting to happen.
"I didn't want to be left out, he says. "I could see what they were doing. They were having a good time. I wanted to be a part of it."
All of them signed up with Fleet Feet's 'No Boundaries' program, which helps inexperienced runners gear up for their first race.
Bob and his family had just started the 10 week training session when they were forced to the sidelines.
Because Bob had a heart attack.
Just a little over a month later, he's back on the road, running with his family. And while some may wonder why he came back so fast, the answers are simple.
He made a rapid recovery.
And that same heart that failed him temporarily, was committed to getting back out there.
Bob's wife, Ronnie Senez, says, "Bob's come back from the heart attack and he's doing great. And this is exactly what the doctors want him to do," she adds. "Exercise and walk and do it every single day."
Ronnie and the rest of the family know the irony is pretty dramatic.
The 'No Boundaries' program wraps up June 20th, Father's Day, with a 5k race at the Crossings in Colonie.
Despite what could have been a tragic setback, they'll all be together, with dad, at the starting line.
"He could have said 'I had a heart attack I'm going to take it easy.'" says Bob's son Chris. "But he's getting back on track and showing others who had similar setbacks you can go out there. You can do this."
'No Boundaries' coordinator George Kansas says everyone has their own 'why' for running.
He started 5 years ago after he was diagnised with Leukemia.
So what keeps them coming back?
To be a part of something bigger.
"The idea of me getting here and being in that group and experiencing that energy," says Kansas, "that's what kept me coming back."
A group that could be as small your immediate family.
Or large enough to lose yourself, and your worries, in a mob of marathoners.
A sea of inspiration.
If you'd like more information about 'No Boundaries' go to their website.
www.fleetfeetalbany.com/noboundaries/index.htm
For more information on the Community Resource Federal Credit Union Father's Day 5K, visit the website. Event starts at 930am (registration at 730am) June 20, 2010.
