heart back into a normal pattern of beating, in turn saving his life if his heart were to malfunction again. Due to the fact that Greg did not have a traditional heart attack, the cause of his death is unknown. He didn’t have any blockage, and doctors don’t know whether his death was caused by running. He believes, however, that his physical conditioning saved his life. He is certainly aware of his health and views his defibrillator as a “security blanket” that gives him the confidence to continue to run. He would not risk running without it.

Greg was cleared to run on February 2, 2011, just three weeks after his death. Since then, Greg has run 22 more marathons, including the 2012 Zoom! Yah! Yah! Indoor Marathon, making his total 70 thus far.

© Chad Thomas

a S s a B S §

© Abby Smith

Clockwise, from the top left: The finish line at the Delaware Marathon—Greg’s 50th and final state to officially become a 50-state marathon club member! An embrace at the finish from Dr. Aby, the man who saved Greg’s life using CPR during the 2011 race. St. Olaf College purchased an AED with proceeds from the 2011 race. Surrounded by fellow Marathon Maniacs and a year following his “death” at this event, Greg returned to the 2012 Zoom! Yah! Yah! to finish what he started!

These days, when attending races, he wears a sign on his front and back that says “LEARN CPR: It saved my life” in hopes that he can inspire people and advocate CPR. He has also spoken at American Heart Association fund-raisers and speaks very graciously on behalf of the outstanding doctors who have blessed him with the opportunity to continue to run. Aside from running, Greg enjoys living, playing tennis, and boating on his vessel named “SECOND CHANCE.”

Greg told me that if he had not woken up that day, he felt he had lived a full and wonderful life but that he was not ready to check out. He also offered the following advice:

1. If you love or care about others, tell them loud and tell them often. You never know when you may not have the opportunity any longer.

2. Learn CPR. You can save someone’s life. How would you feel if you could have saved someone but were unable to because you didn’t know CPR?

3. Don’t will yourself to death. Oftentimes people shut down mentally and give up on life because of illness or circumstances. Greg hopes that he can inspire in others who face adversity the will to persevere. He refuses to live a diminished life, and his mind-set is to live each day fully! Each and every time he runs, he feels he is conquering fear with every step. Me