Two years ago, on February 22, 2023, I went into cardiac arrest.

Up until then, it was a normal day. Then, my heart stopped and I collapsed. Fortunately, my wife was home that day and was able to start CPR and call 911. After being brought back by the paramedics, I was admitted to the Ottawa Heart Institute and needed triple bypass surgery.

It was a long and painful recovery and walking as exercise was a critical part of that recovery – right from a few hours post-surgery. I walked every day: a little longer, a little farther, a little faster.

Walking every day led me to try running and fifteen months after my surgery, I ran by first 5K during the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.

A normal day used to involve smoking, not exercising, and not eating healthy. My new normal now includes running, walking, and weights. I eat so much healthier than I ever have, and my last cigarette was February 22, 2023.

My wake-up call was deafening. And, if you aren’t taking care of yourself like you know you should, start now. I had no idea when I said goodbye to my sons when they left for school the morning of February 22, that it was almost for good.

For last year’s race, I had the opportunity to have wonderful people if my life join me in both participating and raising funds for the Ottawa Heart Institute.

And this year I will run again on May 24 to raise funds for the Ottawa Heart Institute.

If you would like to donate, I’d be grateful for your contribution.

If you would like to join the race – either virtually or in person, there’s plenty of time to get up and move to start training to run or walk.