Still setting goals at the age of 60, Kevin Shea is training to break 6 minutes in his 60’s in a road mile race.
A living example of someone who is defying the odds. Now four years after quintuple bypass surgery, Shea’s focus and determination to continue producing personal best times is still at the forefront of his mind.
One early morning in Northern Virginia Shea went for a walk around the block. When he returned home he crawled up the steps and told his wife to call 911. Breathing as if he’d just run the hardest race of his career, after a short walk, Shea knew something was wrong. In minutes he was transported to the hospital and after a few tests, he was told he would undergo quintuple bypass surgery the following day.
Two days after surgery he got the news that he was ‘fixed,’ and within three weeks he began his recovery process.
It took three months after surgery for Shea to begin running again. He started slow. His first run was only a minute long but he was motivated by his progress and continued to make strides.
“My goals got me out of bed every day. The chance to walk a little bit. And every day I could walk a little farther."-Shea
As someone who did not let a major setback derail him, he is an inspiration to others.
With Run Gum as part of his daily routine, Shea confesses to chewing up to 4 pieces a day.
“I don't drink coffee, I don't drink tea, I rarely drink soda...Run Gum is how I get my caffeine.”