#183: How This Marine Colonel Runs Weekly Marathons, Even After Brain Surgery

Run The Race

After serving in the Marine Corps, this week's "Run The Race" guest may not be active duty but he's extremely active, aiming to run 50 marathons this year alone. How does he do it at almost 70 years old? Listen to find out, and make sure to subscribe to this pod for inspiring stories about fitness and faith! (4:38) Colonel (Ret) Hank Donigan - who joined me from Honlulu after his latest 26.2 mile marathon there - first talked about continuing to run even amidst brain surgery this past summer. He talks the benefits of running for our overall health and stress, helping people like him face depression and anciety. (9:25) He opens up about PTSD, after his numerous deployments overseas, and how the scars can be unseen. (13:48) COL Donigan has been running around a marathon per week, on average, for the last 7 years. First, what was his motivation to run as a Marine then beyond the military? He talks about setting an example as a leader, being physically fit. Now, at 68 years old, the extreme volume of long distance running is a litmus test for his health plus a way to motivate others of any age. He gives us a quick recap of the latest one in Hawaii. We dive into (21:45) his three decade career as a Marine full of adventure, with prayers getting him through peril. (29:45) Fast forward to his 60s, how is he able to still be in good enough shape to run so much? There's inflammation, arthritis...but "Hammerin Hank" (as he's known) explains how a big change in his diet helped him overcome that pain and run as long as he wants. Hint: it involves meat and a certain kind of smoothie. He also has a message for people as they get older, that it's never too late to get started...with small steps. (37:56) Donigan talks about the emotions of running the Marine Corps Marathon, which he's finished 24 in a row now. He's also run the Boston Marathon 3 times, in the city where he grew up. (43:58) Most importantly, his running allows him to fundraise for The Semper Fi Funds, benefiting wounded warriors and their families. In our chat, he talks about what they endure and visiting Marines in the hospital. Here's more on the cause and how you can give: https://runsignup.com/Race/47358/Donate/rpy06X1vBee5NBTB?fbclid=IwAR2y8WSL-Z4HzZQK-EVUX7gOug3FyVzFUJibQBdztWtDqXk_6scwpUREn14. (51:38) As a young marine, after running his first full ironman triathlon, this star athlete almost left the military to pursue the Olympics. But a deployment to Beirut changed him. On the heels of hundreds of marines killed, his unit landed on Grenada to liberate the island. Despite facing that trauma, he stayed in the Marines. Decades later, he dedicates miles in those marathons to wounded warriors and heroes who gave their lives for us. He still teaches at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College on Camp Pendleton. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.