Rick Coleman has enjoyed sport all his life but has recently had a devastating diagnosis.

RICK COLEMAN has always enjoyed sport and is a running enthusiast who has competed in several marathons. He has enjoyed seeing his daughter gain an interest in the sport and one of his proudest moments was when he, his wife and their daughter completed a marathon together. 

A heart condition has not stopped Rick’s determination to compete and get on the running trail whenever and wherever he can. In this inspiring interview he tells us why he refuses to give up the sport he loves and offers advice to others who may find themselves suffering from conditions similar to his own.

How long have you been involved in sport and what were some of the early sports you enjoyed?

  I loved playing baseball as a youngster and was fairly good at it.  But I progressed into individual sports in my 20s.  

What are some of the most special moments you’ve had in sport either as an individual or as part of a team? 

Completing my first triathlon and marathon was very special.  Also, running races with my daughter’s who run.   I ran the 2017 Chicago Marathon wife my daughter who was four months pregnant.  It was her first marathon.  So three generations of our family crossed the finish line together. Two generations running and 1 being carried.  

As you grew older how did your taste in sport change and what sports did you stop enjoying and which ones did you take up?

As I said I played baseball growing up and loved it. But as I got older I changed to individual sport that I could continue to participate in.   Running, triathlons, obstacle course races are now what I enjoy.

Tell us about your sad diagnosis and how you feel you can fight and beat it through sport?

I have a genetic cardiac issue that three generations of my family died from at the average age of 58. I’m now 61. At about 23 years old i decided to become a competitive runner and live a clean lifestyle. My cardiologists and myself believe running has kept me alive.  I’ll continue to run until the day I die. 

Crossing the finish at events from marathons to triathlons has been a regular occurrence during Rick’s life. 

Have you done any fundraising using sport and do you intend to do any in the future?

I have not done any fundraising as of now. I have plans for a local 5k next year to benefit a heart organisation.

What would your words of advice be to others who have had a similar diagnosis but who are finding it harder to come to terms with than you are?

Heart disease should not be debilitating physically or mentally. Exercise will extend and make our lives better. Keep a positive outlook and realise ‘you’re alive today’ – enjoy it.  Walk outside, look to the sky, open your heart and run down the trail… do it today!