RunJunkEes Runner of the Week- Jim Veals

My name is Jim. I'm 36 year old father of 4 (2 daughters and twin boys (1 is an angel). I've been running for the past 4 years now. I was a police officer for 7 years when I was struck by a car on a traffic stop. I tore my ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL, meniscus and my hamstring was torn away from the bone.  Two surgeries later and the doctors decided I wouldn't be able to return to work as an officer and they weren't sure if I'd even be able to run again. After 1 year of PT my last day the therapists decided to let me get onto a treadmill and try to jog.  I jogged for 1 minute, albeit with a great deal of pain. Before my accident I hated running, but the prospect of losing that ability pushed me to w whole new level of respect for it. I love running now. 

Two years ago my sons Grady and Cullen were born, however, we lost Cullen after he battled to be with us for 5 hours.  We almost lost Grady too.  They had TTTS (Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome) and the doctors were not aware of this.  I have again turned to running as a form of therapy.  I have Cullen's footprint tattooed on my left ankle so that he can be with me physically as well as mentally during my runs.   I don't know where I would be today if it wasn't for running.  I am 100 lbs less in weight and it has become a spiritual thing for me.  Running has enabled me to overcome many obstacles.  I love the Run Junkees group as you are all so supportive in my efforts and I can turn to you for advice.  Thank you for being here for me and allowing me to partake in your knowledge sharing.  

I am working on a 10 mile race now then a half soon afterwards. I even got my 8 year old daughter into running 5k's with me. I would definitely say running is my drug of choice. I've become addicted.

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