Running strong

Paul Shifflett has little reason to reflect on his glory days. At 40 years old, the marathon runner surpasses the physical prowess of many half his age.

A track and cross country athlete in high school, Shifflett’s running slacked off as time passed. Four years ago, the Fishersville resident found himself 55 pounds overweight and plagued by back pain and high cholesterol. Instead of chalking it up to Father Time, he jogged back to the drawing board.

“It was tough in the beginning; I couldn’t even run a mile,” Shifflett said.

Diet and plenty of commitment have shaped a fitter shadow of Shifflett’s former self. He no longer suffers backaches or early heart issues.

Currently training for the 26.2-mile Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12, Shifflett is looking to his fifth – and longest – marathon to date.

He says that sweating it out is less about winning and more about testing personal limits.

“[In a marathon], you know you’re not going to win; you just try to beat your own time,” he said. “It’s just quiet time and just pushing myself to see how much faster I can go.”

The secret, he says, is mentality.

“You’ve got to be mentally tough,” he said. “I’m a pretty religious guy. I have a lot of faith and that carries me through, especially on the long runs.”

The Chicago marathon is Shifflett’s first for charity. All money raised goes to World Vision – a Washington-based, Christian humanitarian group committed to eradicating destitution and grievances across the globe.

According to the Web site, the 2007 marathon featured approximately 7,000 runners who raised more than $10.1 million for a range of charities. That amount was a record for the organization.

World Vision’s cause holds a special place in the hearts of Shifflett and his wife, Ginger, who sponsor Felipe Zourino, a 12-year-old from Mozambique.

“… Paul found out that he could run the Chicago Marathon for World Vision and that the proceeds are going toward cleaning up the contaminated drinking water in those African countries,” said Ginger.

Pounding the pavement for charity has been both rewarding and humbling, according to Shifflett.

“Now that I’m running for a cause, it’s just been a real eye-opener – how blessed we are,” he said.

Shifflett has received $965 in sponsorships to date, with a target of $1,000. In addition to direct donations, gifts can be made through his fundraising Web site.

Ginger says that her husband’s running has changed more than his health.

“Aside from all the physical aspects of running, running has also helped Paul to become more goal oriented,” she said.

Take, for example, a Richmond marathon, when a bone in Paul’s foot snapped.

“He kept running several more miles until he finished the marathon. He didn’t get the time he wanted, but he never stopped running,” she said. “And now every time he completes a race, he points to heaven and says, ‘It’s all because of you, Lord.’ ”

Paul says that a 26.2 mile run is within anyone. His wife has yet to be convinced.

“He always says that anybody who is healthy and wants to can run a marathon,” she said. “I tell him he’s crazy.”

On the Web

* To learn more about World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org