David Ball, 61, from Dallas, Texas in the United States was never a runner.
He led a fairly sedentary life and was overweight by his mid 30s. A serious fall during that time broke David’s leg in three places and tore several ligaments.
As depression started to creep in, he neglected to do the necessary physical therapy to aid his recovery. The depression worsened as he struggled to walk and he knew that something had to change.
“Facing a future of obesity and chronic pain did not match my vision of a good husband and father of two young children,” says David.
“At my breaking point I prayed to God, and found my only hope and resolve was to work on my body for the first time.”
It was a rocky start to fitness, but he began to embrace each challenge and pushed on.
“Over the course of a year, my walk turned into a jog and then into a brief run. Through many trials and setbacks, there were also victories, and building an overwhelming sense of gratitude as my body, mind and soul strengthened. I was becoming something new.”
And when he joined a local running club, the journey towards becoming a marathon runner really began.
“My mile and a half jog soon became much more,” he says.
“I sensed a great purpose in running, sweating, and challenging myself far beyond just the growing mileage, and I decided to make the marathon my goal.”
David is three stars into his Six Star journey and has run the Boston Marathon an incredible 14 times including the 2020 virtual edition. He had completed eight marathons before his running buddies introduced him to the Boston qualifying process. At that time, he was over a minute per mile slower than he needed to be.
“The standard I would have to achieve was laughable,” he says. “I could never measure up to that and had no hope of ever qualifying with my current running methods.
“However, a chance meeting with one of the few past Boston runners in my club changed my life. Terry Marcott was the fastest runner I’d ever met; rugged, tough, talented, and dedicated to personal excellence as a retired command sergeant major.
Although Terry saw promise in David, he initially refused to train him. He didn’t think David was quite ready for the work required. “Finally, he agreed and after a year-and-a-half of many more miles, more drills, I fought my way through. I sobbed with joy at my first BQ, and am forever grateful to my coach who took a chance on me, and respected me as a runner.”
Having ticked off the three US-based Majors, David’s goal is to run the remaining three and have that Six Star medal in his hands as a symbol of the dedication and commitment required to run the biggest and best marathons in the world.
David’s passion for running goes beyond his own ambitions, and giving back to society is an integral part of his journey now.
“In 2011, I decided to fundraise at the Boston Marathon for the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund because my family (mother’s side) live in Sendai, the Japanese city that was hit. They were missing for several weeks, so I did what I could to help.
“Dallas is the international sister city of Sendai and the people of my area in Texas donated a huge amount. My family was eventually accounted for; all survived. Japanese spectators along the Boston course wept and cheered with joy when they saw my Japanese American shirt running down the street!”
He is also now a life coach - motivating youths and adults through in-person and online sessions. He shares his life experiences including his Six Star dream and how running transformed his life and made him believe that you can do anything if you stay consistent and refuse to give up.
David knows how precious life is after his mental and physical challenges all those years ago…
“When I am feeling tired or drained before a run, I recall my path to this point, and am able to muster the strength. I pay very close attention to my food and water intake. I try to eat good food and hydrate well to keep my body in top shape. I also try to get as much sleep as I can. Preparation and healthy exercise habits are a part of my daily living.
“I am motivated by staying at a physical and emotional level that is optimal for my health, and productive in my work life and personal life. I'm also motivated by the positive impact I can have on others who seek better health for themselves.”
It’s not always easy staying so focused though…
“I think the most challenging thing continues to be with staying consistent in my training, especially as I get closer to my next marathon race. So many other factors can detract from that important consistency. I continually have to prioritize and juggle the different things I want to accomplish. I still use my faith to keep me on track as well.”
David often gets asked what advice he’d give to those looking to start or return to running.
“Many start by telling me about all their health issues, age, and why they can’t do it. I tell them to consider all the health and emotional benefits of running and I tell them to DECIDE they are going to do it.
“As a former procrastinator and excuse-maker, I know how easy it is to make an excuse to miss a workout. Making a commitment to do something can become a verbal contract to yourself and that can be a very powerful self-motivator. If I can do it, anyone can.”
“One day, I am convinced I WILL cross the finish line on my sixth Abbott World Marathon Major. But my new calling is to help a crowd of others get there with me.”
