MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Dave Parsons' journey as a runner began a decade ago. The Mount Vernon native said he just wanted to lose a couple pounds, but little did he know where it would lead him.
What You Need To Know
- Dave Parsons of Mount Vernon is taking part in the Virtual Flying Feather Four Miler
- The husband, father, and public relations professional has taken part in 18 marathons including the Boston Marathon
- Parsons is encouraging others to stay active and take part in a local 5K race
“And then I found races and I really got hooked on it after that,” Parsons said. “And it all started with a little local 5K, and just sort of took off from there. I've done 18 marathons since.”
Although the pandemic has forced many marathons this year to be done virtually, on Thanksgiving Day, Parsons continues to give back one mile at a time, and at the same time, give thanks for so many blessings.
“I'm really thankful for health,” Parsons said. “I mean, I think in this pandemic, you don't take that for granted at all because things can change in an instant. I'm thankful that I’m gainfully employed right now. So many people, that's been a struggle.”
Parsons is participating in the Virtual Flying Feather Four Miler and proceeds benefit the 2nd and 7 Foundation of Columbus, which provides free books and positive role models to kids in need.
Though Parsons misses the camaraderie of in-person races, he knows it’s the least he can do during these challenging times.
“And it's kind of been fun with these virtual races,” he said. “You'll run around town or on your local trail. You'll see somebody else with a bib on and all of a sudden, it clicks in that, wow, there's still races. Even though we can't do it the way we're used to doing it, we can still push ourselves to do the best we want to do on that day. It's about giving back, and the charity component is special.”
Parsons is also encouraging others to set personal goals and take advantage of pandemic down time to get physically fit. He thinks others may surprise themselves like he has.
“Sometimes, it’s walking, not just running. But ever since May, I’ve done at least 300 miles a month and prior to the pandemic, in my 10 years of running, I’d only done that one time and now I have six,” Parsons said. “If we keep working together, we're going to get through this.”
During the past two decades, the 2nd and 7 Foundation has provided more than 200,000 books in 19 states to kids in need.
The Virtual Flying Feather Four Miler runs through Sunday.
