By CRAIG HOWARD
News Editor
Spokane Valley News Herald
When Larry Halverson began preparing for the Coeur d'Alene Iron Man Triathlon last summer, it was clear he would need a metal upgrade.
Before he could address 140 miles of North Idaho's challenging water and terrain, Halverson would need to reach some basic goals in the training department. The start had been less than spectacular – running more than a block resulted in a timeout to catch his breath while any swim over half a lap meant pausing for a break.
“It was discouraging – but I had to get over it,” Halverson said.
In addition to the new exercise schedule, Halverson changed his diet. He eliminated fried foods and cut way back on the sugar. Fruits and vegetables became a consistent part of the menu. Lean chicken and fish supplied valuable protein.
As the months wore on, Halverson made significant strides with his conditioning. In time, he was running five miles at a time, then 10. As he continued to train, Halverson committed part of his schedule to the task of raising money for Cancer Patient Care, a Spokane-based nonprofit agency dedicated to helping low-income cancer patients overcome the disease
Each pledge Halverson received served as motivation to stay dedicated to his goal.
“I knew I had to step it up,” he said.
At the start of the June 22 triathlon, Halverson had generated nearly $26,000 for CPC. As for the day's competition, the 52-year-old completed 127.5 miles of the 140.5-mile course, finishing the swim, bike ride and about half of the marathon.
“He made a tremendous effort,” said Cliff Evans, CPC executive director, who walked with Halverson toward the end of the race. “We're all very proud of Larry and his courage.”
Halverson, who lost 50 pounds in the year leading up to the event, said he plans to take a few weeks off and resume his training schedule.
“I feel pretty good considering I could barely run a block when I started a year ago,” he said. “I can tell you I have great respect for the people who compete here and finish.”
Throughout the rigorous course, Halverson said he drew inspiration from the bravery of those waging the fight against cancer.
“I thought of the people I know who are battling cancer and thought, ‘How can I complain?'” he said. “I felt like I was competing for them.”
Halverson also understands that his new routine is helping to reduce his chances of contracting cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that 85 percent of all cancer deaths could be avoided through a combination of regular screenings, consistent exercise, a healthy diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and avoiding tobacco products.
Halverson's wife, Melissa, who helped him train for the triathlon, said her husband's accomplishment stands as an example of how one person can make a positive difference.
“This is such a great cause,” she said. “There were quite a few people who didn't know about Cancer Patient Care before Larry talked with them. People want to be able to help.”
Back in 1994, Halverson organized the first Loreen Miller Memorial Bike Ride to raise funds for CPC. The inaugural event drew around a dozen participants and generated $500.
Evans said Halverson's dedication to the Iron Man inspired him to complete the 50-mile course at the Loreen Miller event last month. As for Halverson's fund-raising achievement, Evans said such efforts prove vital for CPC, a locally owned and operated agency that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
“It really takes an entire community network to support Cancer Patient Care,” Evans said.
While Halverson recuperates from the triathlon, pledges are still being accepted at the CPC Web site – http://www.cancerpatientcare.org. The goal in 2010, Halverson said, is to return to Coeur d'Alene and sprint across the finish line.
“Making these changes is going to help him live a longer life,” said Melissa. “I think Larry is setting a good example – if he can do it, anyone can.”
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