(La Porte County, IN) - Just when you think you have a good excuse to stay in your comfort zone and not push your limits… you meet a guy like Dave.

 

David Ralston is 80 years old. He survived two tours of duty in Vietnam and 40 years of teaching in Hammond public schools. These days, he gets around with the help of a walker with wheels. But, boy, does he get around.

 

Ralston started doing 5K races when he was 70. He does as many as he can, especially for a good cause.  In fact, Crown Point has named an award after Dave, given to anyone who competes in eight or more races. Ralston stresses that he doesn’t really compete, but he always finishes, no matter what. Meeting people along the way, he says, is the best part.

 

“It’s just a great experience— that’s the only way I can put it,” he told HTNN. “Actually one of the biggest things about racing, for me, is the people I’ve been able to meet and what they’ve done for me by what they’ve brought into my life.”

 

Ralston did La Porte’s Earth Day 5K back in April, where he met Julie West, whose Play for Jake Foundation hosted its own 5K in July.  “She brought up Play for Jake and told me about her son and his passing,” said Ralston. “I remember when it happened. And I said, ‘well, if I’m alive and kicking, I’ll be back.’”

 

Ralston said a heart procedure that he was supposed to have in July was cancelled, so he was able to make the race. Two other participants, John Claussen and Tim Walsh, kept him company along the way.

 

“I came across the finish line with these two book-end bodyguards that I’d take against the Packers,” Ralston joked. “Normally, I’m always by myself at the end, moving slow— not competing, only finishing.”

 

West was moved by his determination. “What an inspiration and what a joy that was for all of us to cheer him on when he crossed the finish line,” she said. “It was a moment that I will never forget. He was just so happy, and I know it just made his day. And that’s what it’s all about.”

 

Ralston said during his years of teaching, he always wondered if he ever made a difference. Now, doing charity races gives him purpose and satisfaction.

 

“It seems really strange, but I’m happier now than I ever could imagine I would have been at this point in my life. And, again, that’s what other people have done for me, and I get to pay it forward in a few other little ways of my own.”

 

Unfortunately, within 24 hours of finishing the Play for Jake race, Dave suffered a nasty fall in his home. He says it took him about seven hours to crawl across the floor and get to a phone. He’s in rehab now in Valparaiso. But there’s no quit in this ex-Marine.

 

"Things may change now, but only in small degrees,” says Dave. “As long as I’m upright and I’m breathing, man, I’ll do something. Have smile on my face, one step at a time. It’s funny how God takes care of us all.”