It's All About the Attitude.

** One in a series of USAFit/Philly 2012 member profiles. Perki, our mascot, would like to get to know the members better.**

This week Perki interviewed Roy "Attitude of Gratitude" Kardon about walking, running and loving life.

Perki: How many years have you been with Phillyfit?
Roy: This is my 4th year.

Perki: And you were a coach for a few years, right?
Roy: I coached the amazing Purple People for 2010-2011

Perki: And now you are running!
Roy: Yes, but I will always be with the Purple People in spirit.


Perki: How, what and/or who started you on the road to training for distance?

Roy: In my early 20's I wanted to return to Boston and do the Boston Marathon. I completed my first run I trained for 3.9 miles to my fiance's (now my wife) and thought I would do it-it did not immediately work out. After 10 years of struggling with runners' knee and achilles tendon issues before the advent of sports medicine I gave up but always would try to come back. Then in 2006 I broke a rib in a cycling acccident and was forced to walk for a work out. A year and a half later a friend told me I could walk in running races and on May 4, 2008 I did my first the Broad Street Run. The next Broad Street Run I discovered Philly Fit who said they could train me to walk a marathon. The rest is one joyous and amazing history.

Perki: What is your motivation?
Roy: My passion for it. I really have no right to be here. I'm almost 61. I'm not supposed to still be able to do this. I can't believe I have this awesome gift. I can do things. I love seeing people happy. I'm addicted to that.

Perki: What has been your hardest lesson to date?
Roy: Sometimes you have to take it easy.

Perki: Tell us about a EUREKA moment!
Roy: November 22, 2009. I had just passed mile 25 and the announcer (in my head) said "38 years of defeat and frustration are ending. Let the celebration begin. Roy Kardon, you ARE a marathoner".

Perki: Tell me about "Attitude of Gratitude"
Roy: I want to say how grateful I am to be able to do this. I won't do a race without that on my shirt.

Perki: Tell me about your work with the American Cancer Society
Roy: It started because I was trying to impress my son, Matt. In 2001 we did the ACS Bike-a-thon together. In 2002 they asked me to serve on the committee and here I am. Matt has since stopped participating but I'm still there.

Perki: Lately you've worked with the ACS Determination group. In fact, you are the co-chair of the Philadelphia Chapter. Tell me what that is all about.
Roy: Determination is a program that supports athletes who are raising money to fight cancer. At specific events we work to give them a special experience during race week and on race day. We are the preferred charity for the Broad Street Run and one of many charities for the Rock N Roll Philly Half and the Philly Marathon.

Perki: What else would you like folks to know about Determination.
Roy: It's a life changing experience. You are empowered against a disease that torments all of us.

Perki: Ok, final questions. What is your favorite sound in training?
Roy: Cheering.

Perki: What is your least favorite sound in training?
Roy: The sirens from an ambulance

Perki:What is your favorite workout?
Roy: Speed intervals

Perki: What is your least favorite workout?
Roy: The one that I'm rushing to do because something else has to get done.

Perki: If you could spend a day with any athlete present or past, who would it be and why?

Roy
"Attitude of Gratitude"
Kardon
Having Fun

Roy: Tommy McDonald. He is a hall of fame reciever for the Eagles. He was my idol growing up. He has fun, goofs around. At his induction into the hall of fame he danced. I like to have fun and he has a lot of fun.

Perki: When it comes to your training or racing what would you love to hear someone say to or about you?
Roy: You inspired me!