Remarkable Resident: Paul from The Highlands

Each of our residents are remarkable in one way or another. Their stories, perspectives, and wisdom make caring for them especially rewarding and inspiring.

Meet Paul, one of our remarkable residents from The Highlands!

Paul was born in Westfield, MA, in 1935. As a young adult, he joined the army and served for four years. After his service, he settled in the Fitchburg area where he raised his family of seven and had many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Paul didn’t start running until he was 40 years old, after he quit smoking. When he first began, he ran with a group of local runners and then with the North Medford Running Club. He gradually improved his endurance and ability and averaged 50 miles of running per week throughout the Fitchburg area.

His first marathon run was in the Boston Marathon, which he completed with a time of 3:28:01. That began his marathon running career, in which he ran a total of 83 marathons. From Pike’s Peak, Colorado and Miami, Floridia to New York City, Chicago, and Disney World, his runs carried him across the U.S.

Throughout his marathon running tenure, Paul taught his children and grandchildren about the artform, such as breathing techniques and momentum boosting strategies. In 1991, he achieved his personal record running time of 3:10:45 at the race where it all began, the Boston Marathon. He would also run his final marathon there in 2007.

After concluding his marathon running career, Paul involved himself with his community, volunteering at St. Bernard’s church, where he established a scholarship for students and helped with school events and projects.

Though he was no longer running marathons, Paul still found ways to challenge himself. He took part in the annual cold plunge at the Finnish Center at Saima Park in Fitchburg and competed in the Rugged Maniac obstacle course.

Paul still enjoys telling stories about his years as a marathon runner and often shares running advice with others. We are so grateful to have Paul as one of our Life Care residents and for his willingness to spend a moment in our Remarkable Resident spotlight!