As a state representative from Frisco, Patrick Fallon is accustomed to running races. Political ones.
The one he ran in early January 2016 was completely different.
With little training and no experience, the former Notre Dame football player and U.S. Air Force captain did the unthinkable and practically impossible for someone like him – complete the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
He did it, and did it with a purpose – to raise money and awareness for a young cancer patient named Jonny Wade, whom Fallon had never met. Jonny, who has since passed, was diagnosed about a year earlier with brain cancer. The Illinois boys left behind his twin brother and parents.
Speaking to Rotary Club of Mineral Wells at least week's Wednesday meeting at Holiday Hills Country Club, Fallon said people from his wife to marathon veterans told him one thing – "It's impossible. You will die."
The marathon took him and 14 other runners to the bottom of the world in Antartica to South America, Africa, Asia, the United States, Australia and Europe, running about 26 miles in each event.
He had never run more than short distances, and his short time training included running 80 to 120 miles a week in preparation. But running the streets and tracks of North Texas would be a far cry from what he would endure on the challenge – one that requires not only physical strength and endurance but mental strength as well.
Fallon said he went from being one of the slowest runners to improving each race, shaving off time and eventually reducing his time that by the last race he achieved his personal goal of finishing in under four hours.
Fallon tells the story with excitement and emotion. Today, the Fallon and Wade families have become close friends and enjoy trips and time together.
He said while his journey and accomplishment was amazing and miraculous, he said it is not something he will do again.
Wednesday's visit to Mineral Wells for Fallon will not likely be his last. The Republican plans to challenge State Sen. Craig Estes for the District 30 senate seat that includes Palo Pinto County.
Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets every Wednesday at noon at Holiday Hills Country Club for lunch, networking, updates on club events and news and a program of interest. Come join us.