Raising awareness of heart health
“At that moment, everything felt out of reach, but I was determined to make this a turning point, not the end of my story,” says Cliff Karp.
Cliff Karp considered himself fit and healthy.
Regular gym sessions, intertwined with running around the block and doing push ups in between was his normal exercise regime.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, unable to go to the gym, he did a million steps in one month and raised money for the Fred Hollows Foundation.
Last November Karp suffered a heart attack and had four stents placed in his heart.
This completely changed his perspective on health and fitness. Since then, he has dedicated himself to not only recovering but also raising awareness about the importance of heart health through his website particularly in the local community.
“At that moment, everything felt out of reach, but I was determined to make this a turning point, not the end of my story,” Karp said.
Now back on his feet, part of his fitness training is undertaking marathons.
In May this year he completed the 45km Great Ocean Road Marathon, the longest distance since his cardio incident.
This weekend he is participating in an 80km Bondi to Manly ultramarathon as part of his campaign to raise awareness about heart health, a cause that has become deeply personal. Karp said, “I am encouraging people to take heart health seriously.”
He has launched a website where people can pledge to have their heart health checked and learn more about the importance of cardiovascular wellbeing and eating healthily as well as tracking his performance on the day.
“Due to the need to keep my heart rate low, I’ll likely finish the marathon near the bottom, if not last, but it’s the journey and taking part that truly counts,” he said.
Visit: bethephoenix.com.au
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