I have joined the Team Heartosaurus for the American Heart Association to help raise awareness of he dangers of aortic aneurysms, encourage screening, and help people to get on with their lives after surgery, all based on my own experience.

In August, 2010 I self-diagnosed an abdominal aortic aneurysm only 10 days after finishing the Lake Placid Ironman for the fourth time with my best time ever. Events during the race led me to this diagnosis, which was confirmed by ultrasound at 7 cm diameter, and then by MRI. It was ready to pop! Four days later I was undergoing aortic surgery for stent placement. I went from Ironman to aortic surgery patient in about 2 weeks. This was a shock for me, but also a positive life-changing event. In spite of my veterinary and extensive research training, I was unaware of the frequency of abdominal aortic aneurysms in men of my age (I was 67 at the time). I have since started a blog to encourage older people to work out in order to stay healthy, with special reference to body awareness. Such awareness saved my life. I am keen to encourage people to consider their aortic health and have appropriate screening procedures before it is too late.

In 2011 I became the first person in the world, as far as I am aware, to complete an Ironman race with and abdominal aortic stent graft. During the last two years, in spite of Ironman training, my aneurysm has shrunk from 7 cm to 3.8 cm diameter, and I am now living an essentially normal life due to my diagnosis. I was a lucky one. My story and extensive advice on safe exercise for better health are present in my blog at http://athletewithstent.com.

I was introduced to Benjamin Carey (Heartosaurus) as a result of my reading and reviewing his excellent and inspirational book, 'Barefoot in November.' Benjamin invited me to join his team, and I was delighted to do so. I have no qualms about completing the NYC Marathon, having qualified and run the Boston Marathon in 2009.

I am excited about the prospect of raising funds for this important endeavor.

Kevin Morgan aka FitOldDog