In January 2016, Publix News Online featured associates’ goals for the New Year. One of those associates, Meat Manager John Craig, #111, Pinellas Park, Florida, had the goal of running his first marathon.

We recently checked in with John, and he’s now a meat retail improvement specialist for the Jacksonville Division. He was excited to share that he completed the 2016 Disney Marathon with a time of 4 hours and 5 minutes. He enjoyed that marathon so much, he trained for the 2017 Disney Marathon Dopey Challenge: a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon over four days. His total time for all four races was 6 hours and 53 minutes, and he beat his 2016 marathon time by almost 30 minutes!

John started running because he likes being outside and enjoying nature. It’s also a way for him to relieve stress. He began marathon training in July 2015 to challenge his body and mind.

When asked what advice he would give about setting and keeping a fitness goal, John said, “It needs to be your goal, and you have to own it! Set a goal with purpose, and be intentional about how you’re going to achieve it. Surround yourself with encouraging people and positive influences.”

Congratulations, John! Thank you for living Life. Inspired.!