AT 54 years old, Gardo Versoza is grateful his body can still do so much.
This is because last year, the veteran actor suffered a heart attack. He also underwent two angioplasty procedures. He thought his active days were over. But not one to give up, Versoza undertook a rigid rehabilitation program and not long after, he slowly returned to his old, active self.
Naturally, he's been extra careful. He is constantly learning to regulate his activities and trying to understand how his body behaves under stress.
Gardo's first 5K run
To test how far he has gone, this weekend, Versoza joined the 2024 Galaxy Earth Day Run. He finished 270th in the 5K run in his age group. For him, that was like finishing first, considering how his life was many months earlier.
"It's actually my very first run, I was excited, and now, I praise the Lord that I made it," he told SPIN Life. "As a biker, I can say, it's more difficult to run, but it's really worth it."
The record showed Versoza finished the race in 53 minutes. And now he likes to do more of the same.
"I hope to join more races, especially with my wife and my group, it's a wonderful experience," he said.
Recalling the run, Versoza said he was sweating rofusely just minutes into the race, earning him the nickname 'Haggardo Versoza' because he appeared haggard and tired.
Haggardo Versoza?
"Haggardo? Kanina naramdaman ko 'yun, lalo na nung kalahati na nung run, haggardong-haggardo na," he said. But he said he felt better during the run and credited his rehab program for finishing the race.
"I do zumba, muay thai, biking, kung hindi ganon ang regimen ko, malamang na-heart attack na."
He said having a heart attack was frightening and people should try everything to prevent it from happening to them.
His advice?
"Keep moving, keep dancing, keep running, just keep active."
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