Story By Marla Ballard
No matter how hot, cold, icy, windy, or rainy the weather is, Jerry Clifton and Pam Willingham have not missed a single day of running for five years.
“One time we had to run on the grass because any solid outdoor surface was iced over and too slippery to run on,” said Willingham. “But we still ran.” Friday, April 25 marked their five-year anniversary of consecutive running days.
The duo tries to run together whenever possible, but at times traveling for work separates them. When they are not together, they check-in with each other to make sure they stick to the plan. Typically, they run four to five miles per day when conditions are favorable, making Saturdays their longer days.
The friends had been running together three to four days each week, when Clifton had an idea to challenge themselves. The original plan was simply to run for 30 consecutive days. “This was Jerry’s idea,” said Willingham. “I agreed, but had no intention of running more than 30 days in a row.”
Once they conquered the thirty-day challenge Clifton suggested they try for another thirty, once again Willingham agreed to it, but again said that is all she would commit to. This trend of Clifton pushing the envelope and Willingham agreeing to meet his challenge continued as Clifton would suggest just 100 more days, then one year, then one more year, and so on.
“Every time I would suggest another goal after we completed one, Pam would say ‘I knew it, I knew you would say let’s do more,’” said Clifton. “She told me each time she would not go beyond the current goal, but here we are at our five-year running anniversary.”
Along the journey Clifton has documented their running on Facebook. Clifton is well-known for the selfies he posts of himself and Willingham on social media as they traverse the roads on foot. “Most of the time you see my shoulder or I’m off in the distance on the social media posts,” said Willingham. “But I am there.” Clifton said they have covered 7,500 miles over the five years.
The two made their own rules for the personal challenge. They have to run/walk at least one consecutive mile out-of-doors. Treadmill running does not count. If a run is interrupted by inclement weather before one mile is accomplished, they have to start over until at least one uninterrupted mile is completed.
They do walk a little of their route, especially when running long distances. If they are busy all day and the sun has set, they still have to run even in the dark. Sometimes that means running in their driveway or in the parking lot of a hotel, whatever it takes to stick with the goal.
In honor of their accomplishment councilwoman Lynn Brewer threw them a brunch at Vintage 1889 on the 25th as they completed their daily challenge. Brewer gave them a Champaigne bath in the street in front of the restaurant to mark the five-year event.
Throughout the five years friends have occasionally joined them on their daily runs. Friday was no different, several friends joined them to celebrate the five-year milestone. One of those friends is Rainsville dentist Emily Carter. She has run 232 consecutive days with them, although being pregnant. “This is my third child and I have ran during each pregnancy,” said Carter. “I personally feel it helps me during labor to be fit and strong. I closely follow my obstetrics guidelines when it comes to exercise.”
At age 72, Clifton frequently runs marathons across the United States on a regular basis. He has had to deal with some health issues including plantar fasciitis, Achillies issues, and shin splint pain, but even these have not stopped him from achieving his goals.
Willingham contracted Covid during the pandemic and still took the streets for the daily challenge. “It was the hardest thing to run feeling like it did,” said Willingham. “I was super tired, but I still did it. It was more of a walk than a run, it may of actually helped my lungs.”
Willingham and Clifton both regularly attend out-of-state marathons. On one occasion they ran marathons back-to-back over a weekend. One future goal they have is to run both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon. Both Clifton and Willingham said they can always count on their two biggest supporters, Amy Simmons and Davy Willingham being there cheering them on whether close to home or running an out-of-state marathon.
Clifton promotes the Rainsville Freedom Run, an annual charity event for runners and walkers of all ages. The Freedom Run offers both a 5K and a 10K. “We already have runners signed up for the event from seven states and as far away as Kenya,” said Clifton. “Donations are coming in, but there is still time to donate for this event that aids local charities or to sign up to participate.” This year’s Freedom Run is scheduled for June 7, for more information on the Rainsville Freedom Run go to: runsignup.com or obtain a race form at Body Vision Fitness & Aquatic or the Carpet Center both located in Rainsville.
