By Andrew Veeder
scrunners.com contributing writer
Ian Davidson, a runner at Rock Hill in the 1970s, lives by the following statement: "strive to achieve your best." For Davidson, achieving his best has included racing and competing at the national level for the last 40 years.
(Cover photo: Davidson has kept a training log since he started running.)
However, his greatest achievement trumps the numerous medals and ribbons won: overcoming colon cancer.
Born Dec. 7, 1954, Davidson began running cross country his junior year of high school. He then went on to compete for Clemson University's cross-country team.
Dave Geer ran with Davidson while at Clemson University and the two continued to compete together after graduation. Geer spoke of more than just Davidson's competitive drive however.
"From that first cross country season (1973 season at Clemson) we became life long friends," said Geer. "Ian became and still is someone you can count on when the chips are down and you're in need."
Yet, Davidson's PR's are extremely impressive, even by today's standards. Those PR's include: 4:18 mile, 8:45 two-mile, 29:57 10K, and 2:19:54 marathon time. However, it is what he has learned from being an endurance athlete that is more inspiring.
"The ability to maintain, endure and preserve," said Davidson. "To know who I am, accept my weaknesses, know my strengths, and to be self-actualized."
These are the traits that make Davidson not only an exceptional runner and athlete, but also a remarkable friend.
Connie Grant, a high school teammate and long time friend of Davidson, spoke highly of his maturity, the respect he showed everyone, as well as the bond of friendship they had made over the years.
"He is the friend that can do no wrong in your eyes, the one that you know the real story before anyone tries to tell you something about him," Grant said. "One that you would
go to move their piano but know you will never have too, because he would never ask! And a friend that knows the reciprocal relationship is true."
Grant, however, was the person that Davidson admired most while in high school, for his "integrity, grit, dedication, personality, and friendship."
"As a person, Ian is as true as they come," said Rebecca Faris, a friend of Davidson and former high school girlfriend of Grant. "As an endurance athlete, I can only sum it up as intensely drive. When you work towards a goal with the reckless abandon that we have seen in Ian, I am not sure that there are words to describe it.
Sidelined
Despite years of extensive training and a healthy diet, health issues sidelined Davidson physically but didn't take away any of his motivation to get back into a competitive form.
In August of 2009, Davidson's bout with colon cancer began as he underwent colon cancer resection surgery. A mere three days later, he was forced to go back under the knife as complications arose. In April, Davidson recovered.
However, after winning his division of the Tsali Xterra Triathlon at the end of June, his colon collapsed, backed up, and ruptured, placing Davidson in the hospital for nearly a month. Blood clots in his legs and lungs, as well as a pulmonary embolism of the lungs forced him back into the hospital for three more days.
When asked his reaction to the news of receiving colon cancer, Davidson responded in a positive way.
"…Once I decided to have the surgery, I was full speed ahead to get the surgery done and begin the rebuilding process and to look at it as another opportunity to make a comeback from setback," said Davidson.
"If he approaches his health issue with the same grit and determination that he exhibited during his peak training and racing days that he will make a complete and permanent recovery," said Perry Horne, a trainer partner of Davidson and fellow graduate of Rock Hill.
Grant expressed his disbelief on hearing the news of Davidson's cancer diagnosis especially with his years of training and healthy diet, "but knowing that if anyone could beat this, he would."
Davidson, who says, "racing and performing is my art form," plans to compete in road races and triathlons alike as soon as his body will allow. Yet, Davidson's heart and will to excel is motivation for everyone, of all ages, runners and non-runners alike.
His advice to those high school athletes is simple: "To avoid negative influences even if it means standing alone, and dedication to striving to achieve your best."