Joseph is a 54 year old experienced athlete with a degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa . Legally blind in his early 20's, he ran his first marathon in Palos Verdes, CA in 1976. Since then, he has run many others like Boston, Vancouver, San Diego, Drake Relays and Seattle marathons. After many local, state and national events with the United States Association for Blind Athletes in swimming, track and field and cycling, he discovered cross-country sking .1982 began a 10 year career with the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, including 3 consecutive Paralympic Games. Having done several smaller triathlons, 1982 was the year Joseph competed in and finished the Ironman World ChampionshipTriathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in twelve hours twenty-five minutes(12:25).

After losing his guide, Joseph finished the run with the help of local runners and by following the tailights of a rental car driven by his Dad.

Being insulin-dependent for over twenty years has made exercise both helpful and challenging. With three grown children and six grandchildren, Joseph's family is very important to him. Work includes being a Liscensed Mental Health Counselor and a fitness instructor. Fitness Boot Camp is at 6:00 am MWF, so see you there!