Episode 3: Heading to the Big Apple - Marathon #118 (#3 Post Heart Transplant)

Derek heads to the Big Apple to run the TCS New York City Marathon for the second time after a ten year hiatus and a new heart.

In this powerful follow-up episode of Derek, That Heart Transplant Athlete Guy, Derek and his wife Kirstin dive deep into the emotional aftermath of life-saving surgery, exploring what it really means to rebuild identity, purpose, and drive after a heart transplant.

Twenty-two months post-transplant, Derek shares candidly about the inner struggle that often follows survival; the feeling of being “lost” despite returning to work, coaching, and life. From searching for his donor family and uncovering powerful stories of others like Samson and Grant, to rediscovering meaning through coaching and connection, Derek’s story reminds us that purpose isn’t always found, sometimes it’s rebuilt, one step at a time.

Along the way, he reflects on his decades-long coaching career, the impact of his athletes, and how his competitive spirit continues to fuel his mission to raise awareness about organ donation.

Episode 1: Heart Failure, Transplant, and the Road Beyond

In this inaugural episode of Derek, That Heart Transplant Athlete Guy, Derek and Kirstin dive into Derek’s remarkable journey; from a lifelong passion for running and completing 114 marathons, to the devastating reality of heart failure, and ultimately, the life-saving gift of a heart transplant.

Derek shares what it was like to ignore the early warning signs, the moment his health forced him off the race course, and the emotional race against time as his heart function dropped below 10%.

But this is more than a survival story. It’s about what comes next. Derek takes us through his recovery, the incredible milestone of completing a 50K just 258 days post-transplant and a marathon within 11 months with his donor’s heart beating strong inside him.