At 58, Mehlman Still Running for His Life

The Heart Run on Sunday morning in Woodland Hills is more than just another race to Jack Mehlman.

Seven years ago, Mehlman, then 58, was diagnosed as having two clogged arteries in his heart and even had trouble walking a hill. His physical therapist recommended a rehabilitation program that included jogging.

“When I first began, I couldn’t run 100 yards without my tongue hanging out,” said Mehlman, who lives in Encino.

A year later, however, Mehlman was in good enough shape to participate in his first 10K, although he had to walk part of the way. Since then, he has competed in more than 75 10Ks as well as half-marathons and 10-mile runs.

Running, he says, has prolonged his life. He no longer suffers angina pain, has improved the collateral blood flow to his heart and has lowered his blood pressure.

Mehlman, who ran in the recent Chinatown 10K, is entering Sunday’s 10K along with an estimated 700 runners, including Mayor Tom Bradley, who said he would start the race but not finish.

Entry fees of $10 ($12 on the day of the race) from the 10K as well as the 2K and 5K will benefit a group close to Mehlman’s heart--the American Heart Assn.

The 2K is being billed as a “fun run” through the Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills. It is supposed to be the first race in the country to take place in an enclosed mall.

Information: 818-887-4800.