NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & SportsMan Celebrates Birthday Walking One Mile At A Time

Man Celebrates Birthday Walking One Mile At A Time

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Forrest Wise counted the miles rather than counting the candles. The Hendersonville man turned 65 on Tuesday and at 3 a.m. he set out to walk his age.

He laced up his shoes and started walking a 6.2 mile loop through Hendersonville.

"Well some of them said 'don't do it,' but I'd hate to wake up tomorrow and know that I didn't even try it," said Forrest. "First two laps I was by myself."

Forrest's family and members of the Hendersonville Running Club were on hand checking his health and keeping him company.

"I mean he's an inspiration. I'm thinking I'm going to be 45 in January. Where should I do my 45 at 45?" said running club member Heidi Casey.

Forrest took to the road five years ago at the age of 60.

"Always enjoyed sports, but you know I was always the one that was picked last cause I was the fat kid," said Forrest.

After 4,000-miles he dropped 100 pounds and 10-inches around the waste. This 65-mile journey would be the toughest test.

"Well I'm happy for him. I'm happy he's able to do it at his age," said Forrest's wife Judy Wise.

Forrest would not celebrate his birthday any other way. He keeps a pair of pants with a 48-inch waste to remind him of how far he's come.

"I hurt all over, but if I keep going I'm in pretty good shape," said Forrest.

Forrest Wise crossed the finish line around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night. It took him about 19 hours to walk 65 miles.

He was worn out, his feet are sore and he planned on taking it easy the next few days.