Kevin Smith 'Ran Up A Hill' In His Hometown To Mark Five Years Since Heart Attack!
By Melanie VanDerveer on October 25, 2022 at 10:45 AM EDT
While reflecting on the five years since suffering a massive heart attack, Kevin Smith marked the occasion doing something he's never been able to do before - run up a big hill in his hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey. The filmmaker shared his accomplishment on Instagram in an inspirational post.
Kevin Smith Suffered A Massive Heart Attack Nearly Five Years Ago
"Nearly five years ago, weighing in at close to 300 lbs, I had a massive heart attack," Smith, 52, started his caption. "On Thursday, I ran up a hill in my hometown that I never ran up when I was a kid, while weighing my adult lowest of 195."
The caption went on to explain that he's not going to stop talking about the heart attack because it's a reminder of what he has survived. "I know some folks are like 'Would you stop talking about the heart attack already?' If I do, I run the risk of getting complacent again - or worse. So with apologies to those who hear me as a broken record, Iโll continue to remind myself that I was lucky enough to survive the deadliest heart attack there is and Iโm living on borrowed time."
Smith finished his caption with a little reminder to all, "And so maybe use this post as a polite reminder, Kids:Pretty Please, with sugar on it...Get your f---ing heart checked."
Kevin Smith Has Been Inspiring Others To Talk About Their Past Struggles
Many of Smith's Instagram followers told him to never stop discussing what happened to him. Artist Questlove left a message about his own life changes writing, "Proud of you man. I had a similar turnaround. Changing old toxic habits, now living a healthier life. ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ"
Another follower wrote about a similar story to Smith's saying, "Three years ago I survived a heart attack. I was drunk everyday, smoked cigarettes and ate a horrible diet. Purely through nutrition and exercise Iโve lost 112 pounds, havenโt had a drink in 698 days and am cigarette free. Iโm training to do the LA marathon now because the last time i ran through LA I had a car stereo under my arm and the cops were chasing me. Thanks for the inspiration bruh. ๐"
Other followers also left their inspirational changes and thanked Smith for being open and discussing all he's been through. "NEVER stop talking about it! On the 28th of every month, I post that I have spent another 30 days free from alcohol. On October 28, it will have been 14 months. Itโs important to remind ourselves where weโve been so we donโt slip back into bad habits. Proud of you, man! ๐๐ป," one commenter wrote.
And another added, "Dude I'm glad you talk about the heart attack still as it means you are still here to talk about it. And the world would be a far sadder place without Kevin Smith in it. And it's also influenced your latest work in a really great way and I'm sure that's one of the myriad reasons why Clerks III is so emotional because we're reminded that we nearly lost you. Keep going man!"
Kevin Smith Also Posted A Selfie With His Mom Grace
Smith also shared a selfie with his mom Grace in the empowering post. Many might recognize her from her appearances in the 1994 film debut "Clerks," as well as the 2006 and 2022 sequels. She can also be seen in the 2019 film "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot."
Smith is currently on the "Clerks III" Convenience Tour. Earlier this week while in Orlando, Grace joined her son on stage. He posted a video of the moment on Instagram, and in the caption explained that she recently got out of the hospital but insisted on walking onto stage rather than use her chair. "The end result was a magical moment for both Mom and me that Iโll never forget! Many thanks to the crowd for giving Grace a standing ovation and making her feel like a million bucks!"
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