26.2

Ischemic Stroke Survivor · Achilles International Athlete

From Stroke To NYC

My journey didn't start on a starting line. It started with uncertainty — and became the most transformative race of my life. Recovery is possible. Progress matters.

Stroke Runner Journey
3:35 Chicago Marathon
1:41 305 Half-Marathon
NYC Next Race '26
🎗️
Stroke Awareness Ambassador Red Ribbon · May is Stroke Awareness Month
Chicago Marathon 3:35:19 305 Half-Marathon 1:41:40 NYC Marathon November 2026 Achilles International Athlete Ischemic Stroke Survivor · Dec 15, 2024 One Step · One Mile · One Victory Chicago Marathon 3:35:19 305 Half-Marathon 1:41:40 NYC Marathon November 2026 Achilles International Athlete Ischemic Stroke Survivor · Dec 15, 2024 One Step · One Mile · One Victory

The Proof Is
In Every Mile

10 months after my ischemic stroke, I stood on the starting line of the Chicago Marathon. 15 months later, the 305 Half-Marathon in Miami. These photos are not just race shots — they are evidence that recovery has no finish line.

Jose Fuentes - Chicago Marathon October 2025 · Bib #134709
Chicago, IL
Bank of America
Chicago Marathon
October 12, 2025
3:35:19 Official Time
26.2 Miles
#134709 Bib Number
🧠 10 months post-stroke. The first marathon after everything changed. Every step on that course was proof that the comeback was real.
Full Marathon · 26.2 mi
Jose Fuentes - 305 Half Marathon March 2026 · Bib #3399
Miami, FL
305
Half-Marathon
March 2026
1:41:40 Official Time
13.1 Miles
#3399 Bib Number
🌴 15 months post-stroke. Back on Miami streets, stronger than before. The journey continues — one race at a time, toward NYC 2026.
Half-Marathon · 13.1 mi
🗽
Next Race · November 2026
TCS New York City Marathon
Running for Achilles International · 26.2 miles through 5 boroughs
Support My NYC Campaign ❤️
🧠 Stroke
Awareness
Every 40s someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke — the leading cause of long-term disability
80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes, blood pressure control, and early awareness
1 in 4 stroke survivors have already had a previous stroke — recognition and action save lives

Act F.A.S.T.

FFace
AArms
SSpeech
TTime

Small Steps.
Big Wins.

On December 15, 2024, an ischemic stroke forced me to stop everything and face a completely different reality. What followed was not just a physical recovery — it was a deeply personal process of rebuilding, step by step, day by day.

"Movement became more than activity. It became survival. It became healing."

Through discipline, patience, and resilience, I found my way back — not to who I was before, but to a stronger version of myself. Running became the bridge between recovery and purpose.

From those first uncertain steps, I went on to complete the Chicago Marathon in 3:35:19 — a time that represents far more than a finish. It represents recovery, consistency, and belief.

Today, as a member of Achilles International, I'm preparing for the New York City Marathon — carrying this story forward, and proving that recovery is not just possible. It's unstoppable.

Dec 2024
Ischemic Stroke
A sudden stop. The real journey begins. Everything changes — and so does the mission.
The Turning Point
Recovery
First Steps
Rebuilding movement, balance, and belief — one day, one step at a time.
The Comeback
Oct 2025
Chicago Marathon
Crossed the finish line in 3:35:19. The impossible, completed. A milestone that defies every doubt.
26.2 Miles ✓
Mar 2026
305 Half-Marathon
Miami's race — 1:41:40. Another victory, another mile marker on this journey.
13.1 Miles ✓
Nov 2026
NYC Marathon
The next mission. Running for Achilles International — for every survivor who refuses to stop.
Coming Up
🏅 3:35:19 Chicago Marathon October 2025 · 26.2 mi
🏃 1:41:40 305 Half-Marathon March 2026 · Miami, FL
🗽 NYC '26 Next Race November 2026 · 26.2 mi
❤️ 100% Achilles International Running for inclusion

On The Road

View All Activities ↗
🏆 Race Result
Chicago Marathon
October 2025 · Chicago, IL
26.2
Miles
3:35
Finish
Done
🏆 Race Result
305 Half-Marathon
March 2026 · Miami, FL
13.1
Miles
1:41
Finish
Done
📈 Next Target
NYC Marathon 2026
November 2026 · New York City
26.2
Miles
NYC
City
Nov
Month
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@StrokeRunnerJourney

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"Sometimes the biggest wins don't come from speed — they come from refusing to stop."
— Jose Fuentes · Stroke Survivor · Marathoner · Achilles Athlete