I wasn’t supposed to walk again. Now I raise money for every stride I run in the marathon.

In December of 2012, Robert MacDonald was in an accident that changed his life forever. Nearly four years ago now, it was a serious accident and when MacDonald went to hospital, the odds of him ever walking again were slim– just five per cent to be exact. He was paralyzed and looking to life a completely different lifestyle than the one he was accustomed to.

Five per cent weren’t optimistic odds but working with Toronto Rehab, he got stronger and stronger. He did manage to walk again. Though taking one step used to be a huge struggle, he has since regained his ability to walk and even runs now. On Oct.16, he will run the marathon at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He aims to raise $42,000— one dollar for each stride he takes. He will donate it to the Toronto Rehab Foundation.

See our feature I Will: From Learning to Walk Again to Running the Marathon about MacDonald’s full story here.

Ahead of the marathon, MacDonald answered 10 questions about himself.

Canadian Running: What would you say are your defining characteristics as a runner?

Robert MacDonald: Tenacity

CR: What do you admire most in a runner?

RM: That a runner can turn off their brain and enjoy a run.

CR: What is your idea of happiness?

RM: Accomplishing something great with others.

CR: Who are your athletic heroes?

RM: Terry Fox, Wendell Clark, and Tiger Woods.

CR: Other than where you are now, where would you like to live?

RM: On a sail boat somewhere in the world.

CR: What is your greatest running-related regret?

RM: I didn’t realize how much it meant to me until it was too late.

CR: What is your greatest fear?

RM: Not finishing my first full marathon this October 16 2016.

CR: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

RM: I would like to show more empathy.

CR: What’s one thing you can’t live without?

RM: Improvement

CR: What is your motto?

RM: “I Will”