WASHINGTON -- You don't have to be a 20-something super-athlete to run a marathon.

Doug Lawson didn't tackle his first until he was nearly 60 years old. The upcoming Wirefly National Marathon will be his 13th.

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Even though he is a West Point graduate who spent 21 years in the military, Lawson didn't embrace running until much later in life.

It was a life-changing diagnosis that sparked his motivation. On May 5, 1997 Lawson was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer.

He said he gained 20 pounds during chemotherapy.

Since tackling his first marathon in 2002, Lawson has completed an impressive even dozen.

The engineer from Albuquerque, N.M., is currently working on assignment at the Pentagon and believes our region is perfect for race training.

"You can get on the C&O Canal and go forever," said Lawson. "I train on the Potomac Trail and run around the Mall. I think there are a lot of safe places to run around here."

Lawson says, come race day, the marathon course itself is chock full of inspiration.

Carolyn, his wife of 39 years, will be there cheering Lawson on.

They completed that first marathon together. She's now shifted to coach and encourager.

Lawson enjoys both the physical and mental challenges of training and has a simple philosophy come race day.

"My goals for the marathon are to finish the race healthy and to have a good time and to encourage some other folks along the way," he said.

Lawson will celebrate 10 years of being cancer-free shortly after the marathon.

He's been detailing the ups and downs of his training for the National Marathon by blogging here on NBC4.com.

More Information:

• Read Doug Lawson's Blog Here