When Doug Padilla gets tired, when he runs uphill and his lungs feel like he's holding his breath and his legs shake with fatigue, there is one thought that helps him continue.

He could still be in a wheelchair or he could be dead.

Padilla's life changed in 1996 when he left his house for a five-mile run. He didn't see the car. The driver of the car was trying to beat the light and didn't see him. They met at impact.

If you can imagine how awful the sound of the accident was, the results were even more disturbing. He was fortunate to survive, but wasn't lucky enough to escape the accident without serious aftershocks. His leg was shattered. It was a devastating accident, especially since Padilla is a former Olympic runner.

What could be worse for a distance runner than to have your leg crushed?

Thirteen years have passed since then and over the years he's had 15 surgeries on his leg. He still can't raise his foot and says his Achilles is very tender, but that hasn't stopped Padilla, who will turn 53 later this year. He will be participating at the Nu Skin Masters Challenge at Provo that begins Saturday and runs through August 28.

The registration deadline has passed, but those who are interested in the games can now come and support the participants. The public is invited to all events and admission is free.

Padilla will be participating in the 1,500 meter race that will be held at Brigham Young University's Clarence Robison Track. Padilla is one of about 250 athletes who are expected to participate in the games.

"We've done the timing at the track events since the games started," Padilla said. "It's a challenge for me as I get older. It gives you focus and a reason to train and to get in shape. The most important thing for me is to get in good shape and just to run."

The Nu Skin Masters Challenge includes several track events along with other events like golf, bowling, swimming, horse shoes, a fitness run, and softball skills. There are even family events where grandparents can compete with their grandkids where their times are combined.

"Our objective is to try and encourage people as they get older to stay active and give them something to do," said Earl Williams, Provo City Assistant Director of Senior and Historical Services, who serves as the chair of the event. "We hope to elevate awareness and have people do some things that maybe they haven't done before."

Even an athlete the caliber of Padilla is less concerned with where he places. The emphasis for many is simply on participation.

Padilla, who was as 12-time national champion and participated in 1988 Olympics, is currently Director of Track and Field Operations at BYU. He has made his way back and accepted the fact that he will never be able to run the way he used to, but he calls himself blessed to have the mobility he has.

"I'm really fortunate just to have a leg. It's been 13 years and I'm fortunate that I've still be able to do the things that I need to do," Padilla said. "And I approach intersections a lot differently now."

It's not the Olympics, or the USA Track and Field National Championships, but for Padilla, it doesn't matter where he runs now days.

Just that he can run.