Background For years, road races and then soccer provided Hecker his adult athletic outlet. But after Hecker underwent ACL surgery on his left knee in 1985, a doctor told him, “Your running days are history.” So in the late '80s Hecker jumped into the pool, swimming in UCSD's masters program. After hearing fellow swimmers talking about training at La Jolla Cove, Hecker joined them in 2000. He's fallen hard for the long stuff. Hecker, 56, swam across the English Channel in 2005, and last Saturday he completed the 28-½-mile Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, finishing in 8 hours, 20 minutes. Two other local swimmers completed the Manhattan race – Rendy Opdyke in 7 hours, 46 minutes and Cindy Walsh in 8 hours.

Training log Hecker began preparing for the Manhattan swim in January. He typically swam four days a week, totaling 18-24 miles in the ocean, 6 miles in the pool, and lifted weights 90 minutes twice a week.

Quotable Hecker, who works in biomedical equipment sales, on what motivates him to swim long: “It just stretches me psychologically and physically. I don't know. It's just something to do.”

On the mend Hecker underwent skin-cancer surgery Tuesday, having two small sections of his shoulder removed. If the incisions repair in time, he plans to attempt a 20-mile Lake Tahoe swim next month.

Faves file: Favorite author – Gary Jennings; favorite TV program – “House;” favorite movie: “Trains, Planes & Automobiles.” Of the Steve Martin/John Candy comedy, Hecker said, “It's so true to the world.”

– DON NORCROSS