Double amputee veteran inspiring East Tennessee runners

Rob Jones has already accomplished more than most of us ever will in a lifetime.

"I had a purpose and that was to fight for my fellow veterans." says Jones.

In 2008, Jones served in Iraq as a United States Marine. While serving, Jones was wounded in action by an IED, having to get both legs amputated.

"My luck ran out and the IED won our little game of cat and mouse." says Jones.

But nothing could stop this veteran. In the following years, he earned a bronze medal in rowing during the 2012 Paralympics.

"If he can do something that hard, then maybe I can get out of bed or make progress on this one thing." Jones tells us.

Then, Rob turned to running.

"I've spent a lot of time reading stories and watching documentaries about people that have done things like 50 iron mans in 50 days, 50 marathons 50 days. And so I thought maybe I could do something like that." says Jones

And he did. Running 31 marathons, in 31 cities, in 31 days. Using his military toughness to get through it.

"That's something the marine core prepares you for mentally. Doing the same exact thing every day, usually something that you don't want to do. So I had a lot of practice with that."

He says he wanted to become a better version of himself, and says his mission is accomplished if he can help inspire others.

"So what I'm trying to do is create this story that people hear about and use as a reference anytime they're doubting themselves." Jones tells us.

He has a simple message for all of us.

"And so I knew it was possible if I worked hard at it..and wanted it..I could do it."