While observing a balancing-aerobics class at Pioneer Square's Seattle Fitness health club I'm drawn to Howard Salisbury. He is 59 and burly and is having a tougher time than the rest of the class negotiating an unstable platform. Yet, it is his determination rather than his awkwardness that causes me to ask about him.

I discover that he works as a part-time janitor at the club in return for use of the facility. I learn that club owner Tija Petrovich worked with Martin Bucher of Lynnwood-based Work Opportunities, which finds jobs for people with disabilities, to create the arrangement. I find that SALISBURY IS SOMETHING OF A SPECIAL OLYMPICS LEGEND who has competed in 5,000-meter races and perhaps 30 marathons, including some in New York and Canada. Bucher met him while coaching middle- and long-distance running for a Special Olympics team.

"Howard has been state champion numerous times. Prior to the L.A. Olympics in 1986, Howard was chosen to carry the Olympic torch through Seattle. He is one of the best softball pitchers I have ever seen in or out of Special Olympics. In 1991 he pitched his team to a world championship at the International Special Olympic Games. In 1995, he was selected to represent Washington state in the marathon at the International Special Olympic Games. He was the first and only Special Olympian from this state ever chosen to compete in the international games."

Bucher really got to know Salisbury while running a downtown Seattle bookstore.

"He appeared at the store one day. It wasn't long before he started taking out the trash without being asked, shelving magazines, running errands, making bank deposits — and before I knew it he was on the payroll. Howard worked for me for nine years until I had to close the store. I came to work at Work Opportunities . . . I helped Howard get a part-time job as usher at the Key Arena."

Petrovich worked with Bucher to help Salisbury become a club member, before an employee.

"Howard seemed to have so much more energy and zest for life than my usual member. He just had a fun and different view than most. I asked Marty Bucher if we could employ a Work Opportunities person. I thought you had to be a 'bigger' company in order to get to work with folks who have challenges.

"Howard has lost more than 30 pounds since working out at the club and restarting his running. He participates in many of our classes. He even takes my Cycle Extreme."

Salisbury says he simply likes sports. That's why the health club and Key Arena fit him so well. But I wondered what drives him to work out five days a week and train for long-distance events.

"It keeps me healthy and my weight down," he says. "I do it for that, not to beat everyone. I have a competition with myself. I set a goal for that day and see if I can beat it."

Advice for those whose commitment has lapsed?

"Do something. Go for a walk. It doesn't have to be real fast. Just keep moving."