EL PASO, Texas — A 71-year-old former Marine on a coast to coast ElliptiGo Run to raise money for Injured Marines and promote physical fitness arrives at the Central Fire Station at downtown El Paso, Texas, Monday morning, May 21.
The ElliptiGo is the first outdoor, low-impact, fitness device designed to emulate the running motion. It allows athletes of all levels to get a high-intensity workout without experiencing the repetitive impact of running.
Rick Hermelin began his 3,000 mile trek in Beaufort, S.C., on March 23, 2012 and will be finishing his journey June 30, 2012 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif. He has been traveling for 60 days and has 40 more before completing his mission. The Semper Fi Fund that he is raising is at 50 percent and he is very pleased, stated Hermelin.
He chose to start his journey on March 23 because this was the date he first joined the United States Marine Corps in 1959. He served in the USMC from 1959 to 1963 as an Aviation Communications Technician. His time in the Marine Corps is what has motivated him to do this race.
Over the years Hermelin has developed a passion for running.
“I ran my 100th marathon, 100th half marathon and 100th km races,” said Hermelin. “I needed to start a new challenge since I like to challenge myself. At one time I wanted to run across the United States, but I wasn’t sure if my body could handle that big of a distance.”
That's when one of his clients suggested he try out the ElliptiGO as an alternative. Hermelin then decided to run across the country on the ElliptiGO in 100 days to raise awareness about the benefits of being physically fit.
“I think it’s amazing, 100 days, a great cause, his history and making history, for me, that’s pretty impressive,” said Charles Lujan, a fire suppression technician with Central Fire Station. “He makes me want to join him.”
Lujan also stated that they were going to make him feel comfortable at the fire station, feed him, let him shower and rest, so that he can be ready for the next day.
“So far, it’s been very good, the support, the people that I’ve met along the way,” said Hermelin. “I’ve been hosted every single day that I’ve been on the road, but for the most part I’ve been staying at fire stations. They have really supported me and given me a place to stay, eat and recuperate. I really appreciate what they have done for me.”
Anyone interested in Rick's trek can follow him on his 100 Days for the Corps blog: www.100daysforthecorps.wordpress.com