Story From Priority Health: Fitness Community Support: Overcoming adversity
Though Scott Lacey lost his vision, he didn't lose his ambition to participate in races and triathlons.
Fitness Community Support: Overcoming adversity Though Scott Lacey lost his vision, he didn't lose his ambition to participate in races and triathlons. Check out this story on Freep.com: http://on.freep.com/2CvJDXo
Fitness Community Support: Overcoming adversity
By Priority Health Published 6:45 a.m. ET Jan. 2, 2018
Scott Lacey(Photo: Priority Health)
"Impossible doesn't exist."
This is the motto that Scott Lacey lives by each and every day. Scott unfortunately lost his vision six years ago but doesn't consider being blind an obstacle; instead it's something he embraces as he participates in races and triathlons year after year.
Scott was born with hydrocephalus (water on the brain). The brain normally reabsorbs cerebrospinal fluid at the same rate it is produced, but Scott's does not. The shunt that was placed on his brain after birth eventually failed. The fluid and pressure built up and crushed his optic nerves, leaving him blind. Although Scott didn't have control of this, he is taking control of his health and wellness.
"Our health is something that we as humans can control, to a certain extent," said Scott. "I am doing everything I can to take advantage of that and I would like to see more people take part in the same control."
Six years ago, he was 220 pounds, and couldn't run a mile. Scott began walking as a way to ease the anxiety of being blind. Slowly, he worked himself up to a light jog, and from there his passion for running took off.
Today, Scott maintains a healthy weight and competes in many races. Just one year after losing his vision, Scott ran in his first ever 25K at the Fifth Third River Bank Run, which he's continued to do every year since.
Some may wonder how a man who is legally blind runs 15.5 miles or swims in triathlons.
Six years ago, Scott Lacey was 220 pounds and couldn't run a mile. He began walking to ease the anxiety of being blind and slowly worked up to a light jog, and from there his passion for running took off. (Photo: Priority Health)
For his first race, Scott put a roller ball on the end of a cane and pushed it. He used the dashed line in the middle of the street to guide him. Now, he runs alongside a guide. His guide is not only someone who helps him through races, but also someone he considers a best friend.
In addition to running races, Scott also participates in various triathlons. This year, he has three scheduled: the Grand Rapids Triathlon, the Munci Ironman and the Michigan Titanium.
Scott is also aiming to complete the Grand Rapids Marathon this October, which will put him up for the AIM high endurance award for the second straight year. This award focuses on people who have made commitments and sacrifices to challenge themselves and do something most people will never even try.
This past January, Scott decided to become a Team Priority Health Champion because he wanted to be involved in a community of like-minded, supportive people. He enjoys receiving incentives for being active and earning points toward new athletic gear. And, it's an organization that supports people who want to take control of their health and wellness, an ideal that Scott believes in.
"I am learning each year brings different challenges," explained Scott. "Just because you trained one way last year does not mean that you can do the same thing again this year. You need to be willing to change and try new things, and not just from an athletic standpoint."
Read more on adversity other Champions from Team Priority Health have faced and what they've done to train and prepare for different races at www.teampriorityhealth.com.
Inspiration…you never know who, what or how
To inspire or be inspired doesn't always take grand accomplishments. For Champion Michelle Pittman, riding for 30 days straight inspired her friend to bike more. Discover more on how enthusiasm for fitness can be contagious.
The power of training and competing
After losing his leg in an accident, avid competitor Ted Droski didn't let his injury take away his love for competing. Instead, he found a new way. Read more about how hand cycling gave Ted just what he needed to compete.
Think your injury is setting you back from doing any physical activity? Learn what Champion Emily Baranowski has been doing despite the setbacks of being in a boot. Mobility is always possible with some creativity.
About Team Priority Health
The Team Priority Health Champions program is a group of people all focused on getting and staying healthy while inspiring others to follow suit. This program is open to everyone who has a passion to be and stay active and healthy. Champions are a close-knit group of people across the state of Michigan who come together to compete in races and walks and share insights on how they're living a healthy lifestyles. To learn more about the passionate people that make up the Team Priority Health community visit the website at teampriorityhealth.com.
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