Meet Ironman Richard Kalasky At The OH Conference!
July 20, 2013In 2009, Richard Kalasky weighed in at over 348 pounds. He suffered from uncontrolled sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and was advised by his doctors that he could no longer live at the altitude in Colorado and needed to move down to sea level. Tired of using oxygen and BiPAP to sleep, and not being able to enjoy outdoor activities in Colorado, Richard decided to do something about it. On September 17, 2009, Richard underwent Lap-Band surgery and lost 140 pounds. In December of 2012, Richard opted to have the Lap-Band removed due to an infection and previous band slippage, and converted to the Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery.
To date, Richard has lost a total of 160 pounds and no longer has any medical complications. After his weight loss and health improvements, he became an avid runner and Ironman, completing two Ironman 140.6s and seven marathons including Boston 2013.
Richard has worked in the medical field for the last 17 years as a Paramedic Educator and Field Training Officer. He has gone on to make fitness an integral part of his life and work by becoming an A.C.E Certified Personal Trainer, Runners Club of America (RRCA) certified running coach, and USAT (USA Triathlon) Level 1 Certified Triathlon Coach. Richard now co-owns Overweight to Endurance Athlete Personal and Endurance Training with partner Coach Carlos Hill. They have a staff of six trainers and are 108 athletes strong! Richard coaches athletes that have overcome obesity and health issues to train and run in events from 5K’s to full distance triathlons. He loves helping people lose weight, gain physical and mental fitness and wellness, learn about running, proper techniques to avoid injury and burnout, as well as metabolically efficient nutrition to keep them strong on long runs.
Being that Richard traveled the same journey, he is able to understand the challenges that his clients see, and enjoys seeing them through their journey and overcoming the challenges to meet their personal goals. “I get emotional every time that I see a client pass that finish line, because I know what it takes to get there!”
Visit Richard’s Blog & stay in touch on Twitter!
Learn More About Richard
1. Richard is a Team Aquaphor Active Ambassador
2. Denver Triathlon Race Ambassador
3. A member of Team TriBike Transport’s Triathlon Team
4. Blogger for Lifetime Television’s The Balancing Act: A Lifetime of Health and Wellness Makeover
5. He also founded and co-leads an Ambassador Program for the Denver Colfax Marathon and also manages the Health and Fitness Expo
RICHARD JOINS THE OBESITYHELP NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN ANAHEIM, CA ON OCTOBER 4th
Fitness Session: Overweight to Endurance Athlete, Running and Triathlon
Session Sponsored by BariWareFriday, October 4th 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm, Location: Mazatlan AII
Have you ever been told or felt that you “CAN’T” do something due to being overweight or obese? It doesn’t have to be that way!
As a Paramedic in Atlanta, Richard Kalasky only ran when someone was chasing him. After weight loss surgery, Richard used running to create a new life and now on any given day he can run a marathon, bike 100 miles, or swim 2 miles. He utilized his tool of weight loss surgery and made a committed lifestyle change that encompassed fitness and proper nutrition, and with determination and motivation, turned “CAN’T” into “CAN” to become an Ironman!
Don’t miss out on Richard’s motivating breakout session as he shares tips on going from overweight to athlete!
Fitness Panel: From Obese to Athlete, Can I Really Get There?
Friday, October 4th 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm, Location: Mazatlan AII
Have you wondered what it feels like to cross the finish line or to participate in a challenging fitness class? At the ObesityHelp Anaheim Conference, you’ll meet three formerly obese individuals that have taken fitness to a whole new level. You’ll be able to ask Richard, Dan and Robanne questions about their transformation from obesity to athlete during Friday’s live Fitness Panel. They’ll share their proven techniques on how you can get there too!
