What do you strive for?
I could write numerous posts about my weekend at the Route 66 Marathon. I finally was able to meet some people that I’ve only conversed with via social media, which is always invigorating to me. Races bring together old friends and provide opportunities to make plenty of new friends. One of those friendships came from a person that is striving to make a difference at a very young age. Mason Carter Harvey is a 13-year-old that is leading the fight to obliterate childhood obesity.
I met him while enjoying the festivities on Saturday. I cheered for the 5kers and watched the Mascot Dash. Talk about a fun race? While wearing her T-Rex costume, fellow ICEdot Athlete, Danielle Hastings, was running so fast she lost her head. This did not stop her. She picked it up and finished in style.
Meeting Mason for the first time.
It was afterwards that I saw Mason talking to a group of kids. I heard his story and was instantly amazed not only by what he has accomplished, but also for what he’s currently doing.
At 11 years old, he weighed 206 pounds. He decided he was “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” He figured the best way to change being mocked at school about his weight and feeling unhealthy was to make a change.
After making the necessary lifestyle changes, Mason lost 85 pounds. For some strange reason he has an affinity for the number 85. Who knows why?
Mason and his family came by the expo and he heckled me on Twitter while at the Blogger’s Lounge. I’m kidding. I think he enjoyed engaging with the panel. Next year, he’ll probably be on the panel and I’ll be sure to heckle him. Later that night, I witnessed him receiving the Kjell Tovander Award. Listen to his speech.
As the long day came to a close, he told me he’d be there to cheer me on the next day at the race. As promised, I saw the entire family the next day staked out at Mile 8.5. I thought that would be the last time I’d see him. To my surprise, he was waiting for me at the finish line.
For good reason, I’m pretty sure Mason is the only teenager I follow on Twitter. It’s one of the easiest ways for me to see what he’s up to. Don’t think he won’t tweet back.
His website, Strive for 85, documents his journey. He is raising awareness and letting other children know that the unthinkable is possible, even for a kid. Whether meeting famous and important people, hosting events, or helping his dad lose 85 pounds, Mason is changing lives. On Saturday, December 1, 2012, he will complete another goal by climbing 85 flights of stairs at Little Willie’s Triple Dog Dare.
There’s nothing like meeting positive people in the world. I’m not sure where Mason will go, but I do know he’ll continue to be one that motivates and inspires others. Now, as the title asks, “What do you strive for?”
You, too, can be your own superhero!
SMALL STEPS + SMART CHOICES = BIG CHANGES
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14 Comments
Jason Johnson
November 30, 2012Nice article. Bruh. Its amazing how Mason took the time out to do something tht most kids dnt think about doing. Tell him to kp up the work.
Nicholas L. Norfolk
November 30, 2012Thanks for reading and commenting on the post. He is an awesome kid. I’ll definitely pass the message on to him.
Danielle Hastings
November 30, 2012HAHAHA yes…that is why I lost my head…I was running so fast! I like it. Sounds much better than “she was so uncoordinated that she couldn’t hold on her head when someone bumped into her.”
It was great to meet you!
Nicholas L. Norfolk
December 4, 2012It could also be that you were running so fast that when the person bumped you inertia forced the head to react. It wasn’t you, it was all science. Who shall dare argue with that? Either of my versions are better. One is back by Sir Issac Newton. It doesn’t matter which one you select now does it?
It was my pleasure meeting you. Until next time…
Stuart Gittelman
November 30, 2012Great story. What a wonderful person. Thanks for sharing this!
Nicholas L. Norfolk
December 4, 2012No problem! Glad you read it. People like Mason provide hope for those that think it doesn’t exist. He also let’s us know that there are people that refuse to be yet another statistic.
Pat Riggs
November 30, 2012I am so proud of Mason, and also of Nicholas Norfolk for sharing his story!
Nicholas L. Norfolk
December 4, 2012Thanks, Pat! Congrats on all of your success this year. You had quite the season. Just think, the best is yet to come.
natalie
November 30, 2012Super cool story! What a brilliant ambassador for this cause.
Nicholas L. Norfolk
December 4, 2012He sure is! Woohoo!
Travis Owens
December 1, 2012What an outstanding and inspiring young man!
We only thought the dinosaurs were extinct!
Nicholas L. Norfolk
December 4, 2012Mason is an inspiration to us all. There appears to be at least one dinosaur roaming around with or without her head.
Rich LaMonica
December 3, 2012Great Article!! Mason is and should be an inspiration to other kids.
Nicholas L. Norfolk
December 4, 2012Thanks for reading! He made it happen and is helping others realize they can make it happen, too. I wish every kid in America could hear his story.