Lamont Thomas, holding his newly published autobiography |
By Diane Hettrick
Everyone who drives Richmond Beach Road has seen him. A man with an odd gait, dressed in a sports jersey and shorts, jogging along the street.
From Aurora, down 185th, Richmond Beach Road, all the way to the water - and back again. 84 miles a week, every day, no matter the weather.
Lamont in his favorite jersey |
Not everyone knows that he is in horrific pain. He was hit by a car when he was a toddler and his body was broken.
He has had surgeries and a body cast. More than once, doctors told him he would not be able to walk unassisted - or at all. He was determined to prove them wrong.
So he didn't just walk - he ran.
He ran through injuries and shredded hip joints. He ran through recovery from surgery and back pain. Now he runs with scoliosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
He has a day job - 13 years now with the same employer. He is kind and friendly and determined.
His book is in stock at Third Place Books in LFP, 206-366-3333 |
His autobiography, The Running Miracle, is published and available for purchase, both online and locally.
The Running Miracle is in stock at Third Place Books, upper level Town Center, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, 206-366-3333.
His book is published.
He has been the subject of two feature stories in the Los Angeles Times.
His Facebook page has 2500 Likes.
The Running Man is entering a new chapter of his life.
Update: Lamont tripped over a curb on his daily run and broke a femur, which required surgery. He is in a wheelchair while he heals. He will not be able to work for three months. There is a GoFundMe page to help with his living and medical expenses.
How about a better word to describe his gait? "Distinctive" works better than 'odd" in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this Diane. He is a great guy!
ReplyDeleteLamont recently broke his femur and will be out of work for 3 months. Please consider donating to his Gofundme account:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.gofundme.com/uj8gx-healing-and-recovery
Thank you!
Thank you for posting! Im recovering slowly,but doing well.
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