Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, March 24, 2015
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A Greenwood resident is focused on his fourth Mini-Marathon, scheduled for May 2, but it is the 2014 race that Carl Palma broke down in tears during a live interview after completing the race in honor of his mom, who died from breast cancer.
The 2014 race took place on what would have been his mom's 66th birthday.
Palmer received notoriety from social media for the emotional story many can relate to. But there is more to this married father of three children and athletic trainer at Beech Grove High School.
When you look at pictures in his home, you notice there used to be more of Carl Palma. A few years ago, Palma was eating nearly 4,000 calories a day. He weighed 265 lbs. It was a far cry from the soccer playing shape he was in at the University of Indianapolis.
Palma said his mom, Susan Buchanan, ran the mini marathon between 1992-1995 and encouraged him to try it in an effort to lose weight. She said, 'Do it. It will give you a goal. It'll keep you honest and you'll have to work toward it."
Her words inspired Palmer to start training for the 13 mile race. The training and diet changes worked. Palma was 200 lbs when he ran his first mini-marathon in 2012. The pounds continued to come off. He now weighs 165 lbs and looks much different than the photos hanging in his home and at his office.
Palma set a personal record when he completed the 2014 race despite suffering leg cramps.
He is a man who adopted a healthier lifestyle is now able to run the One American 500 Festival Mini-Marathon because of his mom.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.