DALLAS, NC – The sound of Angus Kola’s feet hitting the sidewalk while running reminds the blind paramedic that he can achieve anything.
And Kola doesn’t worry if he crashes into a car or two, because he runs with the goal of motivating even those with little to no eyesight to lace up their running shoes and give it a try.
Gaston College alum competed in the first Stampede for Student Success 5K run on the college campus in Dallas on October 2nd.
“I feel good,” said Kola after the race. “It helps me to inspire and encourage others that they can do anything they imagine.”
A new way of life
Kola worked in Afghanistan in 2006 as a traveling combat medic for the United Nations through the Department of Defense. While on a trip to collect medical supplies from Bagram Airfield, Kola and a group of Marines were ambushed when their jeep was riddled with bullets.
Kola was shot in the head. Glass and other sharp materials penetrated his eye.
It would be the last time he would see it. Two more lost their lives.
“I lost my friends forever,” he said.
Kola believes bandits targeted his vehicle in search of cash, machines and medical supplies. During his recovery in Germany, he had to deal with the loss of his eyesight and his friends.
Run around freely
Kola, 35, from Gastonia, relies on a buddy system when running. But every now and then he takes the courage to explore the world around him on his own.
His pre-race training was not as rigorous as others, as running blind can be dangerous.
“I’m trying to go for a walk alone,” said Kola. “I can’t really walk alone because it can be pretty dangerous. I walk a lot in the neighborhood so people saw me every day. I drive between two and three miles alone. I’ve run a lot trying to keep my diet at eye level. I went to the gym and tried to get my cardio training going. “
Still, Kola doesn’t mind going out on the street alone. He’s just grateful to be able to touch and hear things. In his head he visualizes a picturesque backdrop.
The sun that falls on his back tells him that a new season is coming.
“I like to get some fresh air,” said Kola. “It’s one of my favorite things to do. I like the smells and sounds the birds make. Where I’m going is nothing but forest. The birds are very interesting in the sounds they make. You can hear a screeching owl. Some of the birds sound like sirens. I can tell when autumn is coming because I can feel the sun on my face. It protrudes through the trees because the leaves are falling. “
A little help goes a long way
Gaston College policewoman Crystal Todd volunteered to show Kola through the class. The two took part in a training run a few days earlier.
“I thought it was the right thing,” said Todd. “It is good to help the community and help them achieve their goals.”
Todd used a tether to give Kola some freedom while running, but to get him to safety if there was a deep pothole or large bump nearby.
The race also served as a test for Todd. She broke her leg two years ago and has been working to get back in shape.
“It was tough,” said Todd. “I tried to motivate myself and that motivated me to get out of there.
Luke Upchurch, executive director of the Gaston College Foundation, said the run was a great way to invite the community to take a closer look at the school and all it has to offer.
“We wanted to have the opportunity to raise funds and showcase our campus,” said Upchurch. “A lot of people don’t see the Dallas campus. We want people to see the fire station and other areas. All of these areas are important to the community. You see all of the different aspects of training that we have. “
Upchurch said the Gaston College community supported Kola and said his decision to take the course embodied the school’s perspective of holding out in adversity.
“Angus is a wonderful reflection of what we do at Gaston College,” said Upchurch. “We’re here to make everyone successful. That’s what we’re looking for in a student. When people heard that he was going to run away, they were excited. “
More than 200 people were there to compete. Robert Collea was first with a time of 19:20. Proceeds from the run will go to the Gaston College Foundation Fund to support scholarships, emergency funds, and needs on campus.
mission accomplished
Describing the run as “absolutely fabulous,” Kola thanked Todd for helping him on the 5.1 mile hike.
“It feels incredible to have to do your first race,” said Kola. “It feels amazing. To be tied up by a pilot gives me great respect because they are the ones who have to help you. And in this way you inspire each other. “
Kola finished 94th with a time of 54:27. He achieved his goal of completing the course in less than an hour.
“I just want to show people that I’m here and I love everyone,” said Kola. “Here in America they believe in freedom and give people opportunities. I am blind for no reason. Even if I had died, it was for everyone else’s freedom. “
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