A troubled past does not necessarily determine an individual's destiny.
"You always write your own future," said Sundre resident Brent Walisser, who aspires to break the world record distance travelled on roller/in-line skates.
As a youth, he experienced physical and sexual abuse, coupled with a challenging home life. But he refuses to let that past define him, and is determined to eventually open an outreach ranch to help people, including youth, who are struggling to get their lives back on the right track.
"I've gone through battles all my life," he said, expressing a desire to help others who have also endured similar hurdles.
On top of what he went through when he was younger, Walisser said he was also eventually diagnosed with arthritis in his spine. However, despite for a time feeling like he had lost his drive, the 32-year-old is determined not to give up and wants to continue working towards his goal. To get better, exercise is a must, he said.
"I really like Rollerblading."
Riding offers him a sense of freedom and the opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy the local scenery.
He first started the sport as a teenager but in recent years had not been able to in-line skate as a result of the problems with his back. So he's been dedicated to building up his strength by working out at the Sundre Aquaplex's fitness centre.
"I'm there every day," he said, adding he usually spends about two to three hours on the cycling machines and that staff at the centre have been very supportive.
He started out by doing roughly five to six kilometres a day on both the regular and sit-down cycling machines for a total of about 12 kilometres approximately two weeks ago. Now, he's pushed that up to about 22 kilometres per bike, or 44 kilometres between the two.
"I've been doing quite a bit of working out."
He also has not been a stranger to the treadmill and step machine, and enjoys walking his dogs every day.
"I'm getting there," he said. "I'm pushing myself really, really hard."
The current record for distance travelled by roller/in-line skates is held by Peter Boegelein from Germany. He travelled 8,596 kilometres in 108 days. Having already contacted representatives with Guinness World Records to inform them of his impending attempt to break that record, Walliser said he doesn't have to break the record in less than 108 days, but hopes to do so as a point of pride.
He's also been in contact with Boegelein, who told Walisser he would in turn beat any new record set.
"He won't be able to beat it ó I'm going to set it so high," said Walisser with a chuckle.
He hopes to not only set the new record at about 9,000 kilometres but also to raise awareness and find people who could be committed to support his aspiration to create the ranch.
"When I'm going across the country, I want to advertise this on my back if I have to," he said.
"It's going to take me years ó I'm just putting the plan all together."
About 10 years ago, he had a second-hand store in Kelowna, and a dream to start a ranch offering a helping hand to youths as well as adults who were experiencing challenging times, but were also serious about getting their lives back on the right path. Although that dream has yet to materialize, he brought it with him when he moved to Sundre.
His vision for the ranch also includes providing a haven for wounded or abandoned animals. People attending the ranch would be able to work towards healing themselves and the animals at the same time, he said.
But there are still many details to sort out, such as how to create sections for youths and adults, and Walisser hopes his attempt to break the world record for distance travelled on roller/in-line skates will raise awareness as well as support to help make his plans a reality. It'll take a group of people working together to make it happen, he said.
On top of breaking the record and finding some help to make his dream a reality, Walliser would also like to raise donations for food banks in communities he'll be going through during his record-breaking attempt.
But before any of that can happen, Walliser knows he has to build up his strength and endurance.
"I just want to give it all I've got," he said, adding he hopes something positive will come from his past experiences and to perhaps reach some youths or others who are going through difficult times to let them know they're not alone.
He plans to embark on his journey in a month or at the latest two by first venturing into B.C. before heading east across the rest of the country.
"It could take anywhere from three to six months," he said.
Check out Walisser's Facebook page or reach him at 587-444-0441 to find out more or get involved. Alternatively, he can be emailed at [email protected].
