By WAYNE JOSEPH By WAYNE JOSEPH ADVERTISING Tribune-Herald correspondent When I was 8 years old, my father turned me into a great St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and a follower of Stan “The Man” Musial. What my father never realized
By WAYNE JOSEPH
Tribune-Herald correspondent
When I was 8 years old, my father turned me into a great St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and a follower of Stan “The Man” Musial. What my father never realized was that his influence also rewarded me with above-average math skills.
Yes, math skills! To impress my father, I learned to compute batting averages in my head and could calculate Musial’s average daily before it appeared in the newspapers.
As children, we are deeply influenced by our parents in many important aspects of life. Such was the case for Ian Smith growing up in Virginia Beach, Va.
“I first got interested in fire/EMS as a small child watching my dad put on his uniform in the mornings,” Smith said. “He was a firefighter/paramedic and passed away at a very young age.”
Smith didn’t realize his goal of becoming a full-time firefighter until 2004, and he later received his paramedics license in 2007.
“Obtaining a paramedic license is strictly voluntary within the department and it requires a year of additional training with six months of the training done in Honolulu,” Smith said.
Smith, like most County firefighters, is in top shape. He often can be found on his days off running in various community footraces.
In March, Smith entered the Big Island International Marathon’s 5-kilometer race while pushing his two children, 3-year-old Noah and 1-year-old Emi, in a jogging stroller.
Even with the extra luggage, he ended up winning the race.
Smith’s athleticism goes back to when he was 10 and was introduced to youth soccer by his father. He continued into high school, playing soccer, and lacrosse and surfing.
“I didn’t actually start running until about 12 years ago,” Smith said.
To stay in shape for the rigors of his job, Smith runs four or five times a week while filling the rest of the week with swimming, surfing and weight training.
“I very rarely run competitively,” Smith said. “I typically run 5 miles four times a week and most of that is with either the single or double jogger.”
Smith started his stroller running when his first child was born as a way to lift some off the burden off his wife.
“I started running with my first born in order to get some exercise and to fit in his afternoon nap,” Smith said. “Mom would get a much needed-break, so it was a win-win for everyone.”
At age 38, Smith admits to being a die-hard oatmeal eater.
“The Fire Department as a whole is realizing the benefits of eating healthy as we choose to go with brown rice, salads and fruits and veggies for snacks.” he said.
The department applied for and received a federal grant to purchase free motion incline trainers and cable cross machines according to Smith.
“The equipment enables multiple firefighters who otherwise would not have worked out or walked, to work out simultaneously during their afternoon downtime,” Smith said. “We also have a Peer Fitness Training Program that encourages us to eat healthy and exercise.”
Smith believes that the ultimate goal of the Fire Department is to not only be in the best possible physical shape to better serve the community, but also to enjoy a long retirement.
He’s the first to tell you that running is not a competitive motivator, but a means to stay healthy.
“I’ve only done a few races and my favorite is the annual EMS Run/Walk,” he said. “Not only does it give the community and Fire Department personnel and family a great venue to ‘hang out,’ but it always benefits a good cause.”
Smith now has his sights on one day running his first marathon.
“I am currently reading a book called “Run Less, Run Faster” and would like to use the program to hopefully “complete my first marathon this year – the Honolulu Marathon,” he said.
Stationed at the Kawailani Fire Station, Smith admits that getting motivated to exercise isn’t always an easy thing.
“As with anything, some days I just don’t feel like doing it!” Smith said. “Even on those days, however, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I’m done with my workouts. I always sleep good at night after a good hard run.”
Smith is following in the footsteps of his father. His journey with the Hawaii County Fire Department and studying paramedic care lead to him meeting his wife, Kori.
“I am no longer running on the ambulance as a paramedic,” he said. “But I am able to provide paramedic care when I respond to calls on the fire engine because many times we will arrive on the scene first if all the nearby ambulances are on other calls.”
We, as a community, are all grateful for the expert care and the great shape that our County firefighters maintain. For Smith, it was the legacy that his father provided that led him here to the Big Island.
And someday should you happen to see a slow jogger passing through the streets of East Hawaii, remember to smile, say “woof” and never shy away from “Running with the Big Dog.”
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