GENESEO — Inspired to pursue wellness after a DWI driver struck him while on patrol in Geneseo, Officer Raymond Goulet has now completed his third marathon and over six obstacle course challenges including the ‘Gran Daddy’ of them all, the Spartan Killington Beast.
Officer Goulet, who is called Rhino by his kids, recently returned from Washington D.C. for his third marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon. Since his accident, he has lost 100lbs and went from size 42 waist to size 32.
“My accident was a close call, and it really got me thinking about my life,” said Goulet, who was stuck head-on by the drunk driver at the Doty curve while on duty. “It made me think that life is short and I needed to do something different with myself. I want to be something that my kids can be proud of and look up to, so I knew I needed to make some changes.”
At the time of his accident, Officer Goulet weighed over 300lbs and struggled to run 400 yards. He started his training slowly to avoid injury, and signed up for his first 5k race in Warsaw the Tiger Trot.
Officer Goulet’s next race was another 5k, the Memorial Flight 3407, where he ran along side families of people that died in the plane crash.
Officer Goulet stated that as a result of his weight loss he has happily had to buy uniforms that fit and is grateful to his wife kids for all of their support.
“You learn it’s more then just a race,” said Officer Goulet, who has been a Geneseo Police Officer for 11 years. “You’re running alongside people crying thinking of those they lost.”
The motivation to be healthy continues for Officer Goulet, who is now setting his sights on a triathlon and has added swimming to his regiment which also includes power lifting.
“At the Marine Corps Marathon there were guys running with no legs at all on blades,” said Officer Goulet. “When you look at someone running with prosthetic legs you appreciate what you have.”
