DANIEL TYLER GOODEN

PHOTO: WHAT A WAY TO SIGHTSEE , says Canadian visitor John Derrick, as he heads along Airline Highway towards Luling. It’s a long way from Montreal but Derrick is having the time of his life. At left, Derrick stands with Julie Gauthier, who follows behind at 20 miles per hour across the country. The two are raising money for youth programs organized by the Anthony Robbins Foundation. (Staff Photo by Daniel Tyler Gooden) LAPLACE – John Derrick has been on the road a long time, and just reached LaPlace on Thursday. He’s traveled from Montreal to Vancouver to San Francisco and now he’s on his way to South Beach Miami, and that has taken him since June 21, 2000. Of course it would take anybody at least that long, especially on in-line skates. Sponsored by the Anthony Robbins Foundation, Derrick has been skating to raise money for the foundation. His little red car, driven by Julie Gauthier, is plastered with sponsorship stickers and follows him slowly along the long trip. For Derrick, this trip is just a small leg in the journey to better himself. “I used to be 231 pounds. I smoked and drank alcohol and finally asked God why I didn’t have the energy I did as a kid,” said Derrick. Tired of ups and downs, he searched for a way to improve himself. He studied a torrent of books on self improvement, Chinese and eastern philosophy, anything to help him regain the energy and drive of youth. Changing his diet, quitting cigarettes and alcohol, regained his energy and getting in shape continued the progress. The search for improvement starts farther in the past then his decision to get healthy. “I used to be homeless, and I remember as a child people telling me I could never be anything in life,” said Derrick. The words of one kind man stuck with him, though. “He said you have eyes and ears just like anybody else; you can do anything they can,” Derrick remembered. Regaining his health was not enough for Derrick. With a chance to help out the youth involved in the foundation’s youth leadership programs, he set out on his journey. “I was inspired to tell people about feeling good,” said Derrick. Not looking for a skating record, Derrick takes his time on the trip, often stopping to speak in schools or in seminars or just to people he meets. Derrick skates about 35 miles a day, traveling about 20 miles per hour. “I wanted to master my health,” said Derrick. Skating gives him plenty of time to do that. Derrick has fine tuned his exercise. He listens to classical music to help him stay calm and focused. “I used to listen to dance music and techno, but it made you to aggressive,” said Derrick. The hard music, mixing in with the sound of passing semi-trucks and cars, kept him from being calm and focused. After hearing about the uses of classical music for relaxation, Derrick tried it out and found that it worked. “Now I find myself in tune with what is around me. My senses have increased with being healthy, and I’m focused on what I’m doing,” said Derrick. Focus is important while skating along a dangerous shoulder. Once already Derrick has fallen, almost losing his ear, and needing six stitches above his eye. Gauthier has been a really good backup, said Derrick. At first she didn’t believe, but she has learned to have faith and believe in perseverance, said Derrick. She’s amazed at how far they have come and the effect of the trip, the diet and the mindset Derrick is using. “He has so much energy now. He could skate all day if he wanted,” said Gauthier. After he reaches Miami Derrick intends to return to Canada and teach what he has learned about staying healthy and the truth that anyone can achieve what they put their mind to. The money from his foundation sponsorship will go to its Discovery Camp, which recognizes that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, said Fran Deblase, public relations director for the foundation. Contact Derrick or Gauthier to follow their progress or help out at paceaction@hotmail.com.