By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Kyle Olasin, the founder of positive-thinking movement Mind.Set.Go., is putting together the organization’s first event, “Going the Extra Mile for ALS.”
The 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk/Run will take place on Nov. 16 at the St. John Parish Park on U.S. Highway 51 in LaPlace to benefit the Team Gleason Foundation. Potential participants may wonder what sets this race apart from any other 5K out there.
“We don’t just stop after the 3.2-mile run. We will literally go the extra mile by having a voluntary extra mile to test your mind, because going the extra mile in life can make a huge difference in the long run. Whether you want to use that extra mile as a cool down or try to set a personal best, the main key is to just finish,” said Olasin. “LSU and Tulane don’t play on this date, so joining us is your next best bet.”
Olasin said participants will have “no excuses,” since here is more than a month to prepare. The young founder recently completed a 270-mile cycling trip called the Tri-State Trek to raise awareness and financial support for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis research, as a member of Team Good Folks, partnered with the Gleason Initiative Foundation—Olasin participated in the three-day ride from Newton, Mass., to Greenwich, Conn., with no previous long-distance biking experience.
Early registration for “Going the Extra Mile for ALS” ends on Nov. 1. Each participant who registers before the early deadline will receive a “goodie bag” and a race T-shirt. The post-race celebration will feature food, drinks and and entertainment. All contestants that finish “The Extra Mile” will be entered to win door prizes, which will be given out after the race.
“It’s the effort of everyone as a team that will make this event a positive success for all involved, so we highly encourage, welcome and thank each person who becomes involved with this. This event is for everyone, both individuals and families alike. We hope to offer a fun environment all while helping to support a great cause. Give your best, and we will take care of the rest,” said Olasin.
Registration forms can be found in LaPlace at Snap Fitness, Frostop, Geaux for the Gold, Shawn’s One Stop Nutrition and French Riviera Fitness. Participants can also register online at mindsetgo5k.eventbrite.com. For more information, check the Mind.Set.Go Facebook page at facebook.com/Mindsetgo. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for anyone interested by contacting Olasin at kmolasin@gmail.com or 504-390-0014.