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Reprinted From the The Wilmington News-Journal

GET FIT

by Jennifer Van Allen

John Horne had his right leg amputated below the knee when he was 15 because of Ewing's sarcoma -- a cancerous bone tumor. But he has never let it stop him from being active.

He's gone skiing, bungee-jumping and skydiving. He even once bicycled from Claymont to Rehoboth Beach.

For Horne, 32, the enduring importance of being active is what it is for any athlete: striving to achieve any goal you set.

"It's about realizing that the biggest limit is within," says Horne, owner of Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics Inc. in Newark.

Horne is now training for the Newark Main Street Mile, a one-mile run scheduled for Oct. 20. Despite his athletic experience, Horne has had to spend a lot of time, energy and thought preparing his body -- and mind -- for the race.

What prompted you to get involved in sports?

"When I was young, I learned how to ski at Jack Frost Big Boulder Pocono Resort. It was really eye-opening. I met people like Sarah Reinertsen (the first woman to compete at the Hawaii Ironman World Championship with a prosthesis) and Paddy Rossbach (now president of the Amputee Coalition of America) and people who were running marathons. And I learned that limits are really reserved to each individual."

Why is it important for you to stay active?

"For me, beyond just staying healthy, it's important to achieve anything despite limits. I want to give people a real example of what they can do for themselves. Ultimately, they don't have to run a mile; maybe it's just transitioning out of a wheelchair, getting out of the house, driving their own vehicle or just maintaining their lifestyle. The level of independence and potential activity level is going to be different for everybody. "

What is your training regimen like for the race?

"Right now, I'm running about three days a week and will probably go up to four days a week soon, as we continue tweaking the prosthetic. I've been training at Fusion Fitness Center (in Newark), working with weights, doing cardiovascular work and running on a treadmill to build my endurance. I've never really been a runner, and I don't know that I'd just take up running as a sport, but I'm inspired by the challenge of doing the race."

"Working with a trainer has provided a lot of good support. Without someone there teaching me, motivating me and encouraging me, it would be a little daunting."

What kind of unique issues are there to working out with a prosthetic?

"A well-fitting socket is important to ensure comfort and reduce possible bone or skin problems. And the alignment of the socket and foot are done to mimic anatomical function and reduce stress and strain to the limb. The foot placement on a prosthesis is going to be different for running than it would be for just walking."

When you're walking, the prosthetic alignment is important to ensure a proper heel-to-toe gait for safety, balance and a natural walking posture. For running, heel-to-toe gait is not as important, because the faster you run, the more likely it is that you will not have a heel contact at all. "As a result, a running prosthesis has the foot set farther back on the socket to allow the mid-foot and forefoot to hit the ground first for maximum energy return."

What would you recommend to others who have a prosthetic about getting fit?

"Consult with your doctor or physical therapist first. With technology as it is at this point, there are not a lot of limits. Whether you want to run, cycle, golf or do anything else, there are all sorts of options. The most important thing is to configure the right-fitting socket."

"Outside of that, it's going to depend on your own physical endurance and training. I'd also recommend getting in touch with the Amputee Support Group of Delaware and the Amputee Coalition of America.

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