10,000 24-Hour: Exercise Science major plans personal challenge

June 20, 2018

An article from the Summer 2018 Issue of the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Newsletter

With a major in Exercise Science, Rumen Hulmequist is challenging himself to achieve new feats of strength and endurance, by preparing for a motivational fitness event he has created and planned for fall 2018. Named “10,000 24-Hour,” the event is a type of biathlon that will consist of a fitness course to be completed within 24 hours, including 10,000 exercise reps and a 10-mile swim.

Hulmequist is training for the event with support from faculty at his alma mater and assistance from faculty at the university where he is now enrolled. He graduated from Anoka-Ramsey Community College with an Associate of Science in Exercise Science, and transferred to Southwest Minnesota State University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science on the Coon Rapids Campus.

Originally from Bulgaria, Hulmequist was adopted by his American parents as a young child through Lutheran Social Services. He understands that youth in developing countries don’t always get the opportunity to go to school, let alone college, and he carries gratitude and optimism with him everywhere he goes.

“I am really blessed. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I want to find a way to give back to the community,” said Hulmequist. He finds strength in his adoptive family and his Christian faith. “My parents instilled in me a sense of purpose, and they taught me that it’s important to serve others. So, I want to pay it forward.”

The event, “10,000 24-Hour,” is slated for 10 am, Friday, Sept. 7, at the YMCA in Marshall, Minn., and the public is encouraged to attend. Hulmequist will complete a fitness course with a combined 10,000 push-ups, leg raises and jumping jacks, alternating with 10 miles of swimming. His goal is to raise awareness for cross-cultural adoption. He plans to fund-raise and donate $10,000 to Lutheran Social Services in order to help children in need, children who seek an adoptive family, and children who lack the nutrition and basic resources they need for development.

“Life is not about how much you have or about how much you don’t have,” said Hulmequist. “It’s about striving in the process of life with the things you do have, because you’re already thankful.”

Active on social media, Hulmequist is also developing his skills in coaching and public speaking. He publishes inspirational videos for his classmates and peers every Wednesday, sharing messages of encouragement and perseverance on Facebook as outreach to the college community. He dreams of becoming a motivational speaker and inspiring community college students to think big.

“To be an inspiration to others, you have to be unique, impactful and relatable,” said Hulmequist.

To watch videos or learn more, visit the Rumen Hulmequist-Motivation page at Facebook.com/RumenMEPO.

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