Before my injury I was a runner as well as long distance bike rider. I found solice in my runs and would use my running as a way of relaxing. I was also an avid golfer, using the driving range to slam away frustration. I was anything but a jock but I took pleasure in the sports I participated in.
After I was injured, not being able to run or bike really got to me so I distanced myself from all aspects of those activities. I simply erased it from my mind. For awhile I could golf but a severe arm injury ended that. I missed being able to walk the course but loved challenging myself to hit the golf balls as straight and as far as I could.
Fourteen years passed before tried any disabled sports. My first effort was the NYC Marathon on a handcycle.......in hindsight a crazy and huge first attempt but one I will always remember. In 2007 I completed NYC on the handcycle.
Amazing thing about the handcycling, I felt that I was alive again, it gave me a rush I had not felt in years. The first time I ripped down our street and pulled up to the house, my husband said he had not seen me so happy in years. I wonder why I waited so long to jump back in.
Handcycling lead to adaptive skiing, bi-skiing in PA. I had never skiied before but was addicted. Lack of snow has kept me off the slopes but I am hopefull about this winter. My frustration is the difficulty in locating other disabled athelete.
Anyone else participate in disabled sports? Whats your story?
Thank you,
Every day I wake up is a good one.
phf 59-08
