Man I bet that Hurts!

So Thursday nite I got a lovely surprise. I was taking off my socks to get in the shower, and I was greeted by a lovely Black and Purple Big Toe. Somehow that day I had managed to break my big toe. I did notice that my foot/toe was kinda hurting that day but I figured it was just nerve pains. Most all of you are aware of my accident 10 yrs ago. Well it's really hard to explain what it "feels like to be paralyzed". The closest thing I can describe it as is when you have put your hand or arm totally to sleep and that tingling sensation that is almost painful when it is getting it's feeling back. That is how my feet have felt 24/7/365 for the last 10 yrs. That being said.... what a blessing it is to break a toe and hardly feel it at all. I have broken about 3-4 toes since my accident. This time and one other are the only times I wasn't aware I had probably broken it. I remember tripping and jamming my foot into a door facing... I assume that is when I did it. My neurological osteoporosis doesn't help the situation, but we are working on that.



(not my foot)

My New Years Resolution is to try not to break any bones this year and get these 3 screws out of my leg from the last break!

Wanna Race?

Last Saturday morning Dec 2nd.... It was about 26 degrees and I was sweating like crazy. I participated in the St Jude / Grizzly House 5K. I started training about 2 months prior since I haven't used my chair that much over the past few years, except around the house. I was pretty nervous getting down there since I have never been in a race before. I got a 5 min start on the runners, which didn't make that much of a difference. It was pretty cool they gave me my own count down and the Mascot for the Memphis Grizzlies was out there. I was the only wheelchair for the 5K race.
There where a few that did the Half Marathon, but they had the nice racing chairs.

About 5 mins into the course I picked up 2 motorcycle cops that flanked me the whole way. That was really neat. I shot the bull with them in between sucking in air. The hills of downtown Memphis gave me a good challenge... but catching those down hills were alot of fun. All in all it was tough... I was tired afterwards... sore the next day..... but I had such a blast. I would like to get a racing chair and someday build up to a full marathon, but that will be down the road if at all. I do think regardless of anything I would like to atleast do this 5K every year. It is for a GREAT cause.www.memphismarathon.com I am trying to decide if i would like to tackle the Little Rock 5K in March. I have a feeling the hills will be worse there!... I'll keep you updated.

Enjoy the pics.....

Approaching the finishline


Almost there....


Crossing the line.....


Cooling off and tired....


My GOLD medal.... ha ha


The chair I would like someday....