44:22

As you might guess from my title I finished my latest 5K in 44:22. That is about 4 mins quicker than my 1st Race back in Dec. There was some good hills over there in Little Rock. There was one BIG hill that was pretty tough, but on the flip side I made up alot of time flying down it. Hopefully next year I can try for the Half Marathon or Half Marathon Relay and see some of you guys working the water stops on that side.

Once again I was the only wheelchair in the 5K. Let me get on my soapbox for just a minute. I know everyone means well.... but I wouldn't pay and enter a race if I didn't think I could do it. I have plently of people who passed me. I was 155/191 for the men and 356/534 overall for the race. I know I'm not winning this thing. But the whole race I have people telling me "You're doing great" and "You're awesome keep it up". Like I said I know they mean well but it just makes me feel like it is all in pity. I don't want anyone's pity. NO I dont want anyone to PUSH me. If you entered a race would you let someone carry you? NO! All I want (and most people who are in a chair would probably agree) is to be treated the same as you would an able-body person. Think about that the next time you see someone in a wheelchair.

I am trying to find my next race... So as soon as I decide on it I'll be back to the training. I think I'll take a couple weeks off.

Headed West

I'm headed west this weekend to Little Rock. Time for another 5k race. I had my 1st 5k Race back in Dec at the St Jude 5K in downtown Memphis. The weather hasn't been my friend lately which has made it hard to train. I am hoping for another 45-50 min finish. I'll hopefully have some pics from this one as well. I'm looking forward to the good challenges that the hills of downtown Little Rock will give me. ha ha... After this one ... we'll see about working on getting that fancy racing chair. If any one's company would like to be one of my corporate sponsors let me know!

Later

I Got New Legs!!

I know sounds funny... but it's the truth. Without my leg braces I would be forced to be in my wheelchair permanently. I have had the same braces for over 6 years now. Supposedly I can get new ones every 3 years, but if I don't "need" them I'm not going thru the drama with the insurance to get them.

It is actually pretty cool how they make them. They cast both my my legs from the knee down then cut the cast off and use that as the template for the braces. Seeing as how this is a "not one size fits all" option... they tend to run over 1000.00 per leg. I guess with all the drama with the insurance I'm coming out on the better end having to shell out the 700.00 for them. I have a 500.00 deductible and then another 200.00 "external appliance deductible". WHAT?? a separate deductible for that? They will find anyway to get a dime out of your pocket.

Chad I don't know how you live with yourself sometimes... ha ha ha ha We pay for a service in case we ever need it. Then when we need it we have to pay to use the service that we have already been paying for. And when you do have to use it you are scared to because they might raise your rates. So you end up paying out of pocket to not use the insurance you are paying for just so you can afford to keep your insurance that you are paying for. OK... that was my soapbox for the month.

Well since I am all paid up on my deducible for the year. I think it's time for a new wheelchair.... mine is 10 yrs old... well past it's prime.

Which one? Sporty? or All Terrain?

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....