By Amy Saffell

Team Amy looking good at the start! - with Becky Richardson and Amy Saffell

 In an article I wrote at the beginning of the year (Achilles International: Where Everyone Can Run http://www.mobilewomen.org/2012/12/achilles-international-where-everyone.html) I talked about getting ready to train for my first half marathon. I am proud to say that a few weeks ago, I crossed that finish line! 

 

The Country Music Marathon was cold and rainy, the worst weather that the race had seen in quite some time. The rain didn't quit the entire time, but neither did my team. Even with gloves, my hands slipped on my wheels at times, and I didn't have the finishing time that I would be capable of on a dry day, but I got into the race to begin with to have a fun adventure, and that's exactly what I had! The rain didn't dampen our spirits, and we had a blast being part of such a big race with so many cheering spectators. It took me about 3 hours to finish it, a far cry from what seasoned wheelchair racers usually finish in, but that's what I love about Achilles. Everyone is encouraged to do their best without comparing themselves to someone else. The weather didn't allow me to have my best day, but I know I'll do better next time.

 

Dick Traum, the founder of Achilles International, came to race with us, and it was awesome to have him there for our chapter's first big marathon. My 2 friends and I who ran together are already talking about running it again next year, and I'm looking towards doing another half marathon this fall to get another shot at a dry race that I can finish a little quicker. I proudly display a 13.1 sticker on the back of my car and look forward to my future race experiences!

 

For more information on racing, visit Achilles International.

 

Columnist Amy Saffell lives in Nashville, TN and works in the music industry. She enjoys spending time with friends, concerts, and volunteering for a local youth wheelchair sports and independence group. 

 

 

Spring Has Sprung…Let’s Talk Food & Fitness!

By Bethany A. Hoppe 

Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner.  For many women that calls attention to the dreaded swimsuit season.  For this woman, it calls attention to the dreaded swimsuit season.

Let’s face it…we all have different bodies, anyway.  And when you really think about it, no one body is exactly alike – this goes for all women, whether they walk or roll.  Statistics say that the models modeling the swimsuits and their accompanying standards make up only 2% of the population.  

Let’s get realistic about a few things.  Women are literally dying to fit into that two percent.  Basically, otherwise healthy ladies are damaging themselves to fit a hyped standard.  Women who roll can’t afford to dilute themselves.  In fact, we actually have to pay closer attention to our total health and well being more than our standing peers.  

Guess what?

In the long run…that puts us ahead of the game if we play our cards right.

Throughout the summer, I will be writing a series of articles that focus on health, exercise, and most particularly a diet that enhances the specialized needs women with disabilities need to consider.  

What is a Girl to Wear?

By Wendy Crawford

 

I somehow manage each morning to dress, after much thought about my outfit for the day. As a quadriplegic, multiple wardrobe changes isn’t always realistic nor an option, so your outfit must work in all temperatures and from day to evening. This is not an easy feat at the best of times and as of late, given the crazy weather here in the northeast, almost impossible!

Temperatures can fluctuate 30 degrees in one day so what is a girl to wear? Now is the time to put away the puffy coats and clunky boots and blossom while still being practical.  There are so many options this year so with some smart layering, chic AND practical is possible.

Start off with a basic T shirt that can stand alone, if you shed the top layers. If the forecast is slightly chilly, wear a long sleeve but if it looks like it could get really warm, wear a short sleeve or tank. Cotton T shirts are great but now there are also new fabrics like blends, modal or even bamboo that are silky soft which make it easier to slide a sweater over and aren’t bulky at all. Pick a bright colored cardigan or pullover that’s easy to remove if you start feeling warm.