By Amy Saffell
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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.
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