My Accident Anniversary

Today I raced. Not very fast, mind you, but that’s not the point. The point is that nine years ago I was face-to-face with a car and in an instant my life changed. I never thought when I headed out on that ride, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon that it would be the last bike ride I ever took. Looking back it’s been a long journey, but sometimes also seems like yesterday. Thanks to adaptive sports, great organizations like the Challenged Athletes Foundation (www.challengedathletes.org) and the help of my wonderful support crew of mentors, coaches and cheerleaders, I have made it through the darkest days of my life to where I am now…still pedaling and loving every minute. When I think of the fact that I could have lost my life that day or been in much worse condition than I was, I am thankful every time I pull up to the start line. Not every race can be a personal best, sometimes I even get mad and pout about the outcome at the finish line, but deep inside I know I am fortunate to be able to do what I do.

Next week I get to represent my country at the duathlon world championships and I can’t wait. Not only do I want to show my athletic abilities but to show that there is such a thing as a major comeback and I know that no matter how I do, I really have won the biggest race of my life just by making it to the finish line!