Race Season

Not only does October bring great weather - it also brings a season of race events. Here's something that hopefully will provide a little inspiration as you complete your training and events.

I'll never forget the first time I saw someone with 2 prosthetic legs running. It was during my first ever 1/2 marathon. A combination of inspiration and guilt is probably the most accurate representation of my feelings. How could I complain about how my legs were feeling? Since then I've seen this same scenario at pretty much every 1/2 marathon and marathon I've done. The wheelchair athletes that compete in the Marine Corps Marathon are incredible!

The other night, I caught part of a special on ESPN, "The Body Issue." One of the stories was about Rudy Garcia-Tolson who is a double-amputee iron-man competitor. I was hoping his story would be included in the magazine but it's not. (Here's another article I found: http://blog.abilitymagazine.com/?p=722) One of the fascinating facts from this show (I hope I get this right...) - a double-amputee needs 280% more oxygen than someone with legs because of how the heart works differently pumping blood through their system. Also, when we walk or run and our foot hits the ground, we are helping circulate the blood through our system more efficiently - and this is another hurdle for amputees.

I am thankful to an amazing Creator for every breath I get to take and am inspired by those who do so much more with less.

Good luck to Debbie & Vinny who are running the Chicago Marathon this weekend! The weather forecast looks beautiful (not too cold like last year, or too hot like 3 years ago :)

Blessings,
Karen