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The first thing many folks ask me when hearing about my pursuit of handcycling is – what does it look like? Many envision I’m just trying to make my wheelchair fast, others think of wheelchair track. There are of course videos on my website I invite you to watch but here is a short description on UCI’s website: Click Here

First take a look at the 20 second video below, then read on….

 

That was me going down the escalator on my way to catch a flight. How did you react?

I’ve encountered many who have run after me, cheered me on and told me that I’ve made their day showing such independence. I’ve also seen the other side of people, who dash in front of me to prevent my impending doom and that of those around me. I assure you, I’ve been doing this all my life – to avoid exaggeration, likely 5,000 times. Of that 5,000 I’ve been without incident…..5,000 times. I’ll take those odds.

Same thing when I’m on my handcycle. I’ve experienced many people stopping their cars to cheer me on, take pictures, and encourage me. On the other hand, just yesterday on my 5am ride, I had somebody on the opposite side of the road, with no traffic around, roll down his window just to say “F#@# You!” I have also been the recipient of somebody’s garbage dump.

How do you react?

#training #blogging #tokyo2020 #paracycling #paralympics #olympics #cycling #teamusa #follow #like4like #fitness #health

The old phrase that practice makes PERFECT can get you into a lot of trouble. During the national championships this year I did well but made some mistakes that I’m learning from after asking for feedback from multiple sources. One of the mistakes that cost me crucial time was something I was practicing incorrectly during training. That practice made it PERMANENT and I carried it through to the competition. I’m adjusting based on solicited feedback and excited to implement what I’m now practicing to make permanent. Just because you work hard at something and spend a lot of hours training yourself doesn’t mean you are going to do it right!

 

#training #blogging #tokyo2020 #paracycling #paralympics #olympics #cycling #teamusa #cyclist

Up at five am today to do a training session that included 2 sets of 20 minutes at threshold pace. These are more mentally challenging than physical as not too long into the second set my body tells me to “QUIT NOW, you can’t do this any longer!” I will admit that I fell for that lie three weeks ago but have completed each workout since! Visualizing success is the key – your mind can over come so many physical challenges we come across.

#training #blogging #tokyo2020 #paracycling #paralympics #olympics #cycling #teamusa #follow #like4like #fitness #health