Being unable to drive, transportation is one of the large hurdles in my athletic life. While I have many (family friend, guides) that will help at times, there’s still a HUGE transportation cost each year.
As such, I am extremely grateful to Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) for their continued support. For many years, their grant has helped ensure that I can get to training sessions and continue pursuing my goals.
As things continue to open up, I look forward to making the most of this grant in 2021!
For months, everyone was talking about getting back to normalcy. But for the most part, it wasn’t really happening — people were just on the sidelines. Thankfully, Coach Joe offered an opportunity to change that. And from what I remember, was the first of RDs to start moving things forward to true normalcy.
In 2020, the March ET Indoor Triathlon was the last in-person Tri that I did. For 2021, it was a great place to pick things back up. While I didn’t have one of my normal guides in place, my parents helped to ensure that I could make it through things safely and properly.
The swim went along the same lines as it had a year prior. However, things weren’t the same with the bike or run. As I’ve struggled with guides and focus to be on the indoor trainer, the bike was about 2 miles less. I am also sure that I lost speed at points as I tried to keep it going after 15-20 min. With the run, it was a ‘standard’ treadmill run for the first 3/4 of a mile — meaning not fun. After that point my left back tightened up and I had to go to a mostly walk for the remainder.
Even though it wasn’t on par with 2020, it was still so great to be back in Lisle. I am extremely grateful to Coach Joe for putting the even together while so many were still on the sidelines.
Also, to help with the treadmill issues, I am currently on the search for one. If you have one or know someone that has one and would be willing to donate it, I’d be happy to give it a great home! 🙂
