My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Running. Retinitis Pigmentosa.

As I mentioned in an earlier post - the training for the marathon is back on!  I registered for the Top of Utah Marathon with two of my friends.  They are incredible.  We will all run the full marathon and they will take turns being my guide.  Natalie will join for the last stint and give us a boost and be my guide.  So cool.  I returned from vacation not in shape, but recognize this is such an opportunity to be able to run a marathon with some great friends.  Our long run yesterday was 15 miles. The longest I have ever run is 4 - 1/2 marathons, 13.1 so this is new terrain!

I went into the store to buy some new running shoes.   When he found out I was preparing for a marathon he said -- Good Luck.  You are going to discover things about yourself in new ways.  I'm excited and a little nervous :).

How does a runner, who is blind, run?  I prefer to use a tether, which is a 12-inch rope with a loop that my partner puts around their arm and then I hold on to the other end.  By holding on to this, I can feel their movement and follow their lead.  My friend, Shannon, made it and  I love it.  I also wear a vest that indicates - blind athlete. I was just reading a quote that exercise helps us clean out the cobwebs in our brain ... can't remember it completely, obviously there are still cobwebs, but I do love how I find clarity in a situation when I am running.    





5 comments:

pattib said...

While I've never run blind, I have completed 3 marathons. Your running shoe salesman is right--there is nothing quite like the condensed, intense experience of the marathon! I highly recommend it, and look forward to reading about it from your perspective. Enjoy!

GOOSE said...

Hey my MOM's friend Marty (she is my friend too) is running that same marathon. She is a crazy marathon and triathlon woman. She can hardly contain herself when it comes to running.
Blessings,
Goose

Anonymous said...

I am so impressed with your desire to live life with energy and excitement. Honestly, there are those with perfect vision who don't experience life the way you do. Kudos my friend!

Unknown said...

You are so inspiring to me in so many ways...as a puppy raiser and as a beginning runner! Hitting 3 miles is something I had dreamed about, and now I'm running 5. It's amazing! Thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration!

3 labs 4 me said...

You are amazing is so many ways, but running a MARATHON, that puts you over the top in my book!
Becky Andrews you Rock!