Looking back on this past year really does shock me. I can't believe how far I have come since my journey in the hospital. In my interviews, I speak of my hospital experience as a nightmare. We went through weekly surgeries, daily wound care changes, and more. And back then, my spirits were at an all time low. My body went through some unbelievable changes with the obvious amputations but also, weight and hair loss. I almost didn't recognize myself, but I knew that I was still the same person. But sure enough we pulled through. I knew (maybe with a little bit of encouragement) it was only going to get better, but no one knew what kind of a new adventure I was about to begin.
After the livestrong challenge I knew that cycling was something I wanted to pursue. So my trainer, Sean Ahmadi, and I kept going with our work out regiment. Sean has been with me since the beginnig, which was only last summer. But this past summer, new opportunities were given to us. My prosthetic company, OPT got me out to Oklahoma for my first time trail. I was fully confident that I was going to do well, until I saw the course. I described the hills like roller-coasters. No one expected Oklahoma to be so hilly. The road was consistent with hill after hill routine. But sure enough I accomplished it and I felt like a million bucks. In fact, here's a video clip. http://www.opttexas.com/index.php/multimedia/video I believe I'm the third video.
But also when we were there, we also met a few people involved with the paralympic committee based in Colorado Springs. They were intrigued and thought that maybe I have a really good chance in succeeding, because I am a rare category. Let me explain... The biggest group are men, with one leg. I'm a girl, with two legs, both my hands are impaired, and I ride a regular upright bicycle (versus recumbent bikes). So they were excited that I was interested in the sport, and almost immediately asked me what I was doing in two weeks because the US national cycling time trail would be taking place in Georgia and they wanted me to go. So I said yes! ha ha... Then before we knew it, we were in Augusta, GA competing with such a huge and dynamic group of people. It was amazing. The ride was spectacular, and started out on the Thurmond Lake Dam at the border of Georgia and South Carolina. What a unique opportunity, and I am so grateful to participate in this role. When the race was over, I didn't know how well I did (considering it was pouring rain the whole time) but I came out on top and won gold in my division. So I currently stand as a US national cycling champion. This is something that will stay with me forever, and not that many people get this chance. People work hard for a long time, and still don't achieve what I have. I am blessed. I can't believe any of this, but I will definitely sit and enjoy the ride. No pun intended...
Other than that I am also looking forward to the next livestrong challenge in October, but this year I will be doing 20 miles (instead of last year's 12 miles). I'm excited to participate in that but I will also endure the challenged athlete triathlon in La Jolla, California where I will ride 44 miles. The most yet, and it makes me very nervous. Even though, I'm slightly scared, I know I will succeeded and I can't wait to have the feeling of accomplishment.
It's been a crazy journey and I can't believe how far I have come. In my interviews I like to comment, " in 2008 I got sick, in 2009 I learned how to walk, in 2010 I got on a bike, in 2011 I am a nationally acclaimed cyclist, and hopefully in 2012 I can be a world champion." Wow. Look at what my life has turned to. Unbelievable.
