Ashley Heath waits to start the swim portion

CAF Florida joined DRC Sports for the AmeliaMan and Atlantic Coast Triathlons on October 16. Two of our athletes, Ashley and James Heath, were both named to the DRC Sports’ 12-person triathlon team, Team Inspire.  Team Inspire consists of a group of athletes whose purpose is to spread an attitude of optimism and determination through encouraging others to be their greatest selves.  James and Ashley are using their new roles on Team Inspire to share their own experiences of competing in handcycles and spread the mission of CAF.

Ashley poses with her friends that came out to support her

Ashley participated in the AmeliaMan Sprint Triathlon where she finished in 1 hour and 39 minutes , cutting over 17 minutes off her time from her last triathlon on this same course only two months ago. In addition, she placed 24^th overall in the women’s division. Ashley was also thrilled to have some her friends out to support ‘Team Heath’ where they donned themselves in shirts with Heath candy bars adorned on the back.

Team Heath! Ashley's friends cheered her on complete with custom shirts

James gets ready for his ride with a little help from DRC staffer

James completed the bike portion of the half-iron distance Atlantic Coast Triathlon (ACT) on his handcycle.  Despite receiving two flat tires, James was able to complete the 56-mile bike route against some grueling head winds.  His determination despite adversity is what James and CAF is all about.

Mark Dobersch of Lakeland represented CAF as he competed in the half-iron distance ACT.  Mark faced a difficult current on the swim, a flat tire and tough head winds on the bike, but finished first in the physically challenged division with a time of 7 hour and 34 minutes. Way to go Mark!

Mark before the start of his ride

Lin Dolan also participated in the ACT half-iron distance.  While she lost seven minutes on the swim due to the current, Lin was determined to pick up some time on the bike. Unfortunately, all the athletes found the head winds on the bike portion of the triathlon to be a struggle.  Lin missed the cut-off for the run by only a few minutes. DRC was so nice and offered to let Lin finish the triathlon, but she decided to take ques from her body and as always, ended the race with a positive attitude and determined to come back and try the race again. We are always encouraged by Lin’s determination, athletism and commitment to a sport she loves.

CAF athlete Lin Dolen is an inspiration to all of us

Overall, it was a great weekend for CAF and all our athletes. The Challenged Athletes Foundation and DRC Sports will be announcing some new perks for the 2012 Triathlon season.  We will keep you posted as we continue to grow this partnership.

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Courage. Perseverance. Gratitude. Goals. Opportunity. Hope. Redemption. Drive.

These are all things we wish we had on a daily basis, right? Imagine if they came with a price so expensive you had to conquer them every moment. They could not be ramped up with training volume and then taken like a recovery day. I would like to think that if something happened to me, if I was hit by a truck while on a training ride or racing like Jim MacLaren, and became a quadriplegic, that I could continue on my “merry” way as an athlete. But, the truth is, the incredible courage that this takes as a person AND an athlete is hard to define. It is found in less than half of our able-bodied athletes! The thing I love most about the Challenged Athletes Foundation(R) (CAF) is the gift of HOPE it unearths: undying, never-ending HOPE to even the most hopeless of causes. If we can only get one challenged athlete out the door and onto he or she’s “playing field” of choice, an entire lifetime may be saved. Doors will be opened—goals achieved and surpassed.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation grew out of a desire to assist one athlete: Jim MacLaren (YouTube – A Tribute to Jim MacLaren‏), an extremely fast (10:42 at Kona!), single-leg Ironman amputee who suffered a devastating second accident while competing in a triathlon. His many friends quickly decided to raise funds for his recovery, and organized the first San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC)—an annual fundraising triathlon event at La Jolla Cove. From this modest beginning arose a more important mission—to make sure that people with physical challenges have the same freedom to enjoy sports as everyone else.

Since 1994, CAF has raised more than $28 million dollars—allowing the Foundation to satisfy over 4,500 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries. More than eighty cents of every dollar raised by CAF provides funding and programs that get challenged athletes into the game. Whether it is a $2,500 hand cycle, helping to underwrite an Ossur carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance ($22,500 in cost), or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar injury, CAF’s mission is clear: Give those with the desire to live active, competitive lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. At the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, 46 of the participating U.S. athletes (21 percent) were supported by CAF.

According to the U.S. Paralympics Committee, there are 21 million individuals living with a disability in the United States today. Only one in 10 takes part in fitness activities on a daily basis. A major impediment is cost. Equipment that allows these individuals to engage in active lifestyles is very expensive—in fact, for many, it is cost-prohibitive. Beyond adaptive equipment, like sports chairs, mono skis, and sports prosthetics, competition expenses can make moving to the “next level” of athletic performance an insurmountable barrier for many challenged athletes. Funding provided by CAF helps make it possible for more physically challenged people to gain access to this equipment and to the self-esteem that comes from participation in sports. To ensure these needs are met in perpetuity, CAF has worked hard over its first decade to build and grow an endowment fund that will continue to assist physically challenged athletes indefinitely. Please take a close look at the attached spreadsheet showing the allocation of grants and distribution of funds.

In addition, delve into the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s diverse programs such as ‘Access for Athletes’ in place for grant allocation, and ‘Catch a Rising Star’, which puts on clinics, races and pairs mentors with challenged athletes. Also, ‘Operation Rebound’ provides grants for equipment, training and travel for those military individuals who seek to move beyond becoming merely active again to retaining higher levels of competition in their chosen sports. It offers a structured physical training program for active-duty service members recovering from permanent physical injuries at military medical centers, and clinics designed to introduce beginner athletes to various sports such as bicycling, hand cycling, running, swimming, basketball, etc. All of these can be found in detail at www.challengedathletes.org.

For me, it is a pleasure to race alongside these heroes. Following only three years of seeing them on our “battlefield”, I knew I had to get involved. They are allowed no special dispensation with the swim start, and begin in the melee with the rest of us. Believe me, I’ve had an all-out, knock-down, drag-out fight with someone only to realize he or she was missing a leg. Or two. Embarrassingly enough, I have almost knocked someone down trying to get to his wheelchair while crawling. And he wasn’t angry. He was in the fight. He wanted to brawl. When I am feeling sorry for myself, it never fails that I come across someone less fortunate than me—and I feel terrible. Two weeks ago in France, an athlete missing his right leg motored up the mountain past me. He didn’t have any adaptive equipment! Literally, he was an above-the-knee amputee, and he just passed me going 20mph+—leg swinging in the breeze seemingly without a care in world.

I’ve heard it said that what I am doing is difficult and in some ways heroic. Honestly, if you spent ANY time following one of these athletes, you would see that three Ironman events in three weeks is a walk in the park for any one of them. “Heroic” is built into the daily fabric of their being, and they alone can tell you what it means to be so.

YouTube – Transformational Moments – Challenged Athletes Foundation‏

The two joined together to give back at Winter’s Family Beach Fest, a family-friendly 5k, 15k and 1 mile races and activity filled weekend that supported the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Cody meets Winter for the first time

Friday night carnival

Friday was more than just your average packet pick-up. Parents brought the whole family out to participate in some of our unique offerings including free kids dashes, face painting, a chance to touch Winter’s prosthetic tail and meet its creator, enjoy a nice frozen snow cone and chow down on some pizza. Local environmental groups were also present and set-up just like they are in the upcoming movie “Dolphin Tale”.

Cody gets his face painted at the carnival on Friday

The kids had fun on their dashes

Ready, Set, Go!

Saturday morning started early with volunteers graciously arriving at 5:30am to ensure that the race went smoothly. We offered some really great perks to participants to ensure they were happy including a trolley service, free admission into the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, bag check-in and lots of volunteers everywhere answering any questions that anyone may have.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to meet Cody, you know that he is not shy. He took control of the opening ceremonies and even got the crowd started by singing the “Star Spangled Banner”. Once the racers were off, they were flying along the course, up-and-down the beach—and luckily not the causeway!

Cody gets the race started

Justin and Cody walk the mile

The one mile event was the hardest for one participant, local injured Marine Justin Gaertner. Justin lost both of his legs in an explosion while in Afghanistan and just returned to his home in Trinity, Florida from Walter Reed Hospital. He received his walking prosthetic legs only three weeks before and was just becoming accustomed to them when he decided to try to walk the mile with Cody—the longest walk that he had since losing his legs. His mom was going to walk behind him with his wheelchair in case he got too tired and couldn’t make it, but he was determined to finish it on his own. With Cody by his side and dozens of followers watching their every step and marveling at the two new friends completing their journey, both Justin and Cody crossed the finish-line together.

The large group of participants on the mile

The inflatable palm tree finish-line greeted finishers as well as a beautiful finisher’s medal with Winter’s tail dangling from the top. Racers were encouraged to stick around to enjoy more of the environment carnival atmosphere and to take in the free admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Participants were able to visit the CMA for free after the race

Sunset fun at the pier

Many participants came back to Clearwater Beach later in the evening to enjoy free events and receive their top-finishers certificates. Local singing sensation Suite Caroline gave an energetic performance and many of the kids got up and danced to her songs. She was sweet to all of her fans and signed autographs after the show. CAF and CMA had the opportunity to present a couple of videos to the crowd before the free showing of “Nanny McPhee” out on Clearwater Beach.

Suite Caroline performed an acoustic set

Top finishers met on Saturday night

As the sun set and provided us with a multitude of colors in the sky, our weekend came to a wrap, but next year keep your eyes out for an even bigger and better weekend. You won’t be disappointed.

For many of us, our goals for physical action are hampered more from our lack of dedication to practice than any other obstacle. Damarius Gray, a senior at Ft. Pierce Central High School, had the desire and the dedication but could not find the right sport fit. That all changed this year when Damarius had the opportunity to participate in Adaptive Track & Field, thanks to the inspiration of Jay Stewart, District Athletic Director, the tireless support of Coach Todd Cash and Physical Therapist, Tricia Causby, and the unrelenting spirit of Damarius himself.

Damarius before one of his track meets

Damarius, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, had to work on his flexibility, strength and endurance to be able to perform in adaptive track. He had to learn how to access the track chair, find his balance, and work on his posture to bend forward in the chair and lift his head to be able to stay in a lane while propelling the chair. Tricia Causby, Physical Therapist, shares, “This was a whole new experience for all of us involved. I am so proud of Damarius for sticking with it and training to do his best. It is a true testament to his character and strength of will that he stayed committed when he has never had to stress the physical limits of his body in this capacity in his entire life.”

Damarius pushed hard during his meets

Coach Todd Cash worked with Damarius beginning in January, 2011. In order to provide a safe practice environment, the pair trained at Dan McCarty School or waited until later in the day to practice when the Lawnwood facility was not crowded with other athletes. Coach Cash shared, “Everyone embraced what they were doing; coaches, spectators, and other athletes. We never heard a negative word.”

Damarius also participated in the shot put with an adaptive throwing chair

Coach Cash also worked with local businesses to modify the racing wheelchair that was on loan from the Challenged Athletes Foundation® Florida. Classic Car Coating painted the chair in FPC’s purple and gold colors and added cobra graphics. Atlantic Precision worked with Todd Cash to design a roller rack so Damarius could use the wheelchair in a stationary position for practicing. Damarius has the Cobra uniform and equipment with school colors. He is a Cobra athlete.

His great chair, all painted and special training plate, all donations thanks to local businesses

Coach Cash stated that “this experience has been a life style change for Damarius. He has lost 28 pounds, built upper body strength, and was on the ‘B’ honor roll for his last two marking periods.” Damarius is even keeping Coach on the right track. As they traveled to meets, Damarius told Coach he had to eat in a healthy way. “No more all you can eat ribs!” says Damarius We should be proud of Damarius’ accomplishments and the true community spirit of all involved. Damarius not only earned three gold medals and set a state record in the shot put; he has also set a path for a bright future.

Damarius after receiving one of his medals for racing. Great job Damarius!

If you’d like more information on the adaptive high school track and field program, or the loaner chair program, please visit www.fhsaa.org/sports/track-field-adapted or email info@caffla.org with your questions. We hope more of you join!

CAF grant recipiant Jim Laird carrying his bike to the bike rack after his ride

Our athletes took to the edge of the water; on-lookers could see the sprinkling of silver swim caps announcing their wave—the coveted fifth wave, right behind pro males and female athletes. How did our CAF team get such a desirable place? Thanks to the wonderful race director Susan Daniels and all of our participants were asked to raise a minimum of $500 for challenged athletes, although many people shattered their goal raising much more than recommended. This is one of the great perks of joining a CAF Florida Race for a Reason (RFAR) team.

CAF athlete Lin Dolen out on her run portion of the relay team

As the swimmers took off, relay team members paced at the check-point, waiting for their teammate to whiz by.  This year, we started a new way for athletes to participate in relays—they could choose to compete on a relay team with a challenged athlete. This really sparked people’s attention for what better motivation than to have a Ronnie Dickson or Lin Dolan running or your team or wounded police officer Jim Laird cycling for you?

Operation Rebound member Shawn Mello on the run portion. He was great!

Team members relaxed in the VIP tent after the race

One of our CAF athletes, Lin Dolan, was knocked over on her run by one of the elite athletes.  Lin was very badly scratched up and had a difficult time getting up.  A paramedic rushed to her side and offered her help, but she shook it off and got up.  The crowd around her started cheering “Go CAF” and she knew she couldn’t quit. That’s a true competitor.

Relay team members Marc, Pam and CAF athlete Jim all pose for the camera with their medals

After the triathlon was completed, our team gathered together at our special CAF VIP tent right at the finish line. Cold beverages, fruit, pizza and lots of laughter filled the space and onlookers were envious of our shaded and colorful crew.  We know that our team of 40 plus will grow for next year.

The Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation was started about four years ago and is based out of Tarpon Springs. Meeting them back at the Gasparilla in 2007, I was one of the first athletes in the area they came in contact with. It has been really cool to see how much the organization has grown in the four years that I have known them.

Ronnie Dickson addresses the crowd before the clinic

Bob Gailey explains some techniques to participants

One of CAF California’s biggest events every year is the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, which is the event around which the national organization started. Challenged athletes fly in from all over the country to participate in this triathlon weekend that also features several adaptive clinics, including one held by Bob Gailey every year focused on teaching amputees how to run and increasing mobility. These clinics are one of a kind and have an amazing impact on the people that are able to attend. Every year amputees come in just barely able to walk and with the proper training and motivation leave not only running but with an increased self confidence as well.

Our athletes are awesome! Here's one getting some assistance at the beginning of the day.

By the end of the day, amputees were running through the obstacle course!

These clinics were held once a year in San Diego, but recently have expanded to Chicago, Durham, New York City, and right in our backyard here in St. Petersburg, Florida as part of our St. Anthony’s Triathlon weekend.

Bob Gailey has been a big inspiration of mine and I have been lucky to call him a mentor as well. He is a mad scientist when working with people and leaves every clinic almost losing his voice. He is able to bring out the best in everybody that works around him and I hope to be able to do the same in the future as well. I have been really fortunate to have assisted in five of his clinics now to date.

An eclectic mix of leg amputees of all ages came to the mobility clinic.

This year was the second year that the event has been held here. The first year blew all expectations out of the water, with huge attendance from the local community totaling to right around 20 amputees. The clinic held this year set the bar even higher and doubled in size. People came from all over the state of Florida and our furthest came from South Carolina. It was amazing to see not only small kids learn how to run better for the first time but also people in their seventies as well! One man I came in touch with had not run since his amputation in 1997. Here, 14 years later, he ran for the first time as a below the knee amputee.

CAF athlete Blake Leeper zipped through the obstacle course!

Running can be such a daunting task as an amputee, with the challenges being both mental and physical. Sometimes it is just gaining that extra trust in the prosthesis, and other times it is learning to physically push past your comfort zone. Even the most minor tweaks like working on the rotation of your hips, pulling back into the socket, and swinging your arms can make drastic differences. The biggest thing that people are able to overcome is their fear of the unknown and of falling.

FC Tampa Bay soccer players & coaches came to hold a side clinic. This was the first time Bryce had played since his amputation!

The group was very diverse, with some aspiring to become accomplished athletes, while others just wanted to be able to run around with their kids or just do the local 5k on Thanksgiving.  The mobility clinic caters to people of all ability levels, from kids, to people who need to work on the basics, to the advanced athletes looking to perfect their form. The best thing is the energy that is carried through the whole day. It is absolutely infectious and everybody leaves with a smile on their face riding the new high of their accomplishments. There is nothing like seeing everybody around you running and having an instructor believe you can run as well. Personal doubt soon turns into an “I can do this” attitude that can take people to new heights.

Check out Ronnie’s video from the mobility clinic here

There has always been a really strong amputee community here in the Tampa Bay area and things seem to have come together perfectly with the addition of CAF Florida. I did my first Triathlon two years ago with only one other amputee doing the race as well. This year while doing the run I came across eight other people with disabilities competing as well. It is all because of the opportunities offered by the Challenged Athletes Foundation and other organizations that have given people with disabilities the possibility and encouragement to go out there and compete.

To find out about all of the Catch a Rising Star clinics, please check out our page and sign-up!

For more on Ronnie’s blog, visit Take a Leg Off.

We were ready to get muddy!

CAF Florida received nothing but the best treatment from race director Jamie Monroe and Bob Babbitt from Competitor Group. Our tent was set up right next to the stage so we could see all of the costume contests and be near for our three OR guys to rev up the crowd with their inspirational stories of bravery. They also gave us our own wave start—3.5 and what a group we were!

Our CAF tents were up and we were ready to go!

Friday night, our entire team had a party at Disney’s All Star Resort Pool and had a great time meeting each other and our guest athletes.  Dave Rozelle took the time to address our team and tell a little about his story and what CAF meant to him.  The race directors also stopped by to join in with our festivities and share about what the CAF team was going to get—great recognition, 3.5 wave start and the top five fundraising teams would get complimentary entry into ANY Muddy Buddy in America! How great are they?!

Our team members listened as Dave Rozelle adressed them all about why he loves CAF.

Saturday morning started nice and early with everyone meeting at the CAF tent for some scrumptious fruit and granola bars before the event. Participants were placing their racing numbers on their bikes, fixing each other’s outfits and finding unique ways to mark their bikes so they didn’t lose them in the massive pile of bikes in the drop-off area. CAF supporter Geoff Cotter left it up to some pranksters to get a helium balloon for his team—an “It’s a girl” pink balloon was a nice touch.

CAF team member get their gear ready for the big race

Geoff Cotter with his bike identification balloon-- a pink balloon.

The costume contest ensued with teams that were the most creative prancing across the stage, prideful of their one-of-a-kind outfits. From Team USA, Chinese Take-out, Vegas themed all to our very own Muddy Buddy Frog team with Dave Rozelle and his wife, Kim. Competitor presented our Operation Rebound men with a check of $1,000 and singled them out to the crowd, which was filled with ear deafening cheers and applause.

Bob Babbit with Kim and Dave Rozelle

As our team trudged their way to the front of the starting line following the OR flag, you could hear the whispers and “thank-yous” coming from the surrounding athletes—thanking them for their service to our country and giving part of themselves to keep us safe. Wave 3.5 took off from the start line with even more cheers as the announcer belted out “And our very special wave 3.5 for CAF and Operation Rebound”.

Lew Friedland carries the OR flag for our team members to get to their wave

Our team at the start line

This isn’t your normal partner race; it’s a fun trail run/bike with obstacles mixed in at every switch off. Your last challenge? You and your partner must crawl through the massive mud pit and cross the line together in victory. It may sound grimy, but it’s one of the best times that we’ve had and we are coming back for more next year!

Dave and Kim Rozelle scale down the last wall before entering the mud pit.

The final mud pit! It was so much fun!

Take a look at the Muddy Buddy site and don’t forget to watch their fun video, too.

The next event up on the CAF Calendar for the year was Gate River Run. Gate River Run, in Jacksonville, Fl is the national 15k championship and draws a huge crowd of runners yearly. I was excited to be able to participate in the event this year as last year I was traveling through the Southeast filming for Amputee Climbing: The Ronnie Dickson Project. The schedule of events was full for the weekend, starting with a reception at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital on Thursday night. The reception was a great opportunity to meet many of the athletes with disabilities from the area and the staff from Brooks. Kelly Mione, director of the Florida Chapter of CAf, was able to get a couple of grants expedited and present them at the reception. Representing CAF were myself, Tim Huston, and Carlos Moleda. They have a huge group of wheelchair athletes in Jacksonville and I know that they were all really excited to get a chance to meet and hang with Carlos for a few days.

Grant presentation to Dani

Reception at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital

Carlos begins the free handcycle workshop

The next day I was hosting an adaptive climbing workshop at The Edge climbing gym in Jacksonville, Fl. We had a really great turnout being able to introduce nine persons with disabilities to rock climbing. The energy was really high for the whole clinic and everybody made it high up the wall! Climbing is a huge passion of mine and there is nothing that I enjoy more than sharing that with other people. It seemed like everybody had a really good time. I believe that climbing is a really accessible sport for people with disabilities and even if it is something they only do once it can help push their perceptions of what their limits are and help them through their everyday challenges.

Don't worry, he wasn't really scared, he was just playing it up for the camera

Me with all of the participants from the rock climbing clinic. What a great turn-out!

The weekend finished off with the race on Saturday. There were several events happening that same morning. We had many people running the 15k through our Race for a Reason program, to help raise money for challenged athletes. Not only can you go out and do events all across the country and achieve your own personal goals, but you can raise money for a good cause too at the same time. It is a win-win situation! Melissa Stockwell and I were running the 5k together. She lost her leg in combat in Iraq several years ago. Melissa is an above the knee amputee and a phenomenal athlete. She has been to the Paralympics in swimming and currently aspires to complete a marathon. Her life keeps her busy as part of the board of the Wounded Warrior Project, athlete, and a Certified Prosthetist working in the Chicago area.

At the starting line for the 5K!

The 5k was exciting to say the least, about five minutes into the race Melissa had technical difficulties with her leg. Her pin unthreaded from her liner and got stuck in the lock on the socket. We stopped for a few minutes to try and fix the problem but could not get it dislodged. Thinking her race was over Melissa told me to go on without her. I crossed the finish a little after 30 minutes only to hear that Melissa got her pin unstuck and was able to continue running. I backtracked to find her and we crossed the finish line together. Just another way that running as an amputee presents with more difficulties than may meet the eye.

The last event of the day was the Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile. Many amputees from the area and the wheelchair athletes gathered to show that when given the opportunity people with disabilities like to gather and participate just like everybody else. I met Tim Huston, a six year old above the knee amputee through the facility where I work, Prosthetic and Orthotic Associates in Orlando, Fl a couple of years ago. He recently got running equipment and has not stopped since. He really loves running races and is like the little engine that could. Tim has done a one mile race before but this was his second one so a bunch of us from CAF ran with him. It was really inspiring to see him just take off and cruise to the finish even though he was dead tired.

Me and my new friend Tim

Part of Team CAF crossing the Challenge Mile finish line

Overall it was a fantastic weekend that I can’t wait to be a part of again next year. I am really looking forward to it! CAF managed to raise some money and hopefully we will get more support the next year. Disability is a state of mind, and as far as I’m concerned I’m not disabled.

Take it easy!

Ronnie

To read more on Ronnie’s blog, “Take a leg off”, please go to www.takealegoff.blogspot.com

My first 5k Gasparilla 2008 running with girlfriend Amanda (In a C-leg, not a running leg)

I finished Gasparilla 2008 in about 38 minutes and was lucky to have the support of my family (The next year in 2009 with specialized running equipment I finished in 28 minutes)

I was really excited to run my friend Drew’s first 5k with him, but Gasparilla also holds lots of memories for me because not only was it my first 5k but it was where I met the Challenged Athletes Foundation for the first time.

In 2007 it was about a year and a half after my amputation. I was a student at the University of South Florida and I was just kind of doing the whole college life thing without really being too deep into sport. My girlfriend is a runner and she was doing her first Marathon at Gasparilla 2007. To go support her I went along with her to the expo to pick up her race packet. As I was walking through the booths I noticed out of the corner of my eye a booth for a group called the Challenged Athletes Foundation. I went over and introduced myself and found out that they were a group that offered adaptive equipment and opportunities to athletes with disabilities to get back into sport. I had always wondered if I could run again, but never knew quite how to go about doing it.

I guess you could say the rest is history. The next year at Gasparilla 2008 I ran my first 5k. I was really appreciative to have my girlfriend, Amanda, running with me by my side and I probably would not have made it without her. It is always nice to have somebody pushing you and helping you get your start.

I had been helping make Drew’s legs for about a year and I knew he was ready to start running, so I guess I kind of talked him into it. It was really cool to run with him for his first 5k at the race that was my first 5k.

As an amputee its cool just to experiment around with a bunch of different things to find your niche, and while Drew may decide that running is not his favorite activity in the world, it is one more notch in his accomplishment belt.

The race was a blast this year, we got the chance to meet a phenomenal runner from up in Manhattan, Nick Roumanada. He started running almost two years ago as a BK and has not looked back since. I am sure he is going to do some really cool things in the future both in the half and full marathon’s and really push some boundaries.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation had a great turnout of supporters who help us keep our organization doing what we do! Thanks to everybody who volunteered or donated money at the event!

Well thats all for now, things have been really exciting lately and I have lots of posts to catch up on before things are completely up to date!

Take it easy.

Life is 10% events, 90% your reaction. Live it to the Fullest.

Ronnie

To read more of Ronnie’s blogs, go to www.takealegoff.blogspot.com

Taking some time to relax in Tampa before the big race

Up at the crack of dawn, running outside into the sub 20 degree weather to catch a flight was a piece of cake 2 weeks ago… I was on my way to FLORIDA!! For those of you who don’t know me well, I don’t really do beaches (sand) and I’m not a huge fan of the scorching heat (I’m a bit of a sweater) but this trip was different.

Following last year’s Hood to Coast success with the team at the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) Florida, I was more than happy to accept their invitation to go down to Tampa, Florida and join them at the famed Gasparilla road race (I was doing the Michelob Ultra, not what you think: 15k, 5k, ½ Marathon and an 8+5k). As you know CAF is the organization who was really the catalyst for me picking up the pieces and moving in a positive direction following my Focal Dystonia diagnoses, challenge #2, which ended my music career. Being asked to represent CAF is a huge honor and one I feel extremely humbled by. So many amazing athletes and supporters have paved a path with which folks like me can walk/run/bike/swim their way through. Nothing is impossible with the amazing support of organizations like CAF in your corner. I digress….

CAF Florida President Lew Friedland (left) and I before I spoke at the reception

Tampa, Florida is HOT!! Well, hot when you look at where I was coming from, New York City. We have had a record breaking winter with snow depths in the tens of feet. In fact, due to the snow and ice outside, I spent most of my time training for the weekend’s race on my road bike with a sauna suit (black garbage bags) and a snow suit on like the little brother from A Christmas Story. I had to get ready for the heat! Left NYC and the temp said 19, landed in Tampa at 3 in the afternoon and the weather man said 78!! Let’s just say I brought a change of clothes.

In addition to running, CAF had me set-up to tell my story at 2 separate schools to kids from kindergarten all the way up to 18 years old. Tough crowd… the kids weren’t tough, in fact they were all amazing!! It was tough because I was unsure if my story would keep the attention of such a wide age range… I learned quickly that he who does jumping jacks and hosts hopping contests can gain the attention of just about anyone… so that’s what I did. I told my story, plain as day, and talked about acceptance, taking on life’s challenges with a positive attitude, learning from those challenges and to never stop believing that your goals and dreams are possible and will come true with enough hard work…. Oh, and I hosted a hopping contest…. I win.

Some of the great kids I met while speaking at schools

All the races went great… I say all because CAF had me entered in all 4 races for the weekend which, when all totaled up, had me running just under 31 miles. Now, to me, that sounds like a pretty amazing weekend. To others, ahhhh, maybe not. I had an amazing time though, didn’t break any records, but that’s not what it was all about. That’s never what it’s about for me either though. Don’t get me wrong, records are great and I will continue to work on getting better and faster… Better and faster than myself and hopefully, one day, faster than those who have come before me…. But, weekends like this are saved for a far better cause. If I was able to inspire, ignite the fire, help start the healing process or just simply surprise or amaze even one person out there, I was a success. I truly feel like I did that and I will strive to continue doing so each and every day. I say it all the time in talks, interviews or just conversations with people curious about my story; everything that has happened to me has been a gift. Sometimes it wasn’t the easiest and I certainly didn’t see what was possible in the beginning. I work hard each and every day to be the best man that I can be, not only for myself, but for my friends, family and supporters.

Weekends like this that allow me to share my story; again, a gift… a gift which came from a challenge turned into opportunity.

To read more of Nick’s blog entries, go to www.runnickrun.org/blog