Finding Movement Again
The night of April 14, 2014, started like any other. I couldn't have known that a motorcycle ride would end in a crash that took my left leg below the knee. As I lay in the hospital bed just weeks before my birthday, one question kept repeating: "Will I ever move the same again?"
The answer, I would learn, wasn't about moving the same – it was about finding a new way to move forward.
The Early Days
In those first weeks after the accident, movement became a completely new challenge. Simple tasks required rethinking. Basic activities needed adaptation. The path forward wasn't clear, but something inside kept pushing me to find a way.
What I didn't realize then was that every person facing limb loss asks similar questions. We all start by wondering what we've lost, before discovering what we might gain.
Finding New Ground
The first time I attempted to run with my prosthetic, everything felt foreign. My balance was off. My stride was different. The sensation was nothing like I remembered. But in that moment of awkward movement, I discovered something crucial: adaptation isn't about replicating what was – it's about creating what can be.
The Training Journey
As I returned to athletics, each activity brought new challenges:
- Learning to balance differently
- Managing contact points
- Adapting movements
- Finding comfort in discomfort
Every challenge taught me something about movement, about adaptation, and about the incredible capacity we have to evolve.
The 70.3 Dream
When I first considered training for a 70.3-mile race, many thought it was impossible. 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking, and 13.1 miles of running seemed daunting even before considering the prosthetic aspects.
But through training, I discovered that the biggest barriers weren't physical – they were mental. Each training session became an opportunity to problem-solve, to adapt, to find new ways forward.
More Than Movement
This journey has taught me that movement is about more than just physical adaptation. It's about:
- Finding new ways forward
- Building mental resilience
- Connecting with community
- Redefining possible
Today, as I continue training and pushing limits, I'm constantly reminded that our greatest strength often comes from our biggest challenges.
Moving Forward Together
Whether you're facing limb loss, adapting to change, or simply seeking your path forward, remember: movement isn't about returning to what was. It's about discovering what can be.
Perhaps reflect, how has your journey of adaptation shaped you?
