Banged Up, NOT Broken

"I am not broken."
These are the words that play in my head when I know people are chasing me, trying with all their might to be in front of me.  
There is a place for having a "rabbit" to chase in a race and we all at times play this role for those around us.  But for some of us we wonder if we are simply a "rabbit" or if we are something more threatening.  
In road racing I have often wondered if the person who keeps passing me then stopping to walk, then passing me again, and again, and again, really has picked me out of all the others around us to jockey with for the pure need for motivation or if picking me is a self inflicted requirement because to the other racer I look broken with my bandaged knees.

Does this mean don't pass me?  NO.  If that's what you think you are misunderstanding my words and I hope to clarify.  What it means is pass me with the same respect in your heart and in your mind as you would if you were passing by the race leader.  Don't pass me because you feel you deserve to be in front of me because of my banged up knees.   

I am easy to spot!

Since the time we started running I have worn a knee brace on my left knee.  I have never known my running life without a brace.  After three different knee surgeries the brace was not an optional part of running.  It was not a negotiation.  It was a requirement.  

Over the years I have gone from running a 45 minute 5K to running a 30 minute 5K, and completing an Ironman race at 144.6 miles (a little to grow on).  Over the years I have also upgraded from a plastic support bracing to metal hinged bracing.  Over the years I have also been asked several questions about my braces.  And over the years I have also encountered athletes who think they "deserve" to be faster than me because they view me as BROKEN. 
Well, I am not broken... banged up... but not broken.  

How as athletes we can better relate to the athletes on the course with us who may have a disability, either visible or hidden.  

First there are men and women overcoming challenges much more complex than mine on the course, be it physical or mental .  However, I do believe my insight as a banged up athlete can help to provide insight to others on the course.

A few things to remember out there on the race course. 
We all have our own stories of how we got there and what we are overcoming.  The person in tears after their first 5K is just at motivating as the person in tears after finishing their first marathon or 100th marathon. Racing is an individual journey that we share with others, take time to respect others and their stories. Also, be nice out there.  I understand we are pushing our hardest out there and getting a breath in to be able to move forward is more valuable to us than a breath to talk, but before or after events be nice and if you can during events be nice.  Cheering for others helps them feel better and is a great way to give back, making you feel a little better.  I will be honest there are races when hearing, "You got this girl" from a complete stranger, makes all the difference between tears on the side of the road and making it to the finish line.  While podiums and medals are fun and shiny, remember there are people out there pushing themselves only to prove they can take one more step. 
Lastly, if I or someone like me is your rabbit don't yell, "Let's get in front of the girl with braces."  Yes it happens.  Instead say, let's try to catch the girl in the blue top or the one with the braid, it sounds much nicer and less.... well, less like you are being a jerk. 


Have a great race out there and remember not all that seems broken is, sometimes we are just banged up!!!  

I am are continuing to raise money for the Navy Seal Foundation.  For more information please read this: Supporting the Navy Seal Foundation- Frogman Swim 

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