NEED TO GO FASTER!

My racing times are definitely improving! Josh George won the gold medal in the men’s 100-meter T53 final in the Beijing Paralympics last month, and I've been following his training methods closely. I've learned that you can’t determine who the fastest wheelchair racer is in 100 meters, as Josh has stated. Most wheelchair racers reach max speed by the end of the race. If a race extends an additional 10 meters, Josh has mentioned that he usually accelerate 1 mile an hour faster during those last moments. These are things to keep in mind. Yes, I know, my goals are high, and I don't plan on being in the Paralympics, but I am modeling myself after the best so I can win locally.

And now a bit of handcycling history...

Handcycling was developed in the 1980s by people attempting to create alternate types of human-powered vehicles. It was almost by accident that a new world of cycling was opened to people with disabilities. In the 25 years since its development, handcycling has continued to grow in popularity. It’s been part of the IPC cycling program since 1998, and the 2004 Paralympics included handcycling racing for the first time. Today, thousands of people with disabilities have turned to handcycling as a means to improve their cardiovascular health, increase upper-body strength and compete.

Types of handcycles...

An upright handcycle is an entry-level bike for those who are new to the sport, who just want exercise or recreation, or who don’t want to ride very long distances or go very fast. Because of their higher center of gravity, upright handcycles aren’t suitable for speeds higher than 15 mph.

A recumbent handcycle, borrowed from the cycling industry, usually come in a choice of three or seven speeds, which naturally limits the speed to less than 15 mph. They are easy to transfer in and out of from a wheelchair, and have a natural, fork-type steering system. Recumbent handcycles come in different variations. There are two steering options: fork-steer and lean-to-steer, and two seating options: one where the rider reclines and the other, a “trunk-power” version, where the rider leans forward. They usually come with 27-gear drivetrains, although they can be purchased with three- or seven-gear drivetrains.

The trunk-power handcycle doesn’t have much of a seatback. The cranks are low to the ground and far away from the rider. With these arrangements, riders are able to put the weight of their trunks behind each stroke, allowing them to go faster for longer. The limitation to this type of handcycle is that the athlete must have control of most or all of his abdominal muscles, so it may not be suitable for all potential athletes.

A lean-to-steer handcycle has a two-piece frame where the top frame swivels over the bottom frame. The front wheel turns along with the seat. The rider makes the turn by leaning his whole body. There's a bit of a learning curve with these type of handcycles, but many riders prefer them because they have a feel similar to monoskiing. They’re used primarily by people with lower-level disabilities.

There are also handcycles for the young and those with shorter legs. Invacare manufactures one with a lower center of gravity. It has adjustable footrests to accommodate a growing child. New handcycles can range in price from $1,500 to $4,000, although you may be able to find deals on a used models. Some of the major manufacturers include Invacare, Lightning, Sunrise Medical, Schmicking and Freedom Ryder .

Yes, I know I'm getting a little obsessed with my potential abilities in handcycling, but I will quote Disabled Sports USA by saying, "If I can do this, I can do anything!"

PROGRESS

My Excelerator XLT Handcycle arrived last week, and I have been practicing quite a bit since then. Judy has been very helpful and supportive. I can hear her shouts of support as she helps me try to improve my speed and race times. I haven't wanted Hope to be at our practice sessions, because I really want this to be a surprise for her. She's seen the Handcycle and other new medical equipment in our garage, but hasn't asked any questions about them yet.

My arms ache as I write this due to my recent wheelchair practice sessions, but they are beginning to get stronger and look much more defined. I also feel that my breathing is improving. I used to be a smoker before my accident, so all this excercise is definitely going to improve my general health and well-being. I'll keep you posted on my progress!

ACTION

I did it! I ordered the Invacare Top End Excelerator XLT Handcycle. The order was place yesterday, so I expect expect the handcycle to arrive in approximately 5 days. I can't believe it. I am going to be a wheelchair racer! I am usually very good when purchasing medical equipment and supplies, because that was my former business, and I got a great price for it.

I've been following the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games which are being held in Beijing, China from September 6 to September 17, and they have been a strong influence on me. Visit http://www.universalsports.com for more information on the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games. Judy has been very supportive with my efforts to get started in wheelchair racing, but I really just want to see my daughter's face as I cross the finish line. That vision will come true one day.

UPDATE

Ok, I haven't bought the Invacare Eliminator OSR Manual Racing wheelchair yet, but I will let you know when I do. Invacare also has a Top End Excelerator XLT Handcycle which looks fantastic. Does anyone out there have some suggestions for me regarding wheelchair racing and racing wheelchairs? I'd love to hear about your experiences, and I'll appreciate any input that I receive. Thanks!

On another note, I keep having some serious mood swings even though I've been getting out of the house with Judy and Hope more often. Some days I'll wake up ready for the world (and ready to order my racing wheelchair), but other days I don't even want to get out of bed and deal with my paralysis. Judy continues to be the angel in my life, and she is always very patient with me in my depressive states. I really couldn't have found a better woman to be my wife. Sometimes she reminds me of my mother. The way she looks at me and instantly knows my mood makes me feel like a child again. All I know is that if I had to deal with paralysis by myself, the world would be a much colder place. My mother died right after we adopted Hope, and I feel like Judy has taken her place in my life. Being paralyzed has brought me back to my adolescence, and like all kids, I'm simply confused and impatient about the options in my life.

Sometimes I don't really have anything helpful or meaningful to post on this blog, but I still want to share my feelings with all of you. I hope that I am making those like myself realize that they're not alone.

NEW BEGINNINGS

I bought a new electric wheelchair and a wheelchair lift which will allow me to accompany Judy and Hope when they go shopping. It's a Pride Quantum Rehab Q610 Power Electric Wheelchair with an impressive array of electronics and positioning systems. It also has excellent climbing and transitioning capabilities. I think that part of the reason I have been having doubts about my existence is because I am always home. I thought that it would be easier to hide from the world and live a secluded existence with my family. I was wrong. I see now that secluding myself only magnifies my feelings of helplessness. Earlier today, we went to the mall, and I truly enjoyed myself. I saw some other disabled people in the mall, and most of them smiled at me when we passed each other. It was kind of like they knew that I needed to be accepted by the world once again. Who says that the world is full of bad people? Not me...anymore.

I was just looking into wheelchair racing events online. I have never been a sports enthusiast, but now, it's kind of like I have this desire to push and prove myself physically. I get chills thinking of Judy and Hope at the finish line calling my name, "Come on, Daddy! You can do it!". This vision makes my eyes tear through my smile. I'm going to do it! I will let you know how I do at my first racing event. Invacare has an impressive Eliminator OSR Manual Racing wheelchair which looks like a sports car to me! What is happening to me? I am 43 years-old and I'm getting into sports, now? I think the 2008 Olympics are inspiring me, also. All I can say is look out - I'm coming!

DOUBTS...

Judy and I have been meeting many people (and couples) online who are living with paralysis. Their willingness to share their stories is inspiring, especially when it comes to their relationships with immediate family members. I am now in contact with a man who is living an almost identical existence with his wife and daughter. He said that whenever thoughts of helplessness go through his mind, he is empowered by his responsibility to his daughter and feels that his disability will never get in the way of being strong for her. I sometimes doubt myself in those times.

Now that Hope understands why daddy is in a wheelchair, her behavior has become very cooperative when I tell her to do something. I've noticed that Judy will tell her to do something, only to hear her say "no", but when I tell her to do the same thing, she immediately agrees. I hope she is not beginning to have pity for me because I am in a wheelchair. I don't want her to see me as weaker than her mom in anyway. I guess only time will tell me whether or not she will have that vision of me. For now, I'm just happy to be alive and with them.

I’ll keep learning from others in my situation and see how I can become stronger…

SUPERMAN'S LEGACY

Life with Judy and Hope has been getting richer and richer everyday as I find new meaning in their love for me...and new love for myself. I feel that my daughter, Hope, is beginning to understand my situation - I can see it in her eyes when she comes to me in my wheelchair after accompanying Judy on her errands. Christopher Reeve probably experienced many moments like that with his family.

I started this blog to share my story and life with others who are also living with paralysis. I've received some very supportive comments from people on this blog, and I hope I'm making a difference in my own small way. I have begun looking around for web sites and stories from others who live with paralysis or have loved ones who live with paralysis. I'd like to point attention to the following web sites who have given me much inspiration...

http://www.christopherreeve.org/
http://www.paralysis.org/
http://www.notsorryamhappy.com/
http://www.livingwithparalysis.com/
http://www.apparelyzed.com/

Judy joins me at the computer and we spend time together learning about other's stories. Sometimes, when we're sitting together searching the Web, I feel her love so strongly that I feel that I will fly. I am Superman. Come fly with me, Judy.