I am considered a mobility impaired athlete. The term has never upset me because it's true.  I have a degenerative  muscle disease.  It makes the act of running and sometimes even walking a bit more difficult. But, don't get me wrong, it's never impossible.  I believe that there are very few endeavors in this life that are impossible. You just have to really want it. Basically, you have to get your mind in the game FIRST!

I also feel that each of our running careers change and evolve over time.  I still love medals but now it's about continuing to move forward and challenge myself in new ways.  After all, "impaired" is only a title that I've been given by somebody else.  What I've decided has worked best for me is to ignore what others say about me. It's none of my business. I am accepting new challenges in 2015. I have run 91 half marathons and 19 full marathons. But, I also realized I can run a ton of miles by myself, as my own aid person, with my headphones and my never give up spirit. I know that I've still run the miles, medal or not.

So, I am a runner. I am a runner whether I receive a medal or not. I am runner whether I make it across the finish line 1 minute before the cutoff time. I am a runner whether I take walk breaks or not. I am a runner even if I never place in my age group. I am a runner because I run.  I am a runner, mobility impaired or not!