It’s ‘Motivation Monday!’ So, it’s only right that we share this inspirational story about Krysten Chambrot with you. She’s a fellow New Yorker and senior staff editor in the Food department of The New York Times.
Krysten lost most of her left leg after a tragic accident that happened during her junior year in college. The accident left doctors with no other choice but to amputate her leg from the knee down.
To be young and to face a long road to recovery is hard to cope with. But despite this setback, here she is, nearly 12 years later, training for the upcoming New York City Marathon!
Krysten started running as an amputee seven years ago. Her inspiration stems from a random encounter with a running workshop for lower leg amputees at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. It was organized by the Challenged Athletes Foundation. When she decided to stop by the workshop, she didn’t know what to expect, but what she saw surpassed her wildest expectations. Little boys bounced forward on their running blades, stumbling over themselves with unadulterated joy and determination. She also met strong, fit adults, men and women alike, who’d even gone on to take part in Ironman triathlons. She was welcomed and encouraged to join. So she did.
Since then, she’s been pushing forward with her prosthetic leg.
““Running tests my endurance, and my patience. But more important, it has been a constant reminder that I can push myself harder than I’d ever dreamed. I’m still plagued with certain worries — about my one good knee, or a permanent injury, or even not making it to the finish. But with every passing day, I’m grateful for what my legs give me — a chance to move forward.“
– Krysten Chambrot
Bottom line: Don’t make your disability an excuse for not being physically active. Instead, use it as motivation.
Do you use a wheelchair?
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