Sunday, May 19, 2019, 5 km rolling walker race at the Marathon SSQ de Longueuil. My bib number: 747, like the BOEING jet! I should go fast, I think.
Thanks to all those who supported me.
Especially my spouse Christophe, who completed the race in 27 minutes and who helped me cross the finish line, not to mention helping me train daily. A true coach.
Thanks to Bob The Walker Runner, who finished his race using a walker in 32 minutes, for helping me push forward.
Participating in a sports challenge means breaking down the barriers that exist only in our minds.
It also means hours of training, a face drenched in sweat, stiffness and injuries, but most importantly, pride.
Three years ago, when I was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia, I had a feeling something was wrong.
My spouse had also just lost his dad, so we decided to sign up at the Énergie Cardio in Saint-Hubert.
Back then, hadn’t even tried speed walking on the treadmill.
Being sporty and feisty at heart, I found my way.
The 5 km weren’t easy, especially since we didn't train much this winter, not to mention the weight gain and the passing of my mother, Claudie... I really had to push myself hard.
On thing is for sure: once the race starts, you have no choice, girl, go for it!
At more than 8 km/hour... At the gym, I never went faster than 6 km/hour. Adrenaline certainly played a role in my performance.
A good number of runners passed me from the very first straight line; I started seeing double and losing my balance. At first, I ran alongside the walkers... no big deal, I had to go forward.
Between the speed walking and the cups of water kindly given out by the volunteers, jogging, sprinting, my wheels rolling through large puddles of water leftover from the morning... I finished in almost 43 minutes.
Not to mention the Anglophone fans, who told me before the finish line: “Oh I love your style, it’s beautiful,” because my Airgo eXcursion X20 was decorated with cheerleader ribbons.
Physical activity is the best medicine on the market, whatever your illness, and even if your mobility is reduced.
I’m off to other races, believe me!
Muriel Lenfant Couët.
