Kelly wrote Challenged on Both Sides of the Finish Line to share her story about growing up with a disability. As her story unfolds, you will learn that being "different" is not such a bad thing as long as you embrace what you are given and make the most of it. Join Kelly as she begins a passionate journey towards self-realization and empowerment by purchasing your electronic copy today.
Download a copy of Challenged on Both Sides of the Finish Line below.
Download a copy of Challenged on Both Sides of the Finish Line below.
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Excerpt from Challenged on Both Sides of the Finish Line
By Kelly Bruno
"The first day of my last year of high school was only two days after I returned from my thirteen-day adventure to the west coast. Since I was still getting over jet lag, adjusting to a high school schedule was even more difficult than usual. But still, somehow I could tell this year would be different. Conversations with several disabled athletes about persistence and success had really made an impact on me and my poise and self-confidence were markedly improved.
The decision to run cross country was another indication that I had set new, higher standards for myself. In order to stay in shape, I continued training at the track as the summer sports season pressed into the fall. During this time, the cross country team had been running their miles on the roads while also incorporating speed work into their workouts at the track. It looked like they were actually having fun. Since I had done well in the 800-meter race, I just assumed that I could run a little farther. After three weeks of watching them, I surprised the coach when I asked him if I could run with the team. He knew I could race 100 meters, but wasn't so sure that I could run a three mile race. "You won't hurt yourself, right?" he asked. I assured him that I was up for the challenge and would take each workout seriously.
As I walked towards the rest of the team, fatigue and pain washed over my body and I collapsed in a heap of arms and legs. My artificial leg was removed with great care. During and after the run as my stump became swollen, the muscles, nerves and bones around my knee became really painful due to the pressure from my artificial leg. I was carried to a tent and laid on the ground until I regained my color and composure, my teammates and coach beside me the entire time. It was one of those bittersweet victories. I took a couple days off to recover, but returned to practice the following week. I had proven myself to the team and to the coach. Before long my entire senior class had heard the news of my third place medal and offered their congratulations. Not only had I earned the respect of my coach, I had gained the admiration of my classmates."
The decision to run cross country was another indication that I had set new, higher standards for myself. In order to stay in shape, I continued training at the track as the summer sports season pressed into the fall. During this time, the cross country team had been running their miles on the roads while also incorporating speed work into their workouts at the track. It looked like they were actually having fun. Since I had done well in the 800-meter race, I just assumed that I could run a little farther. After three weeks of watching them, I surprised the coach when I asked him if I could run with the team. He knew I could race 100 meters, but wasn't so sure that I could run a three mile race. "You won't hurt yourself, right?" he asked. I assured him that I was up for the challenge and would take each workout seriously.
As I walked towards the rest of the team, fatigue and pain washed over my body and I collapsed in a heap of arms and legs. My artificial leg was removed with great care. During and after the run as my stump became swollen, the muscles, nerves and bones around my knee became really painful due to the pressure from my artificial leg. I was carried to a tent and laid on the ground until I regained my color and composure, my teammates and coach beside me the entire time. It was one of those bittersweet victories. I took a couple days off to recover, but returned to practice the following week. I had proven myself to the team and to the coach. Before long my entire senior class had heard the news of my third place medal and offered their congratulations. Not only had I earned the respect of my coach, I had gained the admiration of my classmates."