The Blue Perspective: A Disabled Ultra Runner's Story

As a disabled ultra runner I have completed more miles than I ever thought possible. My journey of ultra running allowed me to process, heal, grieve, and become extremely strong both physically and mentally. I never fully had the intention of writing a book, until I had already written one.

To be a disabled ultra runner, what does that even mean? I was born with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have been living with damaged joints, mostly my hips, for over 40 years. My movement patterns, physical compensations and challenges, and self care routines are extremely different and extremely involved but I love being outside. I fell in love with hiking early on as an adult and shortly after fell in love with trail running. To the quick observer I am healthy and fit and thus the victim of numerous accounts of discrimination and even assault (all of this over parking in a handicap space). I fight every day to maintain the movement I have and am grateful for what my body can do and does for me every single day.

As I strived to achieve lofty goals as a disabled runner I ended up writing a book. This is not your standard story or personal memoir about the struggles and triumph of completing an ultra run but a book about lessons and observations on human nature blended with first hand stories directly related to those lessons. You will feel as if you are in my mind having the exact experience as I recorded my thoughts and share stories written in a very unique perspective: stream of consciousness. My book is intended to open your eyes and your mind to how you approach and value life. We’ll touch on the importance of vocabulary and mindset, goal setting, mental toughness, and so much more.

I initially recorded my thoughts and feelings during runs as a way to process and track progress and began journaling but as time went on my journaling turned into chapters and thus a book was born. My book is intended to challenge your way of thinking but also entertain. Whether you’re a runner, a disabled individual, or just someone seeking personal growth, my book is meant for all open minded people seeking a new perspective.

Publishing a book is a long, intense, competitive process and in order to succeed financial resources are necessary. Professional writing seminars, professional editors, professional illustrator for a book cover, professional headshots, and marketing is all needed to get the attention of a publisher.

Memoirs written by both professional athletes and celebrities have flooded the market, however currently some publishers are actively seeking authors who can increase diverse representation from disadvantaged populations including the disabled population. I know that my perspective is unique and can shed some light on how we define, think, and address the world of disabilities and given the current trends in publishing I feel grabbing the attention of a traditional publisher for my book is kismet. However if I can not manage a book deal I will head down the road of self publishing which will require even more additional funding.

If you’re a runner

If you’re a caregiver

If you’re a disabled individual

If you have a goal you’re trying to reach

If you’re tired of striving and want to start thriving

If you’re just purely curious

My book is worth a read.

Every single dollar will make a difference. Can you spare just $1? $5?

I am grateful for you just reading this and will be even more grateful to each and every person who makes a donation.

Thank you for your consideration.