HANDCYCLE FOR CHRIS

SWIM COACH, HAND CYCLIST, AND TOUR DE FORCE
 
Chris Ingram is a no-nonsense East Grand Rapids assistant varsity swim coach who knows a thing or two about inspiration—in, and out, of the pool.
 
When Chris Ingram, 65, was younger he was an avid runner who also competed in several triathlons. He, self-admittedly, says that in the early 2000’s he started to slow down—so did his running and competitive spirit. In 2007, the same year he married the love of his life, Chris was diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. Two years later, the condition cost him his left leg. Swimming in the East Grand Rapids (EGR) pool after that, he became reacquainted with an old friend he has known since 1980,  head coach Butch Briggs, who hired him on to help coach the varsity swim program.
 
It was around this time when he became interested in handcycles and considered investing in one.  He hesitated though, as he was taking care of his wife's medical problems in addition to coaching. He was concerned he wouldn’t have the extra time to use it. Sadly, his wife passed away in August of 2016. Ten months later, on a nice spring day in April, he decided to go for it. Chris jumped into the world of handcycling and never looked back.
 
Handcycling is a sport that truly knows no bounds, reaching people of all abilities and ages from leg amputees to those who suffered spinal cord injuries. Perhaps, this is why it has grown to be one of the most popular adapted sports. The handcycle itself is equivalent to an upside-down bicycle. All of the gearing is the same, whether it’s a seven speed with reversing drum brake (think recreation) or an advanced model with 27 or 30 speeds (for the more competitive).
 
Chris’s first jump back into athletic competition was at the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon last year. Since then, he has participated in the Riverbank Run, the Chicago Half Marathon, and this year’s Detroit Marathon where he finished 29th in his category and averaged 5:55 minutes per mile—this, despite the cold, windy day and 175-foot climb over Ambassador Bridge.
 
The thing is, Chris’s competitive handcycle is on loan. That’s where this GoFundMe campaign comes in. You can’t battle 26.2 miles, or a 175-foot incline, with just seven gears. Raising the amount of $6,000 will enable Chris to continue racing in marathons with his own competitive handcycle. 
 
If you ask any of Chris’s swimmers, family members, or friends what they think about him…get ready for an earful. You’ll learn that Chris is determined to visit all the Major League Baseball parks ‘before he dies’ (he guesses he’s got about 10 out of 30 to go) and how, one day, he hopes to visit Dunkirk, France where his dad was wounded during World War II. Student athletes will quote hilarious things he’s said and tell stories that demonstrate his love for coaching. But Chris can be tough too and this has positively impacted his swimmers.
 
What I know…Chris Ingram is an inspiration to all of our children to do and betheir best. For that, I am beyond thankful. What I also know…Chris Ingram has inspired countless others both in, and out, of the pool.
 
Please consider becoming a sponsor by donating any amount. Together, we can help raise the money needed for Chris to continue racing, but this time with his very-own competitive handcycle. The 2019 Detroit Marathon is less than 50 weeks away, which means it’s training time!
 
Thank you and please share this with everyone you know who may be interested in becoming a proud supporter.
 
Sincerely,
Mary Reagan Shapton

PS: Here's a link to the bike for Chris!