So, we celebrated briefly and got a picture snapped to document this incredible moment in time.
As soon as that picture was taken, it felt like my mind reconnected with my body, and I instantly knew I was in trouble. Things weren’t good. My arms and hands were vibrating from overuse from cheering so much and ringing that cowbell. I definitely didn’t need more cowbell!
Photo provided
I was soaked and cold. Despite my rain preparation, with rain like that it’s hard to stay dry.
Then, I realized I couldn’t move my legs. I told my husband, “I’m not ok, I need help.” I was so scared. I was also obviously worried about him, who had just run a marathon! He managed to get me pushed to the VIP tent where the disabled athletes were able to go after the race.
As we entered, someone put a medal around our necks and congratulated us. Then, they had an incredible medical team that took over, so my husband could take care of his needs. I didn’t understand what was happening because this hadn’t ever happened to me before.
They lifted me out of the duo bike and laid me on a stretcher. I was kind of hysterical because I was so scared. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t move my legs. I could feel them touching them but could not move them. There was a flurry of people working with me, helping to get all my heavy, soaking wet layers off me so I could breathe. Something about when they took the medal off my neck made me realize that I had also pushed my body to its limits, and it wasn’t happy with me.
In that moment, I felt like I had earned that medal. I too had “run” the race in my own way. Jamie kept checking on me because he was obviously scared too, but the medical team did a great job of reassuring him that I was in good hands.
They got me warmed up, gave me some fluids, and there was one man who stayed with me the entire time. He was such a kind and gentle spirit, and he made all the difference in keeping me calm. I wish I could go back and thank him. He sat with me for a long time, and helped me sit up with support, and then when I was ready, he started to move my legs for me. It took a while, but then it’s like my brain reconnected with my legs, and I was able to somewhat move them. He did that for a good bit, and then I told him I was ready to try and get back in my duo bike and get out of there.
Standing was difficult and he helped me walk a few steps, but my legs could not hold me at that point. Jamie was also doing pretty good, and he was ready to try and push me through the crowds back to our hotel. I thanked the medical team profusely. They were my angels on earth.
We finally made our way back to our hotel room where the boys were waiting on us. My son helped me out of the bike, and as I was trying to walk to the bed, my legs collapsed and I fell. I knew I needed to get in a hot bath to warm my muscles up, so that’s what I managed to do eventually. Slowly, I regained function, although it took several days to feel my full strength again. I think it was a combination of adrenaline, cold, wet, and sitting in one position for so long that took a toll.
I’m forever grateful for these wonderful opportunities. Our plans are to complete all six world marathon majors. We have three left and hope to check another one off the list later this year! More to come from Team Humbly Courageous.
Until next time …
Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, wife, and mom of two boys. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.com and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.