The road to Sydney

In about one month, we will begin our journey to Sydney, Australia, to run the Sydney Marathon. For those who are new to my story, this will be my sixth full marathon and fifth world major marathon. My husband has pushed me across each of these finish lines in our duo bike.

Last weekend we had a 20-mile training run. Trying to avoid the summer heat is not easy. For my husband, it is important to get out early before the sun comes up and it becomes scorching hot.

I have never been able to run, but I can gather by watching those who run that running in the summer heat looks torturous.

To beat the heat, we rise around 4 a.m. on Sunday mornings, which is our normal long training run day. I am typically an early riser, but that is a little earlier than I would like to roll out of bed on a Sunday morning.

After a long run like that his body is obviously exhausted. Anyone would guess that as we know what physical exertion does to our bodies. For me, although I did not run 20 miles, I am exhausted by a different kind of stress and muscle exhaustion.

I feel weak when I get out of the bike. My diseased muscles are always very weak, but it is on a different level. It affects me the rest of the day as I attempt to outrun the exhaustion.

For both of us, the end goal is the same, crossing the finish line of the Sydney Marathon.

Although we are running together, the way we achieve that goal is so vastly different. We are connected and running as he holds onto the bike, but each of us has a completely different experience despite being connected.

We see and hear different things while running. Our focus is on different things, yet we communicate effectively and often.

Not being able to see him is one of the hardest parts for me. When I am in the bike, I surrender all control and trust. I do not have a brake or steering of any kind.

At times, I get extremely anxious and filled with adrenaline in the duo bike. If I can tell he is struggling, which of course happens during a marathon or long training run, I get worried. I feel a rush of guilt for being the person in need of the ride to the finish line. My negative thoughts can really take over in those moments.

While he is training his legs, I am busy training my mind. Training my mind to stay calm and do my part as the “coach” of our team. I go through my checklist of questions I ask when he is struggling to keep him safe, hydrated and properly nourished. I can whip out an energy gel packet like no other and fill water bottles on the go over the side of the bike.

With this being our sixth marathon together, we have ironed out most of the kinks, but there are always surprises. It could be with him or me. That is also part of our training and preparation. Talking through scenarios.

It is ideal when our sons run with us. It gives us both a feeling of security. Unfortunately, they will not be able to join us this time around. College does not allow for such an extended period away.

We are both excited and nervous for the unknowns of this entire process, just the two of us. We have conquered many mountains for a long time. I have no doubt that we will continue to face this one with confidence and a vision of success.

So far, the Humbly Courageous Corporation has raised $5,000 to go towards buying a duo bike for another duo who wants to run their race together. We want others to have the same experiences we do. Our generous donors help to make this possible.

It is not lost on us how incredibly unique the experiences we have conquered across the world in this bike have been.

My disability has opened our eyes to possibilities we never would have seen without it. This truth forces the narrative of gratitude for the things it brings to our lives, rather than the sorrow of the things it destroys.

There is much more to come in the weeks ahead on the road to Sydney. I look forward to writing about our trek there, during and back. Stay tuned!

Until next time …

Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, freelance writer, wife, and mom of two boys. She is the recipient of The Reporter’s Winter 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.org and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.