Todd Byers and Melisa Callison at the PF Chang Rock'n'Roll Marathon in January 2009.
My first experience at the 2006 PF Chang’s Rock’n’ Roll Marathon was as a spectator when I traveled with my friend Todd Byers to find out what this marathon stuff was all about. On television I had seen marathoners stagger across the finish line and collapse from exhaustion. That day I stood among thousands of cheering spectators along barricades and was amazed as I watched runners complete the 26.2 miles. Some finished at full sprints with hands high in the air, screaming with joy yet there were those who practically crawled across. One poor guy fell to his knees in pain and exhaustion a few feet from the finish line but managed to pick himself up and complete the race. I was dumbfounded, amazed and excited by what I saw. The cheering of the crowd was exhilarating. I stood there and asked myself “Why not me?” At that moment a runner was born.
I have been a below the knee amputee since the age of three. I lost my leg due to a bone deformity called Pseudoarthrosis caused by a condition of the peripheral nervous system called Neurofibromatosis (NF) Type 1. With the help of my Prosthetist, I was able to acquire a Flex-run carbon fibre running leg which I call my “Cheetah Leg”. I am now a member of the NF Endurance Team to raise funds for others with Neurofibromatosis.
I had to learn to run all over again with my new Cheetah Leg as the carbon fibre is entirely different from trying to run in my every day walking leg. Imagine a mini trampoline strapped to your foot, and then running on that mini trampoline! After much training, in 2007 - only one year after being a spectator in Arizona - I found myself participating amongst thousands of runners at the PF Chang’s Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Phoenix and I have run it every year since.
Todd Byers and Melisa Callison at the PF Chang Rock'n'Roll Marathon in January 2009.
But I did not stop there. I trained hard, had my share of ups and downs; triumphs and failures. I completed my first full marathon on June 3, 2007 at San Diego’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Todd coached me for the event and ran with me the entire 26.2 miles -- while putting up with my whining which started at about mile 18! During that and every other event, running with my Cheetah Leg certainly causes runners and spectators alike to stare in disbelief. When the two of us run together it causes double the commotion. Because Todd wears no shoes and I have my prosthesis, between the two of us we need only ONE shoe!
A typical on-the-run exchange goes like this: ”Hey dude where are your shoes?” a spectator shouts to Todd. “She stole them” he replies, pointing at me. “Well, he stole my leg!!” I shout back.
I have learned that there are runners out on the course of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Each and every runner has a story on what led him or her to the start and mine is just as unique as the others. At every event I have runners come up to me asking questions about my leg and no matter their circumstances they seem to gain encouragement and inspiration from what I have to offer them.
“I woke up this morning, and my foot hurt. I wasn’t sure I would race, but I decided I would try. Now, I see you out here and I feel I have nothing to complain about”, a lady told me around mile 8 at this year’s Half Marathon.
"I’d like to shake your hand,” another gentleman says.
At around mile 11, a young lady who appeared to be just about out of gas asked if she could run with me. “I’d be honored to have you run with me” I told her.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Phoenix was indeed extra special this year as I realized even able to encourage people along the way. Working in healthcare, helping people along the run seems to be an extension of myself. If my being on the course helps one person, then my job is done for the day. In addition to the run itself, visiting the Grand Canyon, Bedrock City, and London Bridge in Havasu City on the return road trip together made the entire Rock 'n' Roll Arizona experience even more rewarding and fun!!