Hello, “Wheels of Fire” Followers!
No. I am not dead. Yes, I am still racing. I know I have not posted here in a long time. A lot of my creative energy has been going into my Youtube channel (more about that later). I felt that it was a good time to post here because I have now been wheelchair racing for 10 years!
I was asked the question, “How has sport positively impacted your life?” which caused me to start reflecting on the past 10 years. Every area of my life has been touched in some way by sport.
Zaccharias was confused at a local 5K. Used to seeing other wheelchair racers at the starting line, he asked what the able-bodied athletes were doing. I told him, "running." He looked at me quizzically
Second, racing has allowed me to grow new appreciations and loves. I have grown my love of travel. I had no idea how much I love airplanes. Racing has grown my appreciation for other disabilities. I have gotten to meet some of the most incredible people. I could probably write another blog about all the things people with different disabilities have to go through. Racing has even changed the way I think: I think like an athlete. My coworker laughs at me because I hear "exercise" when she hears "extra fries."
Third, racing has provided a forum for things I already love. I have a love of learning. I have learned about wheelchair racing itself and am still learning. I have learned about equipment with gloves, tires, handrims, and racing chairs. I have learned about the human body with food, sleep, and anatomy. I have a love of sharing. I have been able to share through this blog (even if sporadically) and in person. Because of racing, doors have been opened for a bunch of different public speaking opportunities. I have been able to advocate for adaptive sports in public schools, churches, and other venues. Now I share through my YouTube channel. Wheels of Fire is where I share all I have learned about wheelchair racing so others who need practical help can see how to get started.
Most importantly, racing has grown my faith. God has clearly given me racing for His glory and my benefit. It's a reminder that God loves to give good gifts to his children. Racing is my joy; God continues to pour into that joy. The number of resources God has given me over the years proves His grace and providence. I mean, my first racing chair came from Craigslist. Who has that story? Never have I been in want financially. God has time and time again provided through grants or donors. It astounds me the number of people God has connected me with locally: a machine shop who welds aluminum, a personal trainer who has worked with pro athletes, the local Jessamine County Schools administration who is willing to let me use both high school tracks. I have not even touched on the national and international connections I have made. Time and time again, God chooses to provide what I need when I need it, showing himself as Provider. Beyond that, God has consistently challenged my character. God has used racing to foster the grit, endurance, and perseverance needed in life. Racing has also given me a good perspective on my faith. There are so many parallels between the Christian life and sports, like trusting the process of the coach for growth. This perspective has given me what I need to keep going for 10 years.
I am so grateful for the past 10 years! Thank you for being a part of this journey.
For His glory
Aerelle
PS If you want to keep up with what I am learning and sharing about wheelchair racing, please see my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/WheelsOfFireRacing
