This story is about a champion, a tragedy, hopes crushed along with vertebrae, and the enormous willpower to rekindle a purpose - a story meant for us all. The story is about Beth Sanden, a 63-year-old paraplegic global champion marathoner and triathlete contender, who has made a dramatic and inspirational impact worldwide. In 2017, she achieved an entry in the Guinness World Records for being the first disabled woman to complete 7 marathons on 7 continents and the North Pole Marathon, on a handcycle. Beth's story is of hope turned into grit, commitment, perseverance, faith, and ultimately joy. It will move you forward to achieve your own goals and dreams, and to overcome the obstacles that are sure to meet you on your journey. As an able-bodied champion athlete, Beth raced triathlons and marathons. She became a world-class competitor by 2001. She raced in the Ironman California, and the Kona Hawaii Ironman World Championship. She qualified for the 2002 Boston Marathon. But a tragic bicycle accident in April of 2002 interrupted Beth's plans to run in Boston. As she trained for another Ironman on her bike, she suffered a terrible accident, and shattered the T6-7 vertebrae in her back, like glass. It stabbed her spinal cord, which then leaked spinal fluid. She underwent an eight-hour surgery. She was told she would never walk again. But, Beth turned this accident and pain, which was supposed to cripple her for the rest of her life, into a "detour," not a nemesis. The champion in her, who had to heal, and had to learn to live in a new body with constant pain, roared up to the challenge. After months of hospitals, a body cast, a wheelchair, and a second surgery, Beth's husband and Ironman friends threw her into a swimming pool. "You don't have legs, but you have arms," he said, knowing the competitor was still inside her. She swam every day. Her physical therapists used electrical stimulation on her legs to move over a treadmill. With determined willpower, within 18 months, she freed one leg from total to partial paralysis. Now, using her arm strength, a cane, a walker, and a handcycle, Beth has been back in the race, back in the winner's circle, since 2004. She goes beyond the ability of many able-bodied triathlon and marathon contenders. Since the accident in 2002, and her painful recovery from a complete paraplegic to a partial one, as of this writing, Beth has competed globally in: 78 Marathons including: The North Pole Marathon 4 Boston Marathons The "Seven Continents" Marathons (Yes, a marathon on each of the seven continents!) A "Triple 7" in Africa (As this book is published, Beth completed her "Triple Seven" in Africa: 7 marathons in 7 days in 7 different countries.) 70 Triathlons, Sprint, and Olympic distance She races to win on behalf of the worldwide physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged population, including our warriors who are wounded who come home with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and loss of limbs; and the disabled who are ready to win their own literal and metaphorical "races" to integrate themselves back into life. She is determined to show them to the world and help them choose to participate in life fully, and resurrect their dreams. She also races on behalf of all of us who have been disappointed, discouraged and detoured from the path of our dreams and purpose because of age or circumstances. She is the perfect person to take on this role, after being brutally and abruptly injured, and distraught that she might never achieve the dreams she had as a racer. No matter who you are, no matter where you are, and no matter what you do in this world, you will learn lessons to share from the life of this unforgettable woman. She knows YOU can get back in your own race, too, breaking through to rekindle your purpose. Start your journey of becoming a "champion" in your life; better, stronger, and on the path to whom you truly dream to be.
- | Author: Diane Chapman
- | Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
- | Publication Date: Nov 15, 2017
- | Number of Pages: 196 pages
- | Language: English
- | Binding: Paperback
- | ISBN-10: 1975915151
- | ISBN-13: 9781975915155
