Last August we blogged about Brian Reynolds, a bilateral amputee since the age of 4, due to meningococcemia. He grew up with a drive to constantly exceed his last accomplishment – an avid endurance hiker, mountain climber and runner and strong charity fundraiser. (read that post here)“I feel like I am flying when I am out on the roads or trails, every time I pull on my running legs is a reminder of what I never thought I could do. It is and it exhilarating and it provides a challenge every time, not only is it a physical sport it is a mental one. You have to be able to push through physical barriers and mental to achieve your best and I really like this dynamic.”
Brian is also a strong charity fundraiser. He’s climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for the Climb for Sight, the fundraising program of Vision for the Poor, providing needed eye surgeries for children in developing countries, raising $10,000. He’s currently training for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November, doing it for Alex’s Lemonade Stand which raises money for childhood cancer. In January, he’s set to run in the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend as part of the Team in Training, raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
We checked in with Brian to see what he’s been up to and found that he’s been through a rough patch – having to go through a revision surgery on his tibia which didn’t heal, so another surgery is scheduled. He started walking again Christmas week and some light running in February.
“Hit my groove running about at the end of March and I have about 8 weeks of sprinting under my belt. Last weekend I competed in two local track meets. One was with other disabled athletes and the second was an open meet. I ran okay but still have work to do. Next week I am going to Arizona to compete in the Desert Games which is a very large meet for disabled athletes. I will be running against some of the best amputees in the country.”
Brian has entered the Runners World Cover Search contest and has our vote. You can vote too at http://coversearch.runnersworld.com/entry/379/ You can vote every day through July 22nd!
How has running changed his life?
I enjoy the encouragement that everyone who passes me offers, just as much as I love to hear that I am inspiring and motivational just by doing what I love best. Through running, I have found a community of friends, neighbors, coaches and family who will always be a major part of my life.
To cast your vote for Brian in the Runners World Cover Photo Contest: http://coversearch.runnersworld.com/entry/379/