ANDREW PETERSON

Shortly after birth, I was found alone. I was sent to a foster home, but I was later adopted. However, my birth mother drank alcohol during pregnancy, and because I have permanent brain damage from fetal alcohol syndrome, nothing in life has ever been easy for me.

In school, I tried my best. But I couldn’t run, speak, or learn like other kids. Some laughed and called me names. Others walked by me like I didn’t exist. All I wanted was to be included.

After a decade of physical therapy, including years of acrobatics and even tap dancing, I could actually move my arms and legs in a smooth motion. Finally, I was ready to move. I wasn’t the fastest on the playground, but no one could run as far as me. I didn’t slow down. I refused to stop. For the first time in my life, my disability didn’t define me. But most people kept focusing on what I’d never be able to do. I showed them: I earned four varsity letters in high school cross-country.

At the same time, Special Olympics provided me with opportunities to train and become an athlete and leader. Several years later, I ran three personal bests and won three gold medals at the USA Games. I also gave hundreds of speeches to thousands of high school students about respect. One person can make a difference.

Then a new challenge emerged: marathons. Six days a week, I ran with runners faster than me. I became known more for my grit than my running form. And soon, I proved the skeptics wrong again. After running my fifth marathon in 2 hours and 57 minutes, I qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon. I earned the name “No-Limits Andrew.”

Life was great until my 12th marathon. For the first time, I experienced severe back pain while running. On mile 23 of my 13th marathon, I could run no farther. I had to stop. Since running with my father at age 8, I had never stopped. Until now.
A week later, the X-ray didn’t lie. Scoliosis. It went undiagnosed in my teens yet hadn’t ever been a problem. My doctor knew better. Years of intense marathon training had left my hips and shoulders grossly misaligned. My muscles were no longer in sync. In fact, one leg was an inch longer than the other. Something that came so easy was now impossible. But would I be able to run again?

After three months of intense physical therapy, I felt new. Then I discovered Pilates and all its benefits. With exercises that focused on my postural alignment, core strength, and muscular balance, I regained much of my former self. Within three months, I ran another marathon. Decent time. And best of all, absolutely no discomfort.

To maintain my health today, I meticulously follow my Pilates routine twice a day. The results are clear. My body continues to feel great, with no hint of back pain. Rather than my body controlling me and my performance, I control it—thanks to Pilates.

DK
..................Content has been hidden....................

You can't read the all page of ebook, please click here login for view all page.
Reset
3.239.119.159