Once an elite marathoner and competitive cyclist, Perkins was left paralyzed from the chest down.
On November 5, the 52-year-old will take on theNew York City Marathon.
It will be her 20th time conquering the 26.2-mile distancebut only her sixth time doing so on a handcycle.
Courtesy of Kelly Brush Foundation / Amanda K Bailey
Before the crash, wheninjuriesinterfered with my training or racing schedule, I would get mad.
But in the hospital after the accident, I dont remember being upset.
I was just glad to be alive.
Eight months after becoming paraplegic, I did my first half marathon on my handcycle.
I dont know who else is going to be racing or how the hills will affect my time.
That said, Ive always enjoyed training more than racing.
Ive had so much fun getting out into the country, exploring beautiful areas, and just being outside.
The hospital doesnt give you an instruction booklet on how to navigate your new life.
Know what youre entitled to and fight for it.
I missed the chance to get the specialized help I needed during a critical window.
Recognize that the invisible aspects of an injury can be the most challenging.
Taking magnesium at night also tends to help me.
Set a goal and go for it, but keep it realistic.
Before, I relished routes on the country roads that go on for miles.
So for that first race, I wasnt concerned about exactly how I trained.
Would I have liked to ride wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted?
But I wasnt ready for that yet, and that was okay.
I was just thrilled to get back to doing what I loved.
Dont be afraid to make a major move.
Id told a bunch of people about my dream career.
It was exactly what I was looking for.
At the start of 2021, I moved to Burlington to take on that role and havent looked back.
Embrace community to connect with others and cement your sense of self.
Ive struggled a lot with loneliness since my injury.
Before, no matter where I lived, I knew Id find Insta-friends through the running and cycling communities.
I have so much gratitude for the opportunities to connect with people whove traveled the same path.
I got to connect with like-minded women who became my training buddies and good friends.
