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Jessica Longthe second-most decorated Paralympian in United States historyhas a talent for being immediately relatable.
Harry How/GettyIMages
That shouldnt be inspiring, Long tells SELF.
But I love being an inspiration for my accomplishments.
My first priority was the wedding.
By the time we entered January 2020, I was playing catch-up with my training, Long explains.
But she doesnt have any regrets.
I was like, Im going to enjoy this time of my life.
Hopefully, you only get married once.
Long was just finding her groove when the Paralympic Games were postponed in March 2020.
I had to grieve, she recalls.
I painted our entire condo.
So Long got creative.
As for many of us, her quarantine exercise includedYouTube videos.
I was running around the couch.
I went outside a lot, she says.
As the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics approach, Long is savoring the training and even the nerves.
I sleep really well, but Im definitely a little bit of a diva.
Ill complain, like, Im freezing, or my shoulders hurt.
And I have to lie a certain way, but I sleep really well.
I really love to sleep.
I think thats an amputee thing because Im exhausted throughout the day.
People often drain meIm definitely an introvert.
So I love my bedtime routine because its me time.
Bedtime is truly one of my favorite times.
Thats when I recharge, knowing that Im going to replenish my skin and my body.
I end almost every night with an Epsom salt bath.
I love Epsom salts.
Dr. Teals Lavender Epsom Salt is my favorite.
Its perfect for helping me get ready for bed.
Im a big SkinCeuticals girl.
I use their hyaluronic acid when my skin is a little wet, and I let it soak in.
Then I move on to my self-tanner.
I use Lux Unfiltered Gradual Self-Tanner.
And its by my favorite blogger, Sivan Ayla.
Ive watched her grow, so I feel like Ive been a part of the journey.
While I’m doing that, I will take my vitamins.
Im a big vitamins girl.
Otherwise, I feel it the next morning during training.
I actually got my husband, Lucas, on a retinol cream and sunscreen.
I was like, We need to start preserving yourskin.
So he does it even while Ive been away training.
Lucas is the sweetest.
I love doing all this stuff with him.
I don’t even care.
My hair has been a little air-dried at this point.
Thats when I put in Davines OI Oil because, as a swimmer, my hair is so damaged.
And then I climb into bed.
Davines OI Oil
Davines
I do have a bad habit.
But thats after Ive looked at TikTok, gone through Pinterest, and Ive set my alarm.
I also love cleaning out my phones history.
I have ice water next to my bed.
Im drinking water all the time during the day because we have hydration tests.
I have to keep water by my bed.
Ive always been really into my nighttime routine.
But more recently, having that routine helps with feeling more under control.
The Olympics and Paralympics are already so challenging.
Theres so many things out of your control.
Its such a wonderful experience, but its not made to be easy.
The beds are uncomfortable a lot of the time.
But its also one of the most amazing experiences.
I see the new athletes who come in, and its all about conserving your energy.
Theres so much excitement.
There are so many things happening.
Youre part of Team USA.
Its everything youve worked for.
And now were adding a whole new element ofCOVID-19protocols.
So its all about mental toughness, right?
But I am really thankful.
There are moments where Im just like, Oh, my gosh, this is really, really hard.
There are certain times that you just have to go with the flow.
And that can be a little hard, especially when a gold medal is on the line.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
