I am an H-4 paracyclist in Decatur,IL with (CAF-OR) and I am seriously considering getting into wheelchair racing as well. Your videos have been really helpful to me and deciding whether I actually want to do it or not. Presently, my biggest concern is the positioning and comfort of my legs. The rest of it is a 100% go for me. That would only be the one deciding factor.
First, a small clarification (for those who have never been in a racing wheelchair). For most wheelchair racers who can bend their knees (and have legs), the racer sits on a fabric bench and their knees fold under them in a cloth or padded metal "toe pocket." The athlete is not sitting on their heels and ankles while pushing. I have met some getting into wheelchair racing who did not know about the bench. Kneeling is one of the best positions, if you can do it. Those who cannot bend their knees place their feet on a footplate in front of them. The two disadvantages to a foot plate are that the racer is less aerodynamic and can have a harder time reaching the best shoulder position to push well. Our video on seating position may give you some more insight (ruclips.net/video/MWW0Ttm1kmE/видео.html) Honestly, seating position in wheelchair racing is the foundation of a good push. At the same time, every racer deals with pain. Here's the key question: Is that pain causing damage or something you have to push through for the thrill of the sport. Recently, we changed Aerelle's seating position and she faced some serious pain in her chest and heels. We thought it would take 3 to 4 months to adjust and desensitize. It took 7 months and sometimes it is still hard. Here's the key question again: Is this pain damaging or just difficult? With that in mind, we followed some guidelines to answer the question: 1. Skin checks after each workout. Skin breakdown is a big deal. 2. Do the "angry" marks lessen significantly or disappear in 20 minutes or less? 3. If you lack sensation get someone you trust who can help you evaluate what you cannot see. 4. Any signs that blood flow is getting cut off? Change something immediately. Pad, loosen a strap, support somewhere else ... whatever it takes to maintain good circulation. 5. Consult medical and adaptive sports professionals to help you make wise decisions. 6 Give it time. It can take months to help our bodies adjust to the new position. Hope this helps.
I am an H-4 paracyclist in Decatur,IL with (CAF-OR) and I am seriously considering getting into wheelchair racing as well. Your videos have been really helpful to me and deciding whether I actually want to do it or not. Presently, my biggest concern is the positioning and comfort of my legs. The rest of it is a 100% go for me. That would only be the one deciding factor.
First, a small clarification (for those who have never been in a racing wheelchair). For most wheelchair racers who can bend their knees (and have legs), the racer sits on a fabric bench and their knees fold under them in a cloth or padded metal "toe pocket." The athlete is not sitting on their heels and ankles while pushing. I have met some getting into wheelchair racing who did not know about the bench. Kneeling is one of the best positions, if you can do it. Those who cannot bend their knees place their feet on a footplate in front of them. The two disadvantages to a foot plate are that the racer is less aerodynamic and can have a harder time reaching the best shoulder position to push well. Our video on seating position may give you some more insight (ruclips.net/video/MWW0Ttm1kmE/видео.html)
Honestly, seating position in wheelchair racing is the foundation of a good push. At the same time, every racer deals with pain. Here's the key question: Is that pain causing damage or something you have to push through for the thrill of the sport. Recently, we changed Aerelle's seating position and she faced some serious pain in her chest and heels. We thought it would take 3 to 4 months to adjust and desensitize. It took 7 months and sometimes it is still hard. Here's the key question again: Is this pain damaging or just difficult? With that in mind, we followed some guidelines to answer the question: 1. Skin checks after each workout. Skin breakdown is a big deal. 2. Do the "angry" marks lessen significantly or disappear in 20 minutes or less? 3. If you lack sensation get someone you trust who can help you evaluate what you cannot see. 4. Any signs that blood flow is getting cut off? Change something immediately. Pad, loosen a strap, support somewhere else ... whatever it takes to maintain good circulation. 5. Consult medical and adaptive sports professionals to help you make wise decisions. 6 Give it time. It can take months to help our bodies adjust to the new position. Hope this helps.
I don’t see links for rollers where can I find that info?
Thank you for pointing out my mistake! I have added links in the description of the video. I personally use the Epic Roller by Able Sport.