COLUMN
Learning to take a step back
Erin Lazarus shares how running back-to-back marathons as an amputee has taught her some important lessons about strength.
By Erin Lazarus
Let’ s just say I completely underestimated this in my mind.
To everyone else it probably looks easy. It probably looks like I’ m just out there living my best life, collecting medals, travelling the world and having the time of my life. And don’ t get me wrong, there have been moments that genuinely have felt magical. But behind closed doors, the last month has also had a lot of tears, a lot of frustration and even more denial.
For me, I often forget I’ m an amputee. I know that sounds strange, but it’ s true. Somewhere along the line, running became so normal to me that I convinced myself this is simply what running must feel like for everyone. Yes, maybe other runners don’ t need to stop every few kilometres to wipe their leg and give it a breather, but don’ t we all get tired and feel pain? Don’ t we all need rest?
42 www. modernathlete. co. za