Barriers can't keep this girl down.
Down but not out.
Painful moments teaches us to be resilient. Last Monday, I found out I would not be nominated to the board of Paralympics Ireland for selection for the Paralympic Marathon. Even though I have met the qualifying criteria, in particular, having the HPS the high performance standard. There is lots that can be said about barriers that I have experienced, which will be said in due course. But for now I will focus on what has helped me this past week.
What has helped
Letting my emotions out - crying helps the soul.
Getting outside.
Music - Taylor Swift along with many others has been on replay.
Food - eating favourite foods.
Routine - Continuing my training. This week I got two key speed sessions done. I run 7 days a week and I won't be changing that anytime soon. I didn't get my long MP run done cos I was at the eye casualty on Friday. Instead I just did 5k.
Support - this has really helped - whether you have been a listening ear, sharing jokes to make me smile or telling me your experience of bias in sport has all helped.
Self-care - getting hair and nails done.
Perspective - I understand the bigger issues that exist. Alot can be said about entry and progression of new para athletes who meet the high performance standard.
Writing out all the barriers and analysing them has been educating and frustrating.
Goals - knowing there are lots of other goals to be completed - personal, professional and running goals.
Focusing on past experiences where I encountered barriers and changed policy has helped give me energy.
As I move forward I will reflect, refocus & recharge.