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Ever thought about being a guide? This past weekend, Chris and I went to run the Goodlife Victoria 1/2 Marathon (13.1mi) and at the expo, we wore bright pink shirts with a message on it, it read: Guide's Blind Runner (mine) and Blind Runner's Guide (Chris) ASK ME. We put this idea together in hopes of gaining some interests from other runners to ask us about guiding. There is a surprising amount of Blind/Visually Impaired runners out there and needing support in their training and racing. Some have even given up on doing the sports they love to do because there is the lack of resources and support. I can't speak for guides about their experiences other than all being positive, but I can speak for the Blind/VI runners. It is more than just ditching potholes and avoiding poles, it is bringing confidence in us, keeping us active, building friendships, and breaking barriers. It is a powerful and selfless act. If you think it is a difficult to do, its not. It is as simple as communication and adaption. I have been so fortunate to have Chris as my guide for several years and to be guided by Diane, Robyn and George in Ottawa and Victoria. It was networking with other organizations that helped me get the support. (Won with One and Achilles Canada). The groups all have a common goal, to break barriers and misconceptions of Blind/VI athletes, share the passion of sports and to show people we are able. Think about it, talk to others about it, get involved. As for references and resources, contact me via email and I can give you links to great resources and contacts. Guides and Blind/VI athletes, please post your comments of what guiding means to you. If you are on Facebook, check out these links (copy and paste link onto browser): http://www.facebook.com/groups/running.eyes/ (Running Eyes: Bringing Guides and Visually Impaired Runners together) http://www.facebook.com/groups/224380477574453/ (Visually Impaired Runners and Guides)
6 Comments
Chris
10/9/2012 04:12:31 am
It is so true as Rose mentions the need for guides is desperate, especially here in Canada. Achilles & Won with One do an incredible job, but we need more. It has been my pleasure to train & guide Rose for almost 4 years now, (that time has flown by). We have experienced many lows, more than compensated by the incredible highs of success. Every training run & every race completed is a victory. She works tirelessly to raise awareness within the sighted community about those living day to day with vision loss. It is my personal hope that everyone will join her 'Running for Change' campaign here on Facebook, and spread the word.
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Rose
10/12/2012 10:15:39 am
I feel many are part of the campaign, it gives me no greater joy than to see others making the change in their communities.
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Terry Gardner
10/10/2012 01:32:57 am
I have had many guides comment : it's double the pleasure , you get to compete and provide the assistance in order for others to compete , all in the same package !
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Rose
10/12/2012 10:16:18 am
So true...
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Dawn Lomer
10/10/2012 01:37:08 am
Great post Rose! It's true, guiding is so rewarding and a great way to become connected to new friends you might never meet otherwise. I fell into it almost by accident, but am so glad I did. It has opened me up to such a fabulous community of strong, able and determined VI people (like you) who motivate me every day.
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Rose
10/12/2012 10:18:02 am
Thank you Dawn. It was a great pleasure having you guiding me at the Ottawa 10K race :) We draw motivation from each other.
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