DECEMBER 18, 2017
BEYOND THE PAVEMENT
by: Nerissa Cannon

Nerissa is likely one of the unique GRIT Freedom Chair Trailblazers! Her journey with continual sickness has made her very keen about serving to different individuals get probably the most out of life regardless of a disabling situation.

I acquired my GRIT Freedom Chair on April 8, 2016. It’s fascinating trying again on the time that’s handed since then. As of late I share movies and tales about my unimaginable adventures, however it hasn’t been a simple journey to get up to now. People take a look at my successes with my Freedom Chair and assume that’s how I began, or that issues had been easy for me in attending to this stage. What you see me do is merely a small snapshot. There’s a a lot greater image many individuals don’t take into account.

Once I first began driving my GRIT Freedom Chair, it actually made plenty of issues simpler in my life. I used to be much less fatigued pushing the levers versus pushing on my ultralight wheelchair’s tires. This meant I may go farther, even simply happening the pavement. Once I wished to depart the pavement for a bit and undergo some grass or gravel, it was so clean! My entrance tire didn’t get slowed down the way in which my small wheelchair casters had. It felt like gliding! I loved these mini adventures that allowed me to go additional extra simply (and with much less ache) than I had in fairly some time. Nevertheless, I’m the kind of particular person to push the boundaries of myself and my gear, and it wasn’t lengthy in any respect earlier than I used to be setting my sights on loftier summits.

I received’t lie: I used to be just a little TOO bold within the trails I started to try. I assumed (very naively) that as a result of I was an amazing hiker, and now I can wheel a wheelchair all day, that the 2 expertise would in some way mix. I didn’t take into account that there is likely to be a conditioning curve. I used to be plunging into an entire new sport: Wheelchair Climbing. I attempted to push too arduous, too quick, and I bought annoyed. I yelled at these I cared about only for attempting to assist me on terrain that was above my present talent stage. I virtually stopped utilizing the Freedom Chair altogether as a result of I had unrealistic expectations of myself after I began out.

With gracious help from the GRIT Group and my buddies, I readjusted my expectations. I went again to the fundamental off-road trails I began on when first receiving my Freedom Chair. I discovered the way to hunt down easier new routes that will permit me to extra absolutely get pleasure from myself, somewhat than being a continuing wrestle. Whereas doing so I gained energy and endurance virtually with out realizing it.

Inside the previous few months I’d discover myself in conditions on trails pondering “I don’t assume I can do that, however I suppose I’ll strive it!” Surprisingly, I’d overcome it! By readjusting my expectations to simply get pleasure from my outing with the Freedom Chair it doesn’t matter what the terrain, unknown to me I had improved my talent stage to the purpose the place I can now deal with absolutely anything I would like!

On September 16, 2017 I accomplished a hike that was the kind of terrain I used to be at all times envisioning I’d need do with my GRIT Freedom Chair. Up till then I didn’t have the talent to take action. The path known as “Lichen It,” a 3 mile climb up with 500ft of total elevation achieve. It’s a principally well-maintained mountain bike path however with some rooty and rocky moments. It was a scenario the place, as soon as once more, I shocked myself with my talents. I began the path, realizing it will be a problem, and simply dedicated to doing as a lot as I used to be in a position to whereas nonetheless having fun with the journey. I didn’t count on myself to finish it, however I stored discovering myself pushing ahead and upward, ahead and upward. I’d move downhill hikers that will say, “Wow! You’re going as quick as I did uphill!” Earlier than I knew it, I discovered the marker signifying the top of the path.

My climb was rewarded with a difficult, but exhilarating descent. On the way in which down I mirrored about how that day, and so many others, wouldn’t have been attainable with out my GRIT Freedom Chair. I thought of how I virtually gave up in my frustration, although now that looks as if such a very long time in the past and such a small second within the large image. On the day I accomplished “Lichen It,” I used to be so grateful I didn’t stop after I was annoyed. I used to be grateful for all of the help and encouragement I acquired throughout these difficult occasions, and all these individuals who wouldn’t let me stop. I can now confidently say that, as we speak, I’ve exceeded what I initially thought could be attainable for me to navigate with the Freedom Chair.

Greater than something I need to be that help particular person for others simply beginning out within the sport of Wheelchair Climbing. I need to remind them to maintain pushing whereas sustaining reasonable expectations. I hope they perceive that it’s okay to ask for assist once they want it. I need to remind them to not examine their talents to anybody else’s as a result of it’s their very own distinctive journey. Whether or not they dream of tackling powerful trails, pushing themselves on the seashore, or just taking a spin down their driveway and across the neighborhood, it’s necessary to interrupt that final objective down into small, attainable every day targets. Push even only a tiny bit additional as we speak than yesterday, and they are often that a lot nearer to their objective! Above all I need to be sure that they don’t hand over when the going will get powerful or when issues really feel like they’re taking longer than they need to. Earlier than they understand it, they’ll shock even themselves with what they can accomplish.

As a result of the GRIT crew understands that it may possibly take time to adapt to a brand new piece of kit, they’ve a gracious 30-day a refund assure. I encourage everybody to make FULL use of the 30 days. If the Freedom Chair is just a little totally different than you imagined on the primary day you strive it, don’t get discouraged! Attempt it once more on Day 2. Go sluggish and construct steadily in distance and issue of terrain. Be affected person with your self. Don’t be afraid to ask a path buddy to return alongside in your adventures simply in case you want just a little help. If after 30 days of use it’s nonetheless not working for you in any respect, GRIT will settle for most fashions again for a full refund! What have you ever bought to lose?

Please, be taught from my expertise and permit your self to slowly situation to utilizing a Freedom Chair, similar to you’ll taking over any new sport or exercise. Take time to get pleasure from your environment, the individuals you journey with, and the journey itself. Sluggish and regular wins the race in spite of everything!