My Dad does this with adults running marathons; it’s way more involved than just running with someone; the visually impaired person sets the pace so you have to run a marathon while someone else decides how fast to run, while also trying to anticipate their stride a few seconds in advance so you can spot potential hazards then communicate them back to your partner who needs to have absolute trust in you that you are going to keep them from hurting themselves. You essentially end up being a rally car navigator for a person
Plus the need for there to be a physical match is also super crucial and hard to find. Leg/arm length, stride, etc. it’s one of the most beautifully cooperative sports out of necessity.
A reminder to all, Summer Paralympics are coming up. They’re gonna be awesome. The more folks that tune in and support, the better the games will be and the more security they’ll have.
If you’re unaware of the history, Netflix has a great doc called Rising Phoenix that gives a small glimpse into the complexity of obstacles the athletes face and the nature of competition in this world. Highly recommend.
The downhill skiing version is similar. The sighted guide has to shout directions to the blind skier as the team goes down the slope. Helmet radios are permitted, which helps when you’re going fast and the wind gets noisy, but if you use a radio, the blind skier looses the ability to orient themselves by which direction the guide’s voice is coming from.
My Dad does this with adults running marathons; it’s way more involved than just running with someone; the visually impaired person sets the pace so you have to run a marathon while someone else decides how fast to run, while also trying to anticipate their stride a few seconds in advance so you can spot potential hazards then communicate them back to your partner who needs to have absolute trust in you that you are going to keep them from hurting themselves. You essentially end up being a rally car navigator for a person
Plus the need for there to be a physical match is also super crucial and hard to find. Leg/arm length, stride, etc. it’s one of the most beautifully cooperative sports out of necessity.
A reminder to all, Summer Paralympics are coming up. They’re gonna be awesome. The more folks that tune in and support, the better the games will be and the more security they’ll have.
If you’re unaware of the history, Netflix has a great doc called Rising Phoenix that gives a small glimpse into the complexity of obstacles the athletes face and the nature of competition in this world. Highly recommend.
Samir! You are not listening to my calls!
Triple caution!
Medium left! Meediumm leeffft!
You have to stay on the road!
I beg you
The downhill skiing version is similar. The sighted guide has to shout directions to the blind skier as the team goes down the slope. Helmet radios are permitted, which helps when you’re going fast and the wind gets noisy, but if you use a radio, the blind skier looses the ability to orient themselves by which direction the guide’s voice is coming from.
That sounds terrifying. At least running you have a pretty easy way to come to a safe stop if things are getting dangerous