10: Breaking Barriers: Push-Rim Racing, ADHD and the Power to Keep Racing with Heather Cohen cover art

10: Breaking Barriers: Push-Rim Racing, ADHD and the Power to Keep Racing with Heather Cohen

10: Breaking Barriers: Push-Rim Racing, ADHD and the Power to Keep Racing with Heather Cohen

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

Join us as Heather shares her inspiring journey of transforming challenges into triumphs from her military service and a unique health condition to conquering ultra distances as a push rim wheelchair racing athlete at iconic races like the Donna 110 and Dopey Challenge. As an ADHD athlete, Heather also reveals how she balances focus and energy, offering insights on race accessibility, race day etiquette, the power of community, mental grit and perseverance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heather's Journey

02:36 From Air Force to Running

05:25 Military Influence on Mindset

07:18 Transitioning to Adaptive Sports

09:58 Challenges of Wheelchair Racing

15:05 Navigating Race Etiquette

24:12 Advocating for Inclusivity in Racing

26:00 Navigating Accessibility in Major Marathons

27:13 Adapting and Identity: A Personal Journey

28:21 The Donna Ultra: A Tribute and Challenge

30:21 Overcoming Adversity: Grit and Determination

34:54 Celebrating Achievements: Awards and Recognition

40:43 The Achilles Freedom Team: Community and Support

42:44 Disney Dopey Challenge: A Unique Experience

44:02 Creative Costumes: Expressing Identity Through Racing

46:44 Memorable Moments: Interactions and Experiences at Disney

48:49 ADHD, Adaptive Athlete, Songs That Run Us

If you’re enjoying Wired To Run, leaving us a quick rating or review is one of the best ways to support the podcast and help more athletes find the show. We’d also love for you to come hang out with us on Instagram: @wiredtorunpod and Facebook: Wired To Run Podcast where we keep the conversation going beyond the episode. Thanks for being part of this community and running with us.

Have a song that runs you? Send it our way on Instagram, Facebook, or email, and we may feature it on the show during our new series, “Songs That Run Us”

If this episode reminded you that you're not the only runner whose brain sprints faster than their legs, spread the word! Share it with a friend, post it on your stories or send us a message at laceup@wiredtorun.com. We're building the ADHD/neurodivergent running community that should've existed ages ago, and you're helping bring us all together. Even if you don’t have ADHD, but you sometimes relate to feeling overwhelmed, struggle with consistency or motivation in your running journey, you are welcome here!

No reviews yet