Dr. Bryon Solberg, 54, San Diego, CA, Doctor, Educator, Legal and Medical Consultant, Volunteer
What inspired you to start doing races?
I loved the fun of training with friends in my younger years. After my spinal cord injury, doing races, with the support and mentoring of The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), gave me goals of getting in the best shape that I could and trying to stretch the limits of what an incomplete quadriplegic (Meaning a survivor of a spinal cord injury that has all four extremities affected by weakness and coordination challenges) could do. CAF has 23 years of “Changing lives, one athlete at a time” by providing mentoring, funds, and coaching to those with physical challenges so that they participate in an active lifestyle. Last year, CAF gifted thousands of grants, worth over $3 million!
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
I do a shuffle/run/walk on foot, and I ride a three-wheeled bike. I have completed one half Ironman triathlon in wheelchairs, and two half Ironman triathlons on foot with the three-wheeled bike.
What distances do you do?
On foot, I mostly do half and full marathons.
How many have you done?
I have done 50 marathons on foot with my leg braces and canes, and over 100 marathons in wheelchairs.
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
I am so happy when someone sees me with my challenges and adaptations. Go out and start an active lifestyle. . .. anyone can do it!
Favorite race and why?
I try to have each race that I am doing be my favorite race. I do love the Boston Marathon due to the beautiful course, as it changes throughout, and the fans that line the course to cheer for strangers!
Do you travel for races?
I travel sometimes for races. Traveling adds cost as well as logistical challenges for me. I have been blessed with finishes at marathons such as: Boston; New York; Portland, Oregon; Disney World.
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
To help contain costs of my races, I look for special programs and discounts, travel and stay with friends, and sign up early at the lower costs.
Must-have gear on race day:
I think that well trained shoes and familiar food is key for a marathon. I also need two left leg braces, three right leg braces, and my cane.
Finishing up the gear, I wear socks, shorts or tights, a shirt, Headsweats cap/lobster hat, sunglasses, cane, arm warmers, and gloves, all of which that I am comfortable with and hav
e trained extensively with. I love my Garmin GPS and Galloway Run/Walk/Run Timer. Sunscreen and lip balm are great to apply even in the dark before the race, as well as having a small amount along for reapplications. The Ultimate Direction runners belt with a water bottle holder is something I usually use (my light jacket goes into the water bottle holder on race day). I also like bringing a poster to carry across the finish line.
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
I cannot feel my feet nor much below my shoulders due to the spinal cord injury, so I am able to chafe/b
leed out of my shoes before I feel it.
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
I train in all types of weather, so I can race in all kinds of weather. I seem to do better in warm weather: at each aid station, I drink one cup and dump two on my head under my hat!
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
I usually have a Cliff Bar two hours before a race, and a gel 15-30 minutes before the start of a race.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
I loved the signs along the race courses! “Run like you stole something” in Harlem of the NY City Marathon was fun, as was the Darth Vader sign at the Walt Disney World Marathon that said: “I find your lack of training disturbing.”
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
When runners come up to me as we finish and tell me that they were feeling bad, but when they saw me pass them with my braces and cane, they realized that they could finish too and even paced off of me.
Your favorite part of participating in races:
Having friends meet me a few miles from the end of a marathon to run me in. They usually have a FULL SUGAR Coke or Pepsi for me!
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
I wear a lobster hat for most marathons. It helped my sons find me during events. I do love my Fred Flintstone costume, too
How important are awesome medals to you?
I have my most fun out on the course, and then having food afterwards with friends. I do appreciate it when they have put some thought into making a beautiful medal.
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
The one
pound costume half marathon medal. It is a huge circle with a rotating gold disco ball in it!
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
I love to do the races with someone and/or have them meet me with a few miles to go . . . I love sharing the memories with them.
Favorite song on your playlist:
“Born To Be Wild.”
Who is your race hero and why?
The athletes who need crutches to do a race have it so much more difficult than I do. I am so impressed by their fortitude!
What is the top race on your bucket list?
I would love to do The Chicago Marathon, as it is iconic AND flat (I have never done a flat marathon before)! Also, the Little Rock Marathon has the world’s biggest marathon medal, so that would be fun to earn!
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
By preparing myself for races, I keep in shape and can continue to serve as a Boy Scout leader. Our Troop does over 200 miles of hiking each year!
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:
There are two kinds of anxiety: event anxiety and distance anxiety. I suggest signing up for a very short distance: one that you can easily do! That way, all you have is event anxiety for your first event(s)
