General Discussion Triathlon Talk » she's got legs, she knows how to use them Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2008-09-05 12:16 PM

Veteran
159
1002525
NC
Subject: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

There's been some interest in what legs I use to race, so pics with explanations.

First: the biking leg. My original prosthetic, slightly modified so the top of the socket does not hit my bike seat rail. The knee is ideal for biking because it is essentially free-swinging as long as it is not "straight" or locked. Downside: sucks to walk in because if you step wrong when the knee is not locked, you hit the deck in short order.

Second: the walking leg. This thing is a tank. It is very heavy and requires charging over night. It uses computer chips to sense the distribution of my body weight relative to the knee and foot, and responds accordingly so I don't hit the deck.

Third: the running leg. The carbon flex foot is very important here for energy returns. Trying to run on any other leg is like having a cinder block for a foot. The knee is very light weight and is specially designed so that when you give it the slightest extension, it locks and catches you. Ideal for running, but can still unlock sometimes when walking around and you crash land.



Edited by dlb3830 2008-09-05 12:19 PM




(run leg.jpg)



(bike leg.jpg)



(walking leg.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
run leg.jpg (36KB - 13 downloads)
bike leg.jpg (34KB - 15 downloads)
walking leg.jpg (16KB - 12 downloads)


2008-09-05 12:24 PM
in reply to: #1652995

User image

Master
2014
2000
Ohio
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

dlb,

Thanks for sharing. I had no idea that we had an amputee in the site. I also did not realize that prosthetics had come so far in development.

Do you swim as well?

On edit: I see by your logs that you swim.



Edited by David tri's 2008-09-05 12:26 PM
2008-09-05 12:34 PM
in reply to: #1652995

User image

Elite
2661
20005001002525
DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Wow, that's pretty cool - I didn't realize they were so specialized for various activities.

I love the fact that the technology has come along to the point where you can really get out and DO things!

2008-09-05 12:41 PM
in reply to: #1652995

User image

Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Super awesome to see you out competing again D!!

You've come a long way in less than a year!!!

2008-09-05 12:55 PM
in reply to: #1652995

User image

Melon Presser
52116
50005000500050005000500050005000500050002000100
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
You are really amazing. Toughest cookie I know of, and it's wonderful to know you're on the upside and back doing what you love. Congrats on your persistence and training. The leg pics are great. LOL I have enough trouble in transitions without having to change legs.
2008-09-05 12:58 PM
in reply to: #1652995

User image

Elite
3090
20001000252525
Spokane, WA
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
Wow, you're an inspiration. Thanks very much for posting.


2008-09-05 1:27 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2008-09-05 1:27 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
Awesome. Just awesome.
2008-09-05 1:51 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Extreme Veteran
492
100100100100252525
Cleveland, Ohio
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
Wow.  That is awesome.  Your dedication is so incredibly admirable!
2008-09-05 3:47 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Champion
10471
500050001001001001002525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
Awesome! That's cool! Thanks for sharing!

You know, I suspect, that even with changing legs... you still beat my transition times.
2008-09-05 3:52 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Very cool!

We have a one leg amputee in my masters swim that (when he's in shape) keeps up with me, and destroys me on the road, he has the amputee world record for the half mary at 1:21. (sorry if I've gotten any of the lingo wrong)



Edited by ChrisM 2008-09-05 3:53 PM


2008-09-05 3:56 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Master
2073
20002525
The Redlands, FL
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Wuaoooooo!!!!....It's Awesome....Super-Cool!!!

You really are an inspiration. Thanks very much for posting/share all this information.

2008-09-05 3:56 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Champion
11641
50005000100050010025
Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Very, very cool.

You've now officially got more brains in your left leg than we have in our entire Cup of Joe forum.... 

2008-09-05 4:34 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Glad you are racing!

High tech legs for sure....

I have a friend who adopted a daughter from China who is an amputee just above the knee.  I hope when she gets older she gets cool legs like you have!

2008-09-05 4:47 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Champion
15211
500050005000100100
Southern Chicago Suburbs, IL
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Holla, holla!!!

Saweet hardware you got there. 

I just looked up your race report for Kerr Lake.  Nicely done.  Nicely done indeed. 

Keep up the good work.  Looking forward to reading more of your RR's and seeing the progress.  Truly inspirational. 

2008-09-05 5:00 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Expert
770
5001001002525
Long Island, NY
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
I didn't realize who it was that posted this until I read Daremo's post, then it was like a lightbulb going off.

Holy crap! Not many, perhaps myself included, would want to get back in to what nearly killed them. Getting to where you are now is some lesson in determination. Good for you, I hope the progress continues and you continue to enjoy it.


Nice job on the OLY, by the way.


2008-09-05 5:06 PM
in reply to: #1653717

Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
marmadaddy - 2008-09-05 4:56 PM

Very, very cool.

You've now officially got more brains in your left leg than we have in our entire Cup of Joe forum....

Hey! I resemble resent that statement!

Nice to see the pictures and that you've been able to come so far in the past year.   

2008-09-05 5:13 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Elite
2443
200010010010010025
Athens, Georgia
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
So glad to see you competing after all you have been through.  A lot of people would have used your experience as a reason to quit.  You continue to inspire and I hope you are given the opportunity to share your story to continue to inspire those around you.
2008-09-05 5:23 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Expert
1148
100010025
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Silver member
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Deanna - you're back, and training for a HIM.  Awesome.  Thanks for the update and pictures of the legs. 

How long does it take to change legs in transition?  Do you swim 'legless'?  How do you get from water to T1? 

 

2008-09-05 5:25 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Lethbridge, Alberta
Bronze member
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
Wow! Very inspiring. So cool to see the technology that's helping you stay in the game. Thanks!
2008-09-05 5:27 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
Holy cow, I was just reading about Sarah Reinertsen the other day and along comes one of our own. I've got to hand it to you, I've done a lot of things and I'm not sure I could do that.

Wow. Just wow.


2008-09-05 8:34 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Extreme Veteran
326
10010010025
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Is this the young lady whose mother kept us up to date via BT during her accident and recovery.

If so....that is truly amazing how far you have come.   WOW WOW WOW

What are you goals now....

2008-09-05 8:37 PM
in reply to: #1653717

Champion
5850
50005001001001002525
Michigan
Subject:
marmadaddy - 2008-09-05 4:56 PM

Very, very cool.

You've now officially got more brains in your left leg than we have in our entire Cup of Joe forum.... 

LOL! True, so true.  

 

Very cool, thank you for sharing. An inspiration to all, I'm sure

EDIT: DUDE!!  I remember the story now!  We need an interview. Did Endurance Planet do an interview with you?  If you wouldn't mind...we need one, someone needs to do one. I'm very interested in hearing your story as I'm sure thousands of others are as well.

MARMA....



Edited by trixie 2008-09-05 8:42 PM
2008-09-05 9:02 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Pro
4507
20002000500
Simpsonville, SC
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them
Awesome D! It is so great to see these pics of you smiling and racing. Of course, we all knew you were a rock star when you were telling us stories of escaping ICU in your wheelchair as soon as you were able. I second the request for an Endurance Planet interview. It would be a great way to share your inspirational story and comeback!

Pam
2008-09-05 9:39 PM
in reply to: #1652995

Extreme Veteran
405
100100100100
Shakopee, MN
Subject: RE: she's got legs, she knows how to use them

Thanks for sharing!

Did you get your prosthetic through Ottobock?  In my previous life, I was getting ready to do sales for them and then work at their sister company OrthoRehab.

My close friend was one of their first test persons for the full C-leg...now called the "helix3D-joint hip system".

 

Ryan

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » she's got legs, she knows how to use them Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2