ON THE RADAR [ MIDWEST ]

[ MY FAVORITE THINGS ]

The sight of the nish line after a grueling swim, bike ride and run can be daunting, but can provide that last push of motivation to get you there. But imagine not being able to see the line at all. World-class triathlete Aaron Scheidies from Michigan goes through this at every competition. The seven-time triathlon world champion and eight-time national champion was born with a hereditary eye condition that is slowly deteriorating his central vision. Hes conquered the Ironman Coeur DAlene despite having just 20 percent of the vision of a fully sighted person. Endurance sports has been my outlet to get away from the pressures and stresses of society, said the 29-year-old, who faced tough times as a kid because he loved playing basketball and soccer, and realized he could no longer pursue them due to his condition. In 2011, he was nominated for one of sports greatest honors, an ESPN ESPY award for Best Athlete with a Disability. Scheidies strives to be an active spokesperson for challenged athletes by encouraging those with a condition to never give up, and by educating the public about what it means to have a disability. Theres a stereotype that people who are blind live in darkness, but theres a limited percentage of people who actually do and, in reality, most people who are blind have some kind of vision, said Scheidies. Scheidies continues to conquer triathlons and hopes to participate in more endurance races. He completed the ING New York City Marathon last November with friend and former Survivor winner Ethan Zohn.
Scheidies before the 2010 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Here are some of Scheidies favorite things in Michigan:

FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAIN Kensington Metropark or on the banks of the Red Cedar River

I like taking my wonder dog, Ret (short for Retina), here; its a great place.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT Champps Americana Restaurant Sports Bar and Grill www.champps.com

sugar and fruit Post-workout: Turkey, egg and cheese sandwich on Daves Killer Bread

FAVORITE CROSS-TRAINING ACTIVITY Nordic skiing, TRX suspension training and the Computrainer

The Computrainer isnt part of my cross-training, but when youre visually impaired, it gives me the independence to cycle without having to wait for a buddy to ride tandem with me.
FAVORITE SHOE K-Swiss Kwicky Blade Light www.kswiss.com
Cielestia Calbay

FAVORITE PRE- AND POST-WORKOUT MEALS Pre-workout fuel: oatmeal with peanut butter, brown
78 Competitor April 2012

FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX Sleeping Bear Dunes in Traverse City

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Photo by Aryland Fletcher

301 W. Big Beaver Road Troy, Mich.