Ready for a Run
Today I am going to run in a Family Fun Run. I am going to run 1 mile with my family, some friends, and lots of other people.

Come with me as I get ready for the day.

#1: I am well rested
I went to bed early last night. It's important to get lots of sleep the night before a race. I set my alarm so that I have plenty of time to get ready. It's a beautiful day!

#2: I eat a healthy, light breakfast
Two hours before the run, I eat a bagel topped with peanut butter and fruit. This gives me the energy that I need for running. One hour before the run, I eat a granola bar as a snack. I won't eat again until after the run. Eating too soon before running can give me a stomach ache. I'll keep sipping water throughout the day. Running makes me thirsty.

#3: Bathroom time
After I'm finished eating, I take a shower. I sit on a stool when I'm in the shower. Then I brush my teeth and comb my hair. Sometimes I stand on one foot when I'm brushing my teeth. Other times I will bring a chair into the bathroom and sit while I'm brushing. 

#4: I put on my prosthesis
I have a lucky pair of running shorts that I always wear to a big run. Now, it's time to get dressed and to put on my prosthetic leg.
Would you like to know more about my prosthesis?

​I do not have a femur bone on one side. A femur is another word for a thigh bone. Here is an x-ray of my leg bones. I like learning about my body and how it works. Science is cool and the science of my body is even cooler!
The foot on my little leg points backwards. Doctors placed my foot in this position during a surgery. This type of surgery is called Van Nes rotationplasty, because my foot is rotated, or turned around. I do not have a knee on this side, so my ankle acts like a knee.
See? When I bend my ankle, it's like bending a knee.
Here's how I put on my prosthesis. First, I put a sock on my little leg. Then, I slip my foot into the socket. Last, I strap my little leg into the cuff. A prosthetic foot is attached to the bottom of my prosthesis. Now, I can stand on two feet!

#5: I set goals and have fun
With lots of practice, running can become a lot of fun. I try to run a little bit every day. It's exciting to set goals, like running a longer distance or faster than I did before. The most important thing to me is that I'm doing my personal best and challenging myself.

#6: I show up and enjoy the moment
At the Family Fun Run we all get to wear numbers on our shirts. I was so excited to be the first one in line for my number. Now it's time to enjoy the moment with everyone else.