Meet the Marathoner: Achilles NJ Athlete to Race with HOKA Run Streaker Hellah Sidibe
After a life changing injury left him legally blind, Rolando Lee of Achilles New Jersey began to search for a new way to get out into his community and be active. When he joined Achilles, he was hopeful to regain a sense of normalcy by going back to running, something he once enjoyed. What he didn’t expect to find was such a supportive and encouraging group of people along the way.
“Joining Achilles was one of the greatest things that I have ever decided to do,” Rolando says. “I remember after I went to my very first workout, I had so many great conversations and made such a strong connection to my guide that I couldn’t wait to go back for more. I was getting so much more out of it than I expected. I didn’t realize how many amazing people I would meet and how big of an impact this organization would have on me. All it took was one run!”
Rolando is taking on his second TCS New York City Marathon alongside Hellah Sidibe, HOKA run streaker, elite runner, former soccer player and Achilles volunteer guide. Read a Q&A with Rolando below to learn more about his journey to the start line.
How has Achilles impacted your life?
“Achilles has impacted my life in so many ways. When you live your life as a person with a disability, you’re often reminded of the things you can’t do, or shouldn’t do, or things that you need help doing. Achilles really eliminates that feeling. After my injury, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get back to doing some of the things I loved, but now here I am doing more than I ever thought possible!
Achilles has helped me grow as a runner, but in a lot of other ways too. I have definitely matured emotionally since joining Achilles. One of the first things you have to do is be comfortable with being open about your disability and who you are. I realized that you can’t go into something like this pretending to be something that you’re not. I was nervous about the tether at first, but the more I did it, the more comfortable I got. It has really helped me grow and accept what I am and how my life is now. I am so grateful to Achilles for that!”
What is it like getting to run with an elite athlete like Hellah Sidibe?
“Hellah is so great, and honestly he is just one of the people that help make Achilles what it is. Someone who is just willing to get out there and run with you, talk to you, get to know you and help you reach your goals. I was excited when my chapter leaders asked me if I wanted to run with him, but I wasn’t too sure who he was at first. I went home that day and looked him up online and I got nervous once I saw his YouTube videos. I thought to myself, ‘oh man, am I going to be able to keep up with this guy?’ I was also very inspired by him, his positive attitude, amazing energy and all that he has been able to accomplish.
When we met up to run together for the first time, I was a little nervous because I thought he was going to be super serious and intimidating, but he is actually one of the nicest guys and we have so much in common! I like to talk with my guides during our runs so that I’m not focusing on the miles, so when you run with someone for a long time, you really get to know them on a much deeper level. He’s been helping me with more than just training runs, he has given me advice on pacing, nutrition, hydration and so much more. He’s a great guy and a great friend. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to take on this marathon with him.”
What advice would you give to another athlete living with a disability?
“If you're someone with a disability who has even the tiniest bit of desire to get out there and do something, whether it’s something you used to or you want to try something new, just do it! We tell ourselves ‘no I can’t.’ or ‘no I shouldn't,’ when that just isn’t the truth. I would also say that there are groups out there that you don't know about that want to help you and see you do well. There are plenty of people who want to help you and won't see you as a burden and will think you're amazing just for going out there and doing it. It's hard to believe, but there are plenty of people who want to get to know you, hear your story and see you doing something good for yourself. Achilles is just one example of that.”
