Name: Patricia E. Crebase
Where do you currently live? Center City Philadelphia
How long have you been involved with Achilles Philadelphia? Since the beginning (September 2012?)
How did you find out about Achilles International? Melissa recruited me at the gym. She could sell ice cream to the Eskimos.
When did hand cycling become a part of your life? After joining Achilles. Before that, running was only a means to an end. Back in the day, I ran so that I could play other sports like tennis and soccer.
What do you gain from hand cycling? After using a wheelchair for so many years, the ability to go fast under my own power was such a rush! And when I’m on my cycle, people don’t know that I use a wheelchair.
What is your favorite distance to cycle? I don’t really have one. I usually depend on how much time I have available.
What is your most significant accomplishment to date? The Philly Half Marathon, but ask me in another three weeks and you might hear: The Philly Marathon.
Who/what is your biggest inspiration? Now isn’t this a loaded question…I’m going to answer with the person who inspired me to begin this journey. A dear friend of mine didn’t get to run Broad Street in 2010 because he had a recurrence of a life threatening disease. He had go back into treatment so missed the run. The following year, he asked me to cheer for him as he ran the 10 miles on Broad Street. As I waited at the corner of Broad and Brandywine, the first wheelchair racers flew past me. Then my friend ran by with a high five and a defiant laugh for the things that tried to keep him down. At that point, I made a decision that I could do more/be more than I currently was. That was the beginning of my hunt for a handcycle, a first ride, a first Achilles work out, a first race, a first a lot of things.
What quality best describes your personality? Contrarian, perhaps. Tell me that I cannot do something and I will start trying to figure out how to prove you wrong. Cheerful, too. I will probably be laughing about whatever ridiculous plan I have gotten involved in.
What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time? I am an obsessive reader. I love board games (we’ve come a long way since monopoly). I sometimes cook but much prefer to have somebody else cook for me (like a chef in a fancy restaurant).
Do you have a favorite quote? Dreams are important. Without dreams, eight hours of sleep is nothing. (Good grief, I even used that as my quote in my highschool yearbook!)
What is your disability/impairment? I’ve been living with multiple sclerosis for close to 20 years and use a wheelchair.
What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? (don’t be modest!!) I am an interesting conversationalist. I like talking to people about all types of things. What are they doing outside of running? What have they been thinking about? I also think that I cause people to rethink themselves. If I can be out here doing this, what is their excuse?
What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts? I have a blast with the people! Switching out who you run with means that there is always some new topic to keep me entertained on those long rides/runs.
If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be? WELCOME!