Walker Runnels
AKA: BIG DOGG
Wheelchair Bodybuilder
I have Spastic CP occurring at birth , with the left side being dominant it's about 80% left 20% right. Also, at a very young age I grew to idolize martial arts, boxing, and other sports. From those days on, I always wanted to be an athlete, and so at age 15 dad brought me a home gym. He thought I would use it off and on, but nothing like I have. I've been training for 5 years, and am going to do so for the rest of my life. I am always looking for ways and methods to improve both my physique, health and just overall well- being. I love bodybuilding and really love wheelchair bodybuilding because it's a sport I can do and someday maybe excel at.
It means a lot to me for it to exist because, when I'm around my fellow bodybuilders (both able-bodied and disabled athletes) I feel proud and at ease like I never have before except around close friends and family. I believe the reason for this is that bodybuilders, or at least the vast majority of them, feel that, when they have a weak or lagging body part, such as abs, quads, or whatever the case may be, they see that as a kind of disability or, at the very least, an encumbrance to achieving their dreams and goals. So, the able-bodied bodybuilders, much like their wheelchair counterparts, fight through and find ways to overcome their weaknesses (both mentally and physically) and become better overall in life and bodybuilding because of it and something exists a preserving and conquering fabric that weaves us all together as brethren regardless of any other factors. And, because the able-bodied bodybuilders are aware that the wheelchair bodybuilders are trying so hard to be like them in many ways and become masters of our bodies and most often in an attempt to do so we wheelchair bodybuilders employ methods, adapted exercise, and mindsets that are just as hard and powerful as the bodies we see, adore, and desire, and because the able bodied bodybuilders see the hunger in our eyes, a true blazing inferno that only with death will ever be put out, they feed it as best they can with confidence boosting words and encouragement. When the able-bodied bodybuilders stop and acknowledge that hunger and feed the flames, wheelchair bodybuilders meet their gaze and reply with a simple "thank you;" but behind that thank you ,we are disguising a deep appreciation for the people that are willing to give us such a priceless gift and, I'm not afraid to admit this, for me it's also a much needed gift. I love it
Lastly, the cheers that were for me/us will be forever engrained in my soul because, besides a few times that were and still are memorable rights and steps so to speak on my way to finding myself and becoming a man, all the other times I heard cheers like that they were inside my head and never as a handicapped 105.8 lbs. Walker but as Walker the Boxer, Walker the MMA Fighter Walker the Video Game Maker, things I cannot be right now. But now I've finally found my place as Walker the Wheelchair Bodybuilder, and I couldn't be more at peace about the past or more excited about the future than I am right now. After all this time, the cheers were real, and so is the man who received them.
I would like to also give SHOUT OUTS to some people and places for their support, even if they are not exactly sure of the role they play. First, to all my friends and family. I appreciate their unshakable support that begins at the roots and extends all the way out to the ends of the most fragile parts of the branches, a place where uncertainty and risk love to reside, tempting souls like me to crawl out there and reach out for a treasure chest, contents mysterious, usually ending with the discovery of either a priceless bounty not measured in monetary value and obvious about it's purpose but rather shrouded in opportunity, leaving the discoverer to do with it what they will and letting them take it as far as they choose or, regrettably, a cruel mimic of a dream resulting in only trickery and failure. That's why it's vital to have readily alert loved ones and friends underneath the tree to catch you if you fall so that while you ascend you can climb freely and without fear. So, to family and friends once again I thank you.
My next thanks goes out to my fellow Wheelchair Bodybuilders, past, present, and future, all of them inspire me to do better and get bigger with what I have to work with. When I'm around them, I no longer feel crippled but pumped up and ready to tackle anything. I know that sounds a little cliché, but it's how I feel. Like a wise and kind man once told me, "We all have a different story to tell." I'm honored that, not only do I get chances to tell mine to people, I also get to be a part of something bigger than me and be interwoven into that story as well. For that I'm indescribably grateful. Thank you all.
My close friends are deserving of this next shout out, whether you were a school friend, a social life one, or both, you all taught me something or motivated me to evolve for the better on this journey called "life." Whether you were one of my High School buddies who allowed me to be as I really am even with the pressures that can burden a man at that time in their life, or a Superstar Pole Vaulter who, besides being a invaluable friend was instrumental in my wanting to be buff and athletic like him, or someone who taught me to be a Shameless Flirt and took me on adventures I'll never forget, or most importantly, one of the Ladies who let me shamelessly flirt with them and paid me loving attention - to my friends -- I thank you for all that you have done and still do, and I hope you know I love you all.
The small town where I live is going to be the recipient of my next bow of gratitude. It's a safe, nice, and quiet place where everyone likes me or, at the very least, knows me,. and the people are supportive and caring. Thank you
As I reach the end of my lis,t I want to make sure I thank the audience for their cheers and kind words, the judges, competitors, and everyone else -- even the vendors -- helped to make Wheelchair Bodybuilding an unforgettable and very enjoyable event for me. And, to all the bodybuilders, fitness compactors, and all others who stopped and congratulated the wheelchair guys for overcoming their weaknesses and hardships and taking the stage to show what they got, remember, guys and gals: Apart we are just two different forces, but together we become a force that no mortal dare interfere with. Thank you all. Together we conquer.
My last, and most important, thank you goes to my mom Judy and dad Willie. They try so hard to make sure I'm happy and content in life, a mission that they have done and still are doing very well. I am their common bond, and they have crafted me into the man I am today, which if I do say so myself is a pretty cool guy. I love them so much I don't think they know to what degree I do love them. They are my heroes and friends so much so that, if I died and the forces of the Almighty told me I could come back armed with all the gifts, experiences and abilities I wanted to have in my former life, I would look Him in the eyes and say, "No thanks, Lord, I had a good run as Walker the Wheelchair Bodybuilder." Not to say I would reject a certain cure but even if that someday occurs I'll never forget these days.
One last time I want to thank everyone
Take care
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