OSHKOSH - Sue Wessels after running in pain at the Badger State Games won't have to make any summer vacation plans next year.
Wessels overcame a pulled calf to finish second in the 100-meter dash in the women's 40-49 year-old division at the Badge Badger State Games in Oshkosh in June. Wessels with the silver medal this year after winning gold last year has punched her ticket to the State Games of America next summer in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"I have heard the saying, 'No pain, no gain.' "You push with all your heart."
Wessels, a special education teaching assistant at Monroe High School, pulled her calf practicing starts out of the starting blocks two weeks before the race.
She elected not to use the blocks at Badge Badger State Games, instead relying on a standing start.
"I was afraid it (the calf) would do it again," she said. "I knew as soon as I started out, something would happen."
About 50-meters into the race, Wessels started to feel her calf pull again. She finished the race, but wasn't satisfied with her time.
"It was awful," she said. "It was an ugly run."
Wessels ran track at Beloit Memorial High School where she was featured in the hurdles. While her days hurdling are numbered, Wessels' passion for track has remained strong.
"I love watching kids when they get their time down," Wessels said. "I enjoy the thrill of it."
She plans to begin training in September for the State Games of America. In addition to her calf injury, Wessels tore the MCL in her knee a couple of years ago.
Wessels said she plans to rely on water aerobics and weight training to strengthen her knee.
"Old age does wonders to your body," Wessels said. "Hopefully, the calf will hold on."
She has her sights set on visiting family in Colorado and making a big impact at the State Games of America.
"I will have a cheering section," Wessels said. "I would at least like to make the finals and get my time down."
Wessels overcame a pulled calf to finish second in the 100-meter dash in the women's 40-49 year-old division at the Badge Badger State Games in Oshkosh in June. Wessels with the silver medal this year after winning gold last year has punched her ticket to the State Games of America next summer in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"I have heard the saying, 'No pain, no gain.' "You push with all your heart."
Wessels, a special education teaching assistant at Monroe High School, pulled her calf practicing starts out of the starting blocks two weeks before the race.
She elected not to use the blocks at Badge Badger State Games, instead relying on a standing start.
"I was afraid it (the calf) would do it again," she said. "I knew as soon as I started out, something would happen."
About 50-meters into the race, Wessels started to feel her calf pull again. She finished the race, but wasn't satisfied with her time.
"It was awful," she said. "It was an ugly run."
Wessels ran track at Beloit Memorial High School where she was featured in the hurdles. While her days hurdling are numbered, Wessels' passion for track has remained strong.
"I love watching kids when they get their time down," Wessels said. "I enjoy the thrill of it."
She plans to begin training in September for the State Games of America. In addition to her calf injury, Wessels tore the MCL in her knee a couple of years ago.
Wessels said she plans to rely on water aerobics and weight training to strengthen her knee.
"Old age does wonders to your body," Wessels said. "Hopefully, the calf will hold on."
She has her sights set on visiting family in Colorado and making a big impact at the State Games of America.
"I will have a cheering section," Wessels said. "I would at least like to make the finals and get my time down."
