December 21, 2012

It has been WONDERFUL to have Jeremy home!!!! I did ask him to help me with a HUGE favor while he was home.... We have a squirrel that seems to think MY ATTIC is his vacation home... WRONG!!!! Poor Jeremy, he has tried everything.... There is a hole where this varmit is getting in. There is some inhibiting factors on getting this squirrel. #1 our roof-line has a wierd angle; #2 the side of the hole is on a very steep hill; #3 to go from the inside of the attic you cannot reach the hole due to the wierd angle of this part of the roof.... So Jeremy in PURE military style has taken on the mission of the squirrel... He has borrowed a high powered pellet gun from a friend and has been shooting at it. Now he has been mindful of the recent horrible tragedies where a person has gone nuts and shot people. Plus the other thing, we live very close to a grade school. So YES - he is been cautious of shooting at the squirrel. Now this is a U.S.A. Marine who has a sharp-shooter status... He says that he has hit the squirrel - he thinks in the rear quarters... I did not hear the squirrel yesterday but this morning - HE'S BACK!!!! I could hear him early in the morning, running in the attic and clawing away.... We just had our first blizzard yesterday... so this squirrel is thinking he has a pretty nice deal winter vacation home... No - this is not going to happen... So Jeremy is wrestling with the squirrel that is out-whitting a Sargent in the U.S. Marines.... hummmmmm.... Right now, the only thing is that the poor squirrel has a sore bottom.... I think it may be time for me to treat the squirrel to a nice cocktail... Or go the humane way and use the live trap. Either way - that squirrel is going DOWN!!!!! My running has not gone has well as I have hoped. These shin splints are a bitch! I have received the compression leggings. They really do help ALOT. When I first tried to run with them - I did not have any issues. It wasn't until I was a few miles in that it started acting up. I have really been taking it easy on them. The weather till yesterday has been fairly mild. I have been running outside as much as possible. I have just be running shorter distance and also taking rest days. (That is SO UNHEARD OF for me!!!!) I think I have gotten up to about 5 miles and then it really starts in. The leg wants to give out and it really starts to hurt... I tried to do the treadmill. I don't know what it is - but it JUST ABOUT KILLS me, no matter what the distance. So I have been running on the Cybex - that seems to be MUCH MUCH better. I cannot go as far as fast on those machines.. But it better than not doing anything. Plus they are so EXTREMELY boring --- I just keep thinking I want to go outside and play.... So with my 100K in December challenge... We just figured - I have completed 50 miles (or 80.4672 km). Leaving me 12.13 miles to go and I have 10 days. Now we have Christmas in there so I know that will knock off a day or two. So I have to concentrate on a minimum of 1.5 miles per day to finish. That would even put me over in the number of miles for the challenge. So I am still in the running (LOL) for this challenge... But as always --- I am moving forward. ALWAYS AND FOREVER FORWARD!!!!!

December 7, 2012

Well, we have started the 100K in December challenge. It is not going as well as I would like. I am still dealing with quite a bit of pain and swelling in my calves. I have been doing Epson Salt baths and Ibrophen to help calm things down. It has helped ALOT. I finally went to the Dr. about it... It was not my regular Dr... but he suggested to have compression sleeves on my calves.... So I have ordered some that are designed for runners they should be here today. I am hoping that they fit properly and that they help. Right now, I have been keeping my running distances short. The weather here has been so WONDERFUL this week that I have been running from Sunday through Wednesday in shorts!!!! Yesterday, I finally had to break out the underarmor pants again. I try to take advantage of the weather whenever possible. This time of year - you just don't know. So far it has been so incredibly mild. For me this is GREAT!!!! But my legs don't want to play... So now they are thinking that I have Shin Splints... YUCK!!!! So the only thing is to lower the mileage and have compression on the calves. Oh well.... we knew that sooner or later I would probably develop a runner's issue... I finally have... But I have been running quite a bit even with my issue --- I am up to 26 miles in this challenge of the 100K in December. Overall for the year, I have done 1,035 miles in 2012... So now to have shin splint issues - are we really surprized!!! No... But it does hurt... So today I have deemed as a run rest day... I have ran 6 days straight with no breaks... I will still get my exercise in... I will go to BodyPump tonight for an hour, that will be my exercise for the day. Tomorrow, morning I plan to get a run in before I leave for Madison, WI for the day... I don't know if it is because I am having these issues with the shin splints --- but I have noticed increased issues with my restless leg syndromes. Sometimes driving from work to home (about 1/2 hour) is absolutely horrible. My damn leg wants to jump all over the place... Not cool, especially when it is the leg that controls the pedals... I hate that... It doesn't happen all the time when I am sitting - just some times... The other really Hell is at night - it wakes me up and feels like there are hot ants crawling up and down them... This is why I do not sleep very long. You say, there are drugs to help you.... Yes, I have TWO different anti-spasm drugs that I take at night... This does help ALOT - this way I do get some hours of sleep... I do not take and do not want sleep drugs... I just need the nerves to calm down. But I do not want to take so many drugs that I am a zombie and cannot function. I have a very busy and productive life. I also thrive and LOVE being busy and productive... It would kill me if I was a slobbering veggie in a corner somewhere.... That is what I keep fighting and will continue to fight!!!!!! I will survive shin splints, cuts, bruises... but the MS will not have an open door to distroy my body... That I will fight anyway I can... The running has helped me progress SO VERY VERY much... It has been an amazing journey. I absolutely embrace it daily and am very thankful!!!! All I can do is continue my fight... every way I can... Plus, I have already made my committment to my running goals for 2013. #1 - 10 mile Syttendi Mai run in May... then #2 half marathon in the fall... Then of course, there is all the 5 and 10K's that I will do through the season... I need to get over the shin splint and hopefully start working on maybe doing some long runs now and then... I need to keep those up during the winter... It would be nice to do 12 to 14 miles like once a month.... just till spring... Then I can really start working towards the 10 mile race... I liked what I did this year of running my 12 mile route once a week... This is good to continue. I will probably go the same route it is a good route with lots of challenges... Right now, the goal is to take it easy on the mileage but still finish my 100k challenge by Dec 31st. The other is to finish all my Christmas projects. Plus, we are SO VERY EXCITED that my son will be home for Christmas with his new girlfriend. That will be so nice to have the whole family around the table!!!! That is what REALLY makes me HAPPY!!!!! Isn't that what the Christmas season is supposed to be about??? We rejoice in the birth of our Savior but also to celebrate and enjoy each other!!!!! I know that is what it means to me!!!!!

November 30, 2012

I have enjoyed and VERY MUCH needed my running vacation... This is not to say that I have not ran at all - because I have. The runs I have done have been few and short. I am still having issues with my legs/knees - so I have not wanted to push it to hard. Tomorrow I start a new challenge (I cannot stay away from a challenge!!!) - 100K in December. I don't think I will have too much problems with this challenge... It ends up equated to = 62 miles/4 weeks = 15.5 per week = 2.22 per day.... This is very doable - even if I have to come inside and do the dreaded treadmill. So my plan is to start tomorrow - but no long runs - I want to keep them shorter maybe if my legs heal more then some longer but carefully and then there is the weather factor. It has stayed fairly mild so far but, you never know when the extreme cold and snow could break loose. So this challenge I will play by hear... Some will probably be outside and some inside. But my real concern is the knees and muscles... I really want to be able to do my goals for 2013. These goals are - do the 2013 1000 mile challenge; run the 10 mile Syttendi Mai race 100%; and run a half marathon race. Those are my plans at the moment. Hopefully my body allows me to accomplish these goals. This December 100K challenge, I will take it easier. My times have been slower lately due to the knee aspects and also running in the darkness. Yes, I have a headlamp but still it is difficult to see every divet and bump in the roads. So I think it best till we get more daylight to take it slower. The biggest factor is continuing moving. Last week was Thanksgiving holiday. We did a very unusual thing by going out to dinner. Actually it worked out very well. It was alot less work and afterwards we could go home and relax. For me it was to relax a bit before going out and do my Christmas shopping. This is the first year, that I ever started on Thanksgiving night. But I did it... I was 3rd in line at Shopko. Then continued through all the rest of the stores that I had mapped out. I was done and home in the early afternoon. Then rested, had a nice turkey dinner, and went and saw a WONDERFUL movie at the theater with Brian, my husband. So it was a good day for me. I did not get all my treasures wrapped yet (usually I do that also) but I should have that done this weekend. Then see - I just don't have to deal with anything else. Right now, my concentrations are on my fitness and also working on finishing my quilting projects. Since I am slowing down on the amount of time on running - it gives me more time for my sewing. I really enjoy my sewing plus it is very helpful and theraputic for someone with MS. Another symptom with MS is a lot of muscle stiffness/tightness/cramping/spasms... This is all muscle even the hand muscles - so my sewing helps to keep my hand muscle limber. Plus, quilting you use quite a bit of math/geometry - so this is helpful with the cognitive aspects of MS. So as you see, as I am making a present for someone I am also helping myself and my well being... I am so very HAPPY that my son will be home for Christmas!!! He will also be bringing his new girlfriend with him. That will be so wonderful that we can all be together. I am so happy that Jeremy is moving forward with his life. He has gone through some very difficult situations personally, ect... but he is perservering... See where I get my determination from - or is it the other way around??? Or is it that Irish Catholic thing that is way to imbedded in me and my children??? So I am continuing to ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD!!!!

November 21, 2012

YES, YES, YES --- I COMPLETED THE 1000 MILE CHALLENGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I originally signed on to the challenge, I really never thought I could really do 1000 miles... Come on, that is crazy... let's think about this... I am a 50+ year old women, with Secondary Progressive MS, who just stopped using a cane a year and a half ago.... But I did do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to get it done before the weather really turned and it got horribly cold. Last weekend, we did the Jingle Bell 5K in Rockford. Oh my, there were ALOT of people - that race was HUGE!!!! There were many big time runners. I was having problems with my right leg - the muscle had spasmed on me during a run a couple of days prior and it was bothering me. But I was able to do the run. I just took it easy and paced it out. I actually did an amazing amount of miles that week --- 49 miles!!!! It is good and bad... It got me closer to my goal but on the other hand - I think I over did it. I am still feeling the effects in my knees and calves... So now, that I have finished the challenge - I am going to take a BRIEF vacation from running (at least a few days). Then we will see.... Right now, I am going to enjoy my Thanksgiving holiday... This year, we are going to a resteraunt for Thanksgiving... which is so nice... no work!!!! Then after I am going to break my usual tradition of starting and finishing my Christmas shopping on the day after --- I am actually going to start Thanksgiving Day... So the store I am looking at opens at 9p - I will be in line waiting for it to open - like all the other nuts... But actually I have always enjoyed the Black Friday sales - I am able to stretch my limited Christmas budget - I have always meet very nice people in the lines and chat with them... Plus I have EVERYTHING done in one day -- I have everything very stratigically mapped out with what store opens when - what I want at that store - then I move to the next... That is the way I enjoy it... I enjoy the fun of the "hunt".... I wondering if with all my running - will it help me running through the stores????? LOL... Have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't eat too much and enjoy and treasure your family and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 16, 2012

Well, I am REALLY REALLY close to the 1000 mile mark, ONLY 38.37 miles to go... Holy cow!!! Right now, I am really trying to have it 100% completed by Thanksgiving Day!!!! Wouldn't that be something truly AWESOME!!!! When I joined this challenge - I did it mainly for "kicks", and seeing how many miles I actually do would be interesting, and if I got even close to the 1000 miles that would be pretty cool. But NOW to see that I have actually done this blows my little mind!!!! Last Saturday we had a 8K race in Winnebago IL. It was a nice race, the weather was actually warm... Considering this is NOVEMBER - I was wearing SHORTS!!! I got about 1 mile in and all of the sudden a VERY VIOLENT storm broke loose.... There was lightening EVERYWHERE and close - you could feel the little hairs on your arm stand at attention... The thunder was so loud. I just went DAMN... Oh well, maybe this is how I am going to meet my maker by getting hit by lightening... Then I thought, no - I am to low to the ground and just went for the screw it theory and just kept running.... A few people actually quit and that point but not this die hard runner... Let's get real - I was already a mile in, paid my money and damn it if I don't allow the MS to knock me down why should I allow a little rain!!!!!! So yes, I finished and actually recieved 1st place for my age division. The rest of this week, I have been really working on keeping up my miles. I have been doing pretty well. I actually figured out if I really work, I have a GREAT opportunity to have my 1000 miles in by Thanksgiving Day. That is MY goal!!!! I have been doing pretty good with that... I have even gotten in some double runs during the week which is close to 10 miles. So that really helps. But the damn MS is once again doing anything it can to beat me down.... DAMN MS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Last night I was running and about 2 miles in and all the sudden my left (weaker leg) knee felt like it wanted to fold in backwards. I did not let it happen and kept it going forward. But it did ALMOST get me to fall and drop me down like a stone. I did NOT fall and kept totally upright. I slowed down at that point and then felt like it was better and just continued on my 4.77 mile route. I continued and afterwards went to Pilates class. But still my muscles on the outside of my knee felt tight and weird. They seemed to be getting stiffer. I was planning on getting in another 4.77 miles in this morning but, with the knee still feeling stiff I decided to take a day off. Plus, I am even going to take BodyPump off tonight. We do ALOT of squats with very heavy weight. So maybe a day of rest and alternating heat/cold will help that muscle. I really do want to do the 5K race tomorrow. I tried to do it last year but, the day of the race there was a very cold, windy, rainy day. I decided that running in the COLD rain was not worth getting REALLY SICK. Plus for someone like me - getting really sick could cause my MS symptoms to really FIRE UP and take me months to get back to where I am now... So I did not chance it. This weekend - the weather is supposed to be nice -- about 50 degrees and sunny. So hopefully if I baby my knee today I will be OK. It is wierd because it only hurts or feels stiff if I move certain ways. Otherwise it feels fine... So some muscle probably spasmed on me while I was running and I forced it to stretch and strained it. I did not snap the muscle believe me - I know what that feels like and that WILL DROP YOU DOWN JUST LIKE A STONE. Plus - PAIN - OH MY GOD!!!! This year I have been so good with my injuries. They have all be EXTREMELY minor (skinned knees) but NO MAJOR ANYTHING!!!! It really makes me so DAMN mad - here I am acheiving a goal that I never thought in a MILLION YEARS I COULD ACCOMPLISH and then my body decides to mess with me... DAMN MS, DAMN MS, DAMN MS!!!!!!!!! I will NOT LET YOU WIN - NOT NOW OR EVER!!!!!! DAMN MS, DAMN MS!!!!! GO BACK TO THE BOUGHS OF HELL WHERE YOU BELONG - DAMN MS!!!!!!!! So now that I have ONLY 38.37 miles to go... I will finish it, it will happen, and I will have it done before Thanksgiving... I may have to run slower but to bad... I will NOT LET IT WIN!!!!! NEVER NEVER NEVER LET THE MS WIN.... NO MATTER WHAT IT THROWS AT YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 2, 2012

We survived our second 10K last Sunday in Sycamore IL. It was a really nice race, extremely organized, and there were 1526 racers!!!! I was 53rd out of 64 of the women in my age catagory!!!! The fastest women in my age group was 45:14 - APSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!! My time was 1:12... It could have been better but I fell the first mile in, did NOT get hurt but about 1/2 doz runners helped me up -- VERY VERY nice!!!!! LOVED the start of the race - they shot a cannon (yes real cannon) about 6 times... scared Lisa and I to death!!! We started at the armory in Sycamore. On the whole it was fairly flat, the rough part really was coming into the park toward the end. They had speed bumps in the roadway so I had to be VERY VERY mindful of my stepping. So even with the fall.. I probably could have been down to 1:10 or so... This is better than the last 10K in Monroe but that was some serious steep hills and grades - time was 1:15. Getting closer to finishing the 1000 mile challenge I am currently at 881.85 miles since 2/14/12.... only 118.15 to go!!!!!!! I did have one "down" day this week. It was after the race and then John's class (that ALWAYS kicks my a...). But that is good!! Now I am back and feel great!!! I hope this weekend to be able to get in some fairly long runs. Maybe not a real long one but at least some 5 to 6 milers in... That will get me over the 900 mile mark and well on my way to finishing the goal.... It will be very interesting to see how many miles I can really get in before the end of the year... My next races are a 5K Jingle Bell and a 8K in Winnebago. Both of these are this month. I hope that the weather holds and it is not too horrible cold or rainy or snowy... But time will tell! This time of year is the BEST for me with running. I love that it is not so hot outside that I get SO over-heated and fatigued. Yes, I still get very hot in the cooler weather but it is so much easier on the recovery. I know that I am improving with my overall stamina and that is FANTASTIC!!!! It is difficult to go out early in the morning. It is pitch black outside and cool especially when you have a nice soft,warm bed that very very inviting... So I have been doing more evening runs because the warm bed has me in its clutches. I do like the early morning runs because it gets you all energized for the day. We celebrated Halloween this week. I did not pass out the candy. Brian, my husband, did that. I stayed AWAY from the candy and just worked on my sewing/quilting. So I stayed true to my nutrition and had my salad and a piece of vegan pumpkin pie -- yummy!!!! I have discovered a new nutritional love --- raw oatmeal... It is GREAT!!! I took it with to the race and it was perfect... You take some regular oatmeal and mix with a cup of yogurt and add some fruit pieces and let it set in the frig overnight. It is great protein and calcium. After a long and hard run, I tend to have an upset tummy. So I want to eat but really can't. So this was the PERFECT food... I could just slowly eat it and it was calming to my tummy. Everyone has to find what works for them and their bodies. I know that my nutrition has been a GIANT factor in my progression. Not just losing over 120lbs... but everything - fatigue, cognitive issues, neuropathy, and all the other WONDERFUL MS issues... I have gotten to this point through A LOT of very HARD WORK!!!! I never say never and ALWAYS willing to try... To me, to give in is like giving up... that is ALLOWING the MS to win... to HELL with that!!!!! Not going to happen on my watch --- when MS came to me it did not know what a stubborn, pain-in-the-ass, Irish-gal it was dealing with.... So just go and do it -- whatever it is ... go.....

October 26, 2012

This morning was WONDERFUL!!! It was cool and clear - perfect for running!!! This week has not been my best running week in terms of mileage. Either the weather has been uncooperative or I have been just too fatigued. Oh, well.... Right now, I feel like I am back to my full game!!!! HEY!!!! Over the last weekend, I got in some nice longer runs. It felt good!!! I even did one run that was over 10 miles (not by much because nature was calling). But I am getting closer and closer to my 1000 miles... To date, I am at 866.56 miles --- only 133.44 to go by the end of the year!!!!!!! So even with the weather starting to get more "iffy" I think I can still make my 1000 miles... This weekend I cannot run any long runs since I have a 10K on Sunday. So tomorrow, I plan to do maybe about 5 or so. Then the following weekend, if weather allows, I can knock out some longer miles. I have to admit it is getting harder and harder to get up in the early morning to go running. The weather is cooler, the bed is warm and plus it is dark outside. Right now, it is getting light about the time I return to the gym about 6:30am or so. That will all be changing VERY SOON as we change the clocks back an hour. But my headlamp is working out GREAT!!!! It works just perfect! Between my reflective vest and my headlamp if a car doesn't see me - then they really have issues!!!! LOL!!!! I am not out there to look like a "fashion plate" - I just dress appropriate for the weather and try to be safe. I hope we have a warmer winter this year so that I can continue running outside as much as possible. I am AMAZED this year of HOW MUCH I have improved!!! When I first started coming to the gym, now mind you - I had built myself up tremendously and it took me about 5 YEARS to get to the point that I could even handle walking on the treadmill --- PLUS ACTUALLY wear athletic shoes due to the HORRIBLE neuropathy in my feet!!!! Last year, with my first year of running - I could only run in the morning when my energy level was at its highest. Now, I have NO problems with running in the evening after a FULL day of work. It is AMAZING how much my stamina has improved. Do I still have fatigue issues --- YES -- but so much better. I have some days where everything I do is VERY labor intensive - other days not a problem... It is very odd... Right now, I know I am coming off a fatigue time and it is wonderful... I always feel good not just physically but psychologically too. I do understand where many people with MS have depression issues. It is so VERY VERY HARD when you don't know from day to day where your energy level or the pain level or the cognitive issues or.... is going to be. But it is not only the energy level but everything is affected... Maybe you do not have the energy to even talk with other people let alone due something that demands high energy. So it is really hard!!!! I know this week I was doing well then Tuesday's exercise was EXTREMELY demanding and took me some time to recoop. But that is OK.... I can ALWAYS recoop - if I need a rest day or two - so be it... It took me a long time to get to that realization but I have. I really don't like to let my exercise go any longer than two days... Then I don't feel very good about myself. So this morning after not having a really GOOD run since Tuesday - was WONDERFUL!!!! Even though, I did go to exercise classes and run on the treadmill on Thursday --- it is not the same... I just feel better afterwards, I feel more energetic and more alert. So this weekend, I am SO LOOKING forward to my second 10K run... I know that this one is on flatter ground than the race in Monroe, WI (that was a HARD RUN). So if I can do that - this one is NOT a problem!!!!! We will see how my time stacks against that run!!??? It will be interesting!!! It is really difficult for me to run really fast because then my legs get all out of sequence and then I have greater tendance for falling. This is why I think I like the distance running. It pushes and strengthens my endurance plus makes me overall physically stronger. Plus, you do more of a pace run - so that I can tell my muscles we are running the same pace - then they do not have the sudden change that really causes the nerves to sometimes mis-fire. These are all great things!!! Right now, the sun is shining and I hope that it continues through the weekend for the race. Yes - ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD!!!!!!!!

October 19, 2012

Well this week has not been to great with running. I have NOT run the past couple of days due to the rain. I know that I could have ran inside on the treadmill. I actually did do that on Sunday because I needed to run and the weather has not been too cooperative. Well, it is getting to be that time of year.... I am up to 835.49 miles to date. So I am trying to finish the 1000 by 12/31... So I have 164.51 to go... Basically 11 weeks... 14.96 miles per week. Last week I did over 18 miles and so far this week I have done 14.31 miles. I hope to really push that number this weekend... It is supposed to be dry so I should be able to get in some longer runs. I did sign up for the 10K in Sycamore on Oct 28th. This will be my second 10K race of the season. It is good for me to get in more longer distance races. I am also looking at doing at 8K race in Winnebago on November 10th. I need to really focus on keeping my mileage up. The later part of this week has been really hard - between the rain and my shoulder is still giving me grief. I have not been sleeping well (I never sleep that great due to the neuropathy and spasms in my legs/feet) but the aching pain in my shoulder has really been bothering me.... This weekend is suppose to be good - cool and sunny. I want to get some long runs. Then it would help to knock off some mileage - that would be great!!!! I also know that I have been more fatigued lately. I did get my thyroid med increased so that should help - it will also help with the energy level. My thyroid levels became low as a side effect from the Avonex (interferon injectable I use for my MS). So my thyroid levels have to be monitored. I did have a nice evening run with my running buddy Lisa the other day. It is the first time we have ever ran together. She is much faster than I am. But we did the 4.77 miles at a good pace. I asked her afterwards if I was aweful slow for her. She said that, no - that I had a nice even pace and was not too slow. That made me feel good that I was not extensively holding her back. It was good for me to run with another person. It just makes me more accountable for my pace/time. Hopefully, we can do it again sometime! I do not talk when I run. I HAVE TO STAY FOCUSED 100000% of the time on my running. It is when my mind wanders just a little bit that is when I fall. I have to stay very mindful of my stepping and make sure that lift up my feet and do not drag my foot. I also have to make sure that BOTH legs are stepping. I know this sounds wierd but, sometimes I unconsciencely think I am stepping out on my leg and my leg has not moved. So I am stepping on nothing and down I go... It is really really wierd. So I HAVE to make sure that BOTH legs are stepping out - many times I feel like I am exagerating my steps but that is what I have to do. As I run I get more fatigued and as I get more fatigued the nerves that tell the muscles to move are getting more and more over worked. Now you have to think my nerves are damaged so it is like you having damaged wiring in your house and at first just turning on a simple lamp. That goes OK... Now to that same wiring you plug in your refrigerator - now you would probably have issues... It may spark or only work part of the time or just catch fire.... It is a HUGE gamble... For me it is the same thing... EVERY time I run it is a gamble... My legs may not work properly and then I fall or sometimes they feel so DAMN heavy like I have cement shoes on or I feel like I have rocks in my shoes or I feel like I have SUPER TIGHT compression tights on --- all these feelings of the "fire" from the damaged nerves. I always have to plan a big run on days that I do not have any pressing engagements. Sometimes after I rest for a couple of hours I am ready and do a bunch of activities. Other times I am really fatigued for the rest of the day --- I never know how it is going to play out. This weekend the only things I have planned is running and sewing. If it is nice and I have energy it would be GREAT to get in a nice bike ride. We will see how it goes. That is the thing with MS that is SO VERY FRUSTRATING - the unpredictability. You don't know how you are going to feel after some activities. Sometimes after a very stressfull activity it may even take a couple of days for the fatigue to HIT. But when it hits - IT HITS!!!! Overall - my fatigue level is 100000% better!!!! It used to be after working and then exercise class - I could not even talk with ANYONE... That is how horribly exhausted I was. Even the energy of talking was enough to literally kill me... I still get fatigued but have not been that low of energy in a LONG LONG time.... So tonight is BodyPump (weight lifting exercise routine class) then home and rest...

October 12, 2012

Last weekend was WONDERFUL!!!! I did get to spend some time with my baby while he was home for a VERY short bit. Anytime was GREAT!!! I also was able to meet his girlfriend - she is very sweet!!! I do wish I got the opportunity to spend more time with them but they had various activities and so did I... But we were together at the BIG bonfire party!!! The party was GREAT!!! SO MANY people all having a very nice time. Jake (one of the kid's friend's) put on a WONDERFUL fireworks display... He does an awesome job!!!! I surprisingly very active even with doing the race in the morning. I had a 5K in Orangeville on the Jane Addams trail. That race is usually a fast race since the trail is flat. The only obstacles for me this year was that there were a few places where there was some wet leaves down that was slick and there were also some spots where the limestone was very loose. So I did slow down at these points - I am still recovering from the shoulder sprain and do not need to fall and get a new injury. My time this year=33.19; time last year = 34.12; so almost a minute faster... I was hoping to be at 30 -- maybe next year! The other great thing is that I am closing in on the 1000 miles. To date I am at 818.18 miles -- only 181.82 to go!!!!!!! I have been doing alot of evening runs this week. I think part of it is the fatigue issue and the other part is that it is darker and colder in the morning and the nice warm bed is very very comfortable!!!! But this morning I did get myself up and get in a decent run!!! Hopefully, this weekend I can pull off a longer run. Whether it is 14 miles, I don't know... We will see....

October 5, 2012

IT WILL BE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!!!!!!! Why am I so excited, you may ask???? I have a few GREAT things going on.... #1 --- my baby, Jeremy, is home!!!!! Of course, he is a full grown man and a United States Marine so, I know that he does not enjoy being referred to as my "baby". But to anyone who is a Mom knows that their children, no matter their current age, is always going to be their babies!!! So all you grown children - DEAL WITH IT --- there is NOTHING you can EVER do to change that fact!!!!! He also brought with him was his new girlfriend. We were surprised and very delighted last night to have them quickly stop by the house after the LONG, LONG drive from Maryland to northern Illinois. #2 -- I have a 5K race on Saturday morning in Orangeville on the BEAUTIFUL Jane Addams Trail. This is a trail that is made from crushed limestone that is so nicely maintained and smooth. The course goes into the woods and over a small stream - the scenery is breathtaking especially this time of year when all the leaves are bursting with color. But I have to maintain focus on my running and footing. This course is relatively flat so I hope to have a very good race time. #3 --- that evening my daughter and husband are hosting a HUGE bonfire party. We have family and friends come and we have a great time!!!! So I think I have GREAT reasons to be very EXCITED about Saturday!!!!! Last Saturday, I went running on a BEAUTIFUL cool morning. I thought I would definately run my 12 mile route. I was doing that and when I was getting back into town I was feeling pretty strong. So I decided to run a bit farther. I had wanted to see if I could run the 13 miles (half marathon distance). Guess what, I DID IT!!! Actually I ran 13.69 miles (yes - I really count and felt that last .69) and ran it 100% It took me 3 hours to complete. Yes, I was tired afterwards. I rested for a bit, showered, changed, and went into Freeport and did all my errands (grocery shopping, ect...) Totally survived. Plus the next day, I ran a shorter distance only 4.9 miles. This week, I have had a great running week. I have ran every day. I have been doing more evening runs this week. Mostly due to the cooler temps in the morning and being lazy and sleeping in. As of this minute, I am at 789.85 miles. Tonight I might do a short run because, I HAVE TO get over 790 miles (can we say compulsive)!!!! Last year, I could have never done evening runs 100% after working all day. This is a testiment to my overall progression. Fatigue is one of my BIG symptoms with my MS. I usually go hard but when I am done - I am done. I become extremely non-verbal and very closed off to anyone around me. But it is one of the many benefits that has developed since I have been running. I don't seem to get that DRASTISTIC fatigue feeling like I used to. I still get fatigued and I still take medication to combat this. But it is SO SO SO much better!!!!! I actually feel like I can function like a "normal" person. Anyone who has true chronic fatigue understands how HORRIBLE this symptom is!!!! It LITERALLY sucks the life right out of you!!!! So this weekend will be fantastic!!!! I will obtain a GREAT time at the 5K race and then get to spend the evening with BOTH my children, family and friends... What could be better?????? Maybe I will even make some hummus (my new love) to bring to the party!!!!!!???? YUMMMMMMMMY!!!!!!!

September 28, 2012

This week I have not ran as much. I have been feeling pretty fatigued. I was good up to Tuesday night then, it fell apart. That is what happens sometimes. I might be GREAT for LONG stretches then it all unravels... I am not exactly sure why I have been so fatigued. It may be due to the weather changing (it is getting cooler and darker in the morning) and/or that I had my flu shot this week. It may have something to do with one or all the above. This morning I thought I had more energy but I made the mistake of laying back down and I was out. So my body must need the addition rest time. Now I have STILL been going and doing my normal workouts at the gym in the evening so it is not like I have not been doing anything. Today is Friday so, after work I will go to the gym and participate in BodyPump. This is a choreographed weightlifting routine to music. It is very difficult and really is GREAT for building overall strength. I am not looking to become a bodybuilder, I just want to have strong muscle-tone. This is needed not only to maintain balance (one of my many weaknesses) but it also helps to build and maintain strong bones. Did you know that??? Yes, weight-bearing exercises does that. It is by the increased blood flow to the muscles which are attached to the bones... This all being additionally "fed" - actually works to build and maintain strong bones. Now - someone like me - post-menopausal,(your bones are usually decreasing in density) and have a higher rate of falls (due to instability from the MS). So taking a class like this on a regular basis is ideal. My last bone density tests showed my bones to be bright white (meaning they were nice and strong). I actually recommend people doing some weight-bearing exercises. It is great!!! It helps you not just with overall strength but also that EXTREMELY IMPORTANT bone density!!!! Last weekend get in some nice longer runs. Not my 12 mile route but a new longer route in town. I was able to do 8.58 miles BOTH Saturday and Sunday. Maybe this weekend get in my 12 miler. That would be GREAT!!! Next Saturday, I have a 5K race in Orangeville. It is a great race on a BEAUTIFUL trail that is so incredibly smooth and flat. So I hope to finish with a good time. I just need to get back into the groove of my running. I do not like when I miss days of running. It actually upsets me. I love going out in the morning, the crisp air, it is so renewing and invigorating. A fantastic way to welcome the day. Tomorrow is a new day and I will get out there. I can feel the energy level returning to me. Next week, my baby (Jeremy) will be home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Elyse and Karl are having their annual bonfire party and he is coming home for that. It will be wonderful to see him!!!!! I can hardly wait! I have not seen him since Brian and I went to MD in the spring. So it has been a LONG TIME!!!!! Whether he will be home for the holidays - I do not know.... Maybe I can conveince him to run the race with me. I know that he will finish LONG before me... In fact, he could finish shower and eat a full breakfast before I get back... Let's get real!!!!!! But it would be fun!!!

Sept 14, 2012

Today is the day before the big 10K race in Monroe, WI. I am really excited about this. This will be the longest race I have done since the start of my season in Stoughton, WI with the 10 mile race. I have been working on my distance, endurance running and feel I am in fairly good shape. I may not be the fastest one out there but, I will run it 100%. The weather has been cooler lately (thank goodness) which allows me to run farther. This morning I did a quick run before work (2.84 in 35mins). I did a nice pace and it was cooler. There was even frost on the grass. It really felt very refreshing in the cool air. It doesn't take me long to warm up - I am usually warm by the first mile. I have tried to run every day this week. I did not run on Thursday morning. I think that John's exercise class (from Tuesday night) caught up with me. Even last night, in Pilates and exercise class we were doing quite a bit of arm strength exercises and I could really feel it. Oh, my!!!! My friend, Lisa and fellow runner, also took John's class and was really feeling the effects of it last night... WOW!!! We will see how BodyPump class goes tonight. I hope that I can do the weightlifting routines with my usual weight. Doing the cross training with the running is extremely helpful. Not only do you exercise, build muscle and stamina through the cross training but also it is very helpful with the balance issues. I know that my various exercise classes have enhanced my running capabilities. The BodyPump is great for endurance and strength. Both aspects you need for running - especially any distance running. My new running shoes have broken in nicely. The first couple of runs they were pinching me but, now they feel great!!! I have really been trying to work on my miles.. I am up to 702.51 miles to date since, Febuary 14th. I have only 297.49 miles to go. So in the 7 months, I have averaged 42.5 miles per month... If I keep at the same distance per month, I will be close to the 1000 -- 85 miles short... So I need to concentrate on doing 60 miles per month; 15 miles per week; minimum of 2.15 miles per day. I know that with the cooler weather, I can do some distance runs of 10 miles or better in one run. This will help to up my overall mileage. So as you see, this goal seems to be obtainable. All I can do is try... That is one thing that I can do... I do not believe in giving up - the goal is ONLY for myself. I was invited to this challenge and I love it!!! I am proving something to myself that I NEVER, EVER THOUGHT WAS EVEN REMOTELY OBTAINABLE!!!! It just shows that you have to try. By breaking it down in stages - I am seeing that I can do this!!! Plus - you know --- I WILL DO THIS!!!!! I have come to far to fall short of my goal. It WILL HAPPEN!!! So never say never... like many things in life - it depends on how badly do you want it. I want this goal really bad - so I am going to work and work to accomplish it!!! So always keep moving and always keep doing!!!!!!

September 7, 2012

This has not been a good running week. Some of it is due to weather and the other due to MS issues. What are my MS issues, you ask. Some of it is fatigue, spasms in legs and feet, neuropathy feeling that my left leg and foot is bound very tight, feeling like I have rocks in my shoes 24/7, and a banding/squeezing feeling around my midriff. So are these are some of what I am dealing with. I am always dealing with these and other issues all the time - there is just a degree of the intensity. I was really hoping to run this morning but it was raining. So instead of going to the gym and running on the treadmill (which I HATE), I decided to get a little extra sleep. This does NOT mean by anyway that I have not been exercising. Yesterday, I did 2 exercise classes. I even taught Pilates for my friend, Laura. So EVERYDAY I have done something. Tonight, I will go to BodyPump. Tomorrow, I am leaving for a quilting event in Madison WI. I am hoping that I can run a couple of miles before 7am. So my next big running event is Sept 15th in Monroe WI. It is a 10K. I know that this is going to be difficult because of the steep hills in that area. The distance is not a problem - we know I can handle that. It will be interesting it is my first 10K race. Maybe I can squeeze out a couple miles tomorrow morning and then I do have Sunday. I do like it much better when I run in the morning. I feel more energized and the feeling of accomplishment. Yes, it is wearing but in a good way. On days I do not run I feel very flat, lower energy... Now should be my BEST time of year for running. We are starting to see some cooler days. There has still been some very hot and humid days but getting more of the milder temperatures. So that for me is the ideal running time. The new shoes are starting to break in OK. I do wish that I felt more energized. I do hate it when I have the "flat" feeling. The gloomy/rainy weather does not help. But we have had a summer of drought so I definately cannot complain about the rain. So now, I just need to work toward the 10K...

August 31, 2012

I have only had one race since I last wrote, that was the Colby Smith 4 mile in Freeport, IL. This was held last Saturday. I did OK... My time was better than last year and I did run it 100%. So all that I felt good about. My time was 45.36 AN IMPROVEMENT OF 2.14 FROM LAST YEAR. This is a 5% IMPROVEMENT IN TIME IN ONE YEAR. My time in 2011 WAS 47.50. I did not place in my catagory. They had a lot more runners at the event this year. Many of them are with the bigger running clubs. But I held my own and did improve. So I think this is GREAT!!! I did have one "wierd" thing happen in this race. I was running along - now this route takes us through the "hood" in Freeport. Most of the homes are either boarded up or have bars on the windows. There is a police car and and officer at every intersection directing traffic. I came up toward one of these intersections, I see what appears to be a handgun on the street. Then about 5 yards (at the most) is a police officer directing traffic. There is also a couple of African-American ladies on lawn chairs out front of the housing complex with little kids running around. The ladies were cheering on the runners which was very nice. But it was out of place. They were the ONLY ones outside doing this ANYWHERE in that area. Plus, with what appeared to be a gun in the street. I just kept running. But after the race, a few of us were talking and one person mentioned seeing the gun in the street. I said that, I saw the same thing and the whole situation was odd with the people sitting in the lawn chairs and the police officer... So this is my second time doing this race... And the second time - the unusual has happened to me. It was also interesting, another racer that we connect with at the area races (Molly) was there. She is INCREDIBLE!!! She is in her 70's (I believe) run very fast and probably weights about 50 lbs. But at this race, I was ACTUALLY AHEAD of her for about 3 miles. Then she past me, then I was right behind her for awhile. Then she went into full gear and was out of sight. But that was an accomplishment for me - keeping up with Molly. We TOTALLY admire this women - if we could still be racing in races in our 70's that would be fantastic!!!!! I know that I will never be as thin as her - get real - a good Irish girl does not weight 50 to 100 lbs EVER!!!!! Now trying to prepare for the big 10K in Monroe WI on Sept. 15th. This is going to be challenging, not just the distance for a race but also Monroe had a lot of steep hills. I wanted to do some longer race once the weather starts turning cooler. We have had some days that have been cooler and other where the humidity goes crazy. So right now, it is that in between time. I did get in one 12 mile run on my path in Pecatonica a couple of weeks ago. It went pretty well. I did have to walk some of it especially once I got past about the 10 mile mark. The humidity was starting to climb and I did NOT have any water with me. So I was starting to die... Yes, I did go off and buy a hydration pak to wear around my waist. So on my next long run, I will take that and it should solve any issues. As my mileage has been getting bigger the wear on my shoes is getting greater and greater. (I am up to 655.76 miles since 2/14/2012.) I finally broke down and ordered new shoes. (I am one very frugal person.) I have found with running this is the biggest expense and also the most important. If you do not have proper shoes it affects everything - joints, feet, timing.... I got some new Ascics -- Kayano 18. I had the Kayano 17 - that is worn down to a numb... This morning,I finally broke out the new shoes. I ran 4.3 in 56 mins. This is my average. It was humid this morning so that is a huge factor for me. I have not ran very much this week. I know that I have been tired from the 4 mile race. It does take me a while to recoup. I did run on Sunday and Monday after the race and was fine. But did take 3 days off from running. That is very unusual for me. I have still been cross training. I have been going to exercise classes or riding my bike. So every night, I have been doing some activity. I also began a NEW activity - hula hooping. I bought a hula hoop at Farm and Fleet on sale for $1.88. The first few times, I could only get it going a few times around. (You have to remember - I have not used a hula hoop in DECADES. YES - I SAID -- DECADES!!!!) Now I am up to do it consistantly for about 10 mins. So I am improving. It is also WONDERFUL because it works the CORE. This week has also been hard since I started back into a 5 day work week. My lovely summer vacation of taking Thurs and Fri's off since June are done. All our students are back and the first couple of weeks at the University are ALWAYS crazy. So I know that has also been wearing on me. But that is OK. This weekend, I have an extra day for Labor Day this gives me 3 days and the new shoes I should be able to get in some nice longer runs. That is my goal! I am really excited about the 10K in Monroe. This is going to be a GREAT challenge! Not only the hills (very steep) but the distance. Now the way I see it - I am starting to prepare for the 10 mile in Stoughton. So I want to try to keep my distance longer. Not only am I praying that for Syttendi Mai it is not as hot. I REALLY want to run it 100%. I know I can do that. Let's get real - I run 12 miles in Pecatonica. And YES - that has some serious hills and grades. So overall in this journey not only am I improving with my running skills but my overall physical aspects. My chronic fatigue is not NEAR as bad (I do have issues sometimes but it is MUCH MORE manageable); my ADD issues are MUCH BETTER; my balance is GREATLY IMPROVED (I have not fallen hardly at all this whole season); my cognitive aspects is GREATLY IMPROVED; my neuropathy is there but quite a bit less; the drop foot issues still there but a lot less; and on and on... So yes - this journey has been very difficult but the outcomes have been amazing!!! I feel better and people say I look better. I am more active with other things and just feel more "normal". So do I encourage this activity, "YES"!!!! It has made a HUGE diffence. It took me over 6 years to get to this point and I have worked and worked every day to get here. I pray to stay at this point and keep making improvements. I know that I am going to give it my damnest to do just that. I WILL NOT ALLOW MS TO TAKE ANYMORE FROM ME!!!!!!!

August 15, 2012

Today is my 31st wedding anniversary. (Yes, I am old and I did not get married at the age of 10.) We have been married and been through everything together. Sometimes, it was quite a challenge to say it lightly. Even with my MS diagnosis, Brian has been supportive of all the doctor visits,my determination to fight MS, continuing battle with MS, and my drastic nutrition change. Plus, yes, even my running. He is my "pit crew". As I have discussed, MS and heat are not compatible. Brian is at the finish line with my various ice wraps to cool me down. Plus, since my nerves have not "turned off yet" my muscles are still going. I cannot control the fact that I HAVE TO CONTINUELY MOVE AROUND. This goes on till the nerves calm down which sometimes is a few minutes or a good half hour. Then I can finally stand still or sit down. I do appreciate him being there for me! Last week I had the 5K in Stoughton, WI. It was a nice race. There was discrepence about my time. I had a time of 32.13 which is a 10.22 pace. That is actually my very best time yet!!!! Yes, believe me Stoughton does have steep hills and grades. So it was not an easy run. What made this run so nice was that the heat and humidity was gone, plus it was well managed. This was pleasant - not too hot or cold. I did almost fall going uphill and over RR tracks. It was the change in pavement that does mess me up. But I was able to regain my balance (thanks to Laura and Pilates) and away I went. After the run, they was a coffee festival. Stoughton is originally settled by Norwegians therefore, coffee is one of their sacred beverages!!!! But it was really nice!!!! This weekend, I actually do NOT have any races. It is the county fair weekend which is in Pecatonica. So I am busy with various fair activities. The next race is the Colby Smith 4 mile race in Freeport IL. This is a BIG race! So I have been taking advantage of the lower humidity and temps and trying to get in some distance running. I have devised a route in town so I can get over 5 miles... I hope this weekend to really get in some good miles. If the humidity and temperature stays lower, I could get a run in out in the country. That is what I really love! But with the summer, I have stayed in town which I think is safer. I am hoping to do my next race in September in Monroe, WI which would be a 10K. Monroe is VERY HILLY. So this will be a challange (but ALL races are challenges). The weather should be cooler and the humidity lower. So right now, with my training the more distance I can do the better. Plus, I am always trying to keep myself ready to do the 10 mile race in Stoughton WI in May 2013. This weekend, besides a few longer runs... I get to go to the fair and just have fun! Plus, we will see how I did on my fair entries. I made some bread and some sewing/quilting projects. I do it just for fun... So, as always, keep moving.... Always moving!!!!!

August 1, 2012

Last Saturday, was the Belvidere 5K. This was a very informal race meaning it was not officially timed and a bit unorganized. It was there first one so they only had about 30 people. I did OK... Not my best or worst. I could feel that humidity starting in and I did start pacing myself. That may or may not been the wisest thing. I know that I could have gone much faster but, that heat really plays hard on me. I have been battling the fatigue monster for the last couple of weeks. I start to regain and then he pulls me back into his clutches... It is not fun... This week has REALLY been hard with the fatigue... So I thought - maybe back off a bit and just let my body regroup. I have not run since Saturday's race... that is UNHEARD OF for me... to go that long without running... I PRAY that tomorrow morning I can get out there and do a nice long run. That would be excellent! Just because I have not ran doesn't mean that I have not exercised. Sunday, I did take it easy... Monday, I exercised in the pool for and hour and a half and Tuesday, I did TWO exercise classes at the gym (both being very intense). So that is still all very good for cross training... Today, I think I will take it easy... I am fatigued after those two classes last night. I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go run tomorrow morning.... I love morning runs - everything is so peaceful and still... It is a very refreshing and tranquil way to begin the day... I miss doing it SO SO terribly!!! I DO HATE THE FATIGUE MONSTER!!!!!! HE IS SUCH A BITCH!!!!! People with chronic fatigue understands these symptoms... but chronic fatigue is very different than just being tired.... Chronic fatigue makes you feel very low... I usually get unusually very quiet when fatigued. This is because talking actually takes energy - energy that I do not have to spare. Fatigue doesn't make you feel like you want to go to sleep it just makes you feel very life-less, very solemn, very unmotivated, and EVERYTHING YOU DO IS WORK.... That means even mundane things like getting dressed or brushing your teeth feels like work... I have had times where after doing those activities I have ACTUALLY HAD TO REST AFTERWARDS.... as if I did go out and run 10 miles... It is THAT DEVASTATELY EXHAUSTING... IT SUCKS!!!! Chronic fatigue is an invisiable symptom but is VERY VERY REAL. Most people with MS have fatigue issues... How do you get past it? You just keep trying to move forward. Sometimes, you just have to have some down time... (I personally HATE down time. I love to go and do things...) Right now, I am working on building myself up to complete the race on Saturday.... I am hoping by giving myself today to build back up. I was starting to feel my energy regaining last evening but after the intense two exercise classes it has fallen back down into the basement. So right now, as much as I would love to go off and do some activities this weekend - I think I better just lay low and try to recoup my energy level. The race this Saturday, is a big one. There are many participants and it is timed. The course is through downtown Freeport so it is all pavement and large buildings. This means that there is little air flow since you are in a commercial area. Right now, the forecast is that is supposed to be in the 80's. I WILL UNLOAD THIS FATIGUE MONSTER OFF MY BACK... It just takes some time - that is something that is very difficult for me. Trying to be patient and let it pass... I see the nice sunny day and WANT to go outside and play... I want to run... So today, I will stay low... and tomorrow - I WILL go out and run some good miles... Then on Saturday, I cannot hold back - I have to go after this race full throttle.... I know that I have held back on the last couple of races... I need to let loose and just go... then after I can just totally chill out and regroup....

July 25, 2012

I survived last week's race in Rock City. It was VERY hot and humid. The humid and heat really affects my running. I was able run it 100% but it was really difficult. My time was not has good as it could be. I did have a WONDERFUL surprise at this race. A former member of our run club joined us for this race. This was her first race of the season. Plus, she has been recently diagnosed with MS. So I can relate to her on many aspects. Running is hard and running with MS is beyond hard... Everyday is so different... You never know how your body is going to perform. Like this week, for example.... After the race - I was fine. I was tired but managed. Then Sunday, there was a light mist about half way into my morning run. So I went for a longer run. In fact, it is the longest run I have done in quite awhile (5.2 miles), mainly due to the heat. Now I am back to bad fatigue issues. Yesterday, I did not run in the morning and tried in the evening. It was very slow feeling and only could do a couple miles. Today, I could not get going at all this morning. So I will take a day off. I am hoping that my energy level comes back to me and I can go out tomorrow morning for a nice run. I do have another race this Saturday. This race is in Belvidere (town east of me). I have not done this race before. If my energy level is good and it is not so blasted hot - I should be fine. All I can do is what I can do... I do like to run in the cooler weather. This high heat is really hard on me. I think that is what takes so much of my energy away. I do rest after my races. I usually go and do some sewing or in the pool. Sunday, my energy level was through the roof. It was wonderful. Not only did I have that wonderful run in the morning, I also had a nice long bike ride that afternoon. So as you see my energy level is very unstable. Yes, I do take medication for my energy level. This is a very big symptom of MS. Having chronic fatigue is a BITCH.... Believe me everything you do takes GREAT energy. I can feel when it is gone and feel when it is coming back. It is very odd and extremely hard to explain. I am also very excited because on Friday, I am making plans to visit the Deer Park in Oregon WI. This is a Buddist retreat center. At the 10 mile race, we literally ran right by their property. It is a beautiful area. I have been wanting to go there for years. So am making the arrangements and plan to visit their on Friday. Today, I will take a day off running and exercise. Then hopefully tomorrow morning I can run. It would be nice if I could do a long run. I do enjoy the long runs. But I have to have the right conditions. That is why I am looking at doing some longer races (10K's) in the fall. I know there is no way to do them in the heat. But to wait till Sept or so - now I am fine with that. MS and heat do not mix!!!! But on the whole, with this summer being so horribly hot - I have lasted very well. Especially with the races. I do believe that my overall stamina and energy level endurance has greatly improved. Yes, I do have my down days, such as now... But my overall is MUCH better... So like everything - you have to take the good with the bad. That is the way it is with MS. You have to let the bad (whether it be pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, ect) roll along -- then try to gear yourself up for the passing and try to get back to your status quo. Whatever that baseline is. We all have different baselines. That is the nature of Secondary Progressive MS... You ALWAYS experience symptoms but the level of the symptomks tends to be at different levels. Believe me it is really easy to go to the darkness when the fatigue monster really hits. He is SO RIGHT on top of you. But you cannot let him in. You just have to let him pass by.... That is a REALLY REALLY REALLY hard thing to do. I know that many MS folks have difficulties with that concept. You have to stay strong, stay with the belief that you can overcome and not let the fatigue monster or MS suck you down to the darkness. You have to stay focused to the light... It is SO SO very important!!!!! Remember - ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!!!

July 17, 2012

The weather is really heating up again. Today it should be about 100 degrees! This past weekend I plotted a new route in town 4.2 miles. It is a great route with steep hills, grades, and curves. Plus it is 100% in town so if I have any difficulties there is always someone to go to. That is important especially with this extreme heat that we have been having. I really don't think it is safe to go way out into the country without water. My 12 mile route in this heat is just not safe. Plus, it is getting that time of year for the fairgrounds to get busier so running through there is not working out as well. I did not run on Monday morning or this morning. Yesterday, I had to go to my semi-annual visit with my neurologist at University of Wisconsin in Madison WI. My appointment was for 8a so I had to leave early in the morning. So I did go to the gym last night and did a mile on the treadmill. I only did this because it was close to 100 degrees and not safe to run outside. This morning I really, really wanted to run but my body did not want to. (I really hate that!!!) My body was very spastic (that means that my legs feel like they are being squeezed by some invisable elastic and my feet felt like I had tight shoes on (I was bare foot in bed). When I get that way, everything tends to constrict. So I end up in a ball, it is really hard for me to straighten out and when I do it just down right hurts. So obviously, it was not the morning to go run. So I slept in till about 6a. Even now, at 9a, I still feel very stiff in my legs, arms, and hands. It may be due to the extreme heat that is playing on my body. Even though, I stay in the air conditioning or water when it is hot - the heat still plays on my body. Hopefully, tonight I have 2 exercise classes maybe I will snap out of this constrictive feeling. Sometimes, the muscles constrict so severely that it cause GREAT PAIN - I mean you are crying because it hurts SO SO MUCH!!!! Othertimes, it just feels like you have really tight spandex on your feet, legs, arms, and hands.... It hurts but you are not crying in the corner.... So there is a difference in intensity. To verbalize the neuropathy pain is VERY difficult. You cannot see this pain. You may be able to a spasm when everything because very tight and stiff. Then it like all the joints and muscles have just frozen in place. They do not move... You can see the muscles and veins actually become noticable through your skin. That is not fun. So anyway, I think due to the extreme heat my legs are more spastic and constricted. As I was first mentioning, before I digressed, I had my semi-annual check with my neurologist at University of Wisconsin in Madison. This is one of the closest places to me that has a MS Clinic. The neurologists in the Rockford/Freeport area are all general neurologist. It is like having your family doctor doing open heart surgery on you. Not that your family doc does know his stuff - it is just not his speciality. So I STRONGLY RECOMMEND anyone with MS go and seek a MS specialist at a MS Clinic. Even if you have to travel - you probably only have to see them once or twice a year. Anyway, my visit was very good. He continues to be amazed at my progression. I told him about my running and up to 12 miles and did a 10 mile race. He was really taken back. He and the med student asked me about issues with my running and I told them. This includes the heat issues and having ice the moment I cross the finish line, having to re-learn how to run and read my body cues, and sometimes just getting mad at my MS and telling it in very colorful language where to go as I run.... They thought that last part was pretty funny. It really is... I think if people heard my voicing my opinions at my MS when I am really frustrated at it... they would lock me in some padded cell. But I vent these emotions out at the MS... not at a person... BIG DIFFERENCE! By venting out my emotions and frustrations I am able to conquer and regain my perspective and NOT LET THE MS WIN!!!!! That is the main thing... I hear some many people with MS saying, I can't do this or that... My response is, why? Who said that you cannot do this or that? And even if someone said this or that, who is to say they are right? I look at things this way.... Unless there is someone glowing, walking on water, and feeding the multitudes with a loaf of bread and a fish -- I don't 100% buy into it... I have to find out for ME!!!!! Yes, I research things... I look at the science of nutrition and exercise. My biggest question when I start things; is this going to kill me? Exercise and running is not going to kill me. Yes, maybe when the truck runs me over but then I won't worry about to much of anything... My nutrition of eating whole foods, non-processed, fresh and raw, non-red meat, low fat, low sugar type foods... is that going to kill me? NO - that is just eating a healthy balanced diet... That has actually helped me with keeping my blood pressure in-line and my overall health that is in very good shape. It does take a bit of work to do a nutrition change about from the extremely unhealthy American diet. Yes, I make my own bread that is primarily rough cut wheat or rye. I make a dessert that we have through the week. The dessert is primarily sugar-free and low fat. (Everyone needs some sweets.) This week for our dessert I made a black forest mousse with a chocolate crust... Does that sound good??? It is!!! I made the chocolate crust in a 9x9 pan... Then layered sugar free cherry jello mixed with tofu for first layer and sugar-free chocolate pudding mixed with tofu for the topping... That simple... Not only do you have a WONDERFUL dessert. But it is very healthy!!! The protein content is high so this is great for someone who does not eat meat very often. So I get my protein and satisfy my sweet tooth at the same time... Not a bad... So there are many alternatives to the old nutrition that we all grew up on... It is SO unhealthy. I know that nutrition has really helped me SO VERY MUCH with my MS and also with my health overall. Yes, I continue my battle with weight. Since I was dx in 2006, I have lost 110 pounds. NOT KIDDING!!!!! I still would like to go down about 20 lbs more... Weight is something, I will always have to work on. I really think some people are genetically more deposed to having weight issues. So those people (like me) have to work harder at losing and keeping weight off. Plus, as many MS folks know we take many drugs to help with spastisity and tremors. These drugs are all "downers" or slow down your metabolism. Then you add to the mix being post-metapausal, you really have a recipe of SLOW METABOLISM. So it takes MORE dilegence to lose weight and keep it off. But it can be down... Right now, I am just persitant with my nutrition and exercise. That is all anyone can do... Just try to keep moving forward -- always forward!!!!!!

July 11, 2012

I survived last Saturday's race (barely). The race was close to home in Winnebago, IL. The temp during the race was over 90 degrees... It was HORRIBLE (understatement)!!! I was doing well till the half way point and then the heat just got to me. I started mis-stepping and had to break down and walk/run the rest of the route. I HATE THAT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!!! I really was doing well - had a nice pace and everything! But what can I do? It is better to break down and walk part than end up on the pavement because I have mis-stepped and fallen. My time for the race was HORRIBLE!!! My worse time all season...40:43.. By some odd reason, I actually received 3rd place! I did live! Cooled down immediately and then rested the remainder of the day. I did run the next morning without any problems. Then the fatigue hit on Monday morning. Fatigue is a very odd devil that lives with me... I never know when it is going to "hit". You would think the day after or even that day of something so strenuous would knock me down... No, sometimes it takes a couple of days after a stressful event to hit me full force. It is really very odd. So anyway, on Sunday I ran my new route (in Pec) just fine. In fact, I even over shot my street by a block and added to my distance. The weather the day after the race was ideal, nothing like the day previous. That is all part of the challenge to the races - you never know what the environment is going to be like... This morning, I was back at it. Ran my route from Summit to the fairgrounds and around the grandstand twice, 3.5 miles. That went well. The temperature this morning was wonderful! Now, this weekend I do NOT have any races. I know, very odd, a whole weekend of rest. I will definetely run my route. Maybe if the weather is decent, I can do a double of my route (7 miles). I would leave a water bottle at the end of the driveway. Then I can make sure to hydrate. I am very leery about running out on my long path in this heat without having a "safety net" of being able to come home for water or whatever. Otherwise, I feel like I am managing my MS pretty well at this point. Yes, I do have issues and will always have issues. I have Secondary Progressive MS. That means that my symptoms do NOT GO AWAY AND COME BACK... They are there and I tend to slide slowly downhill. I amazed my MS doc last time I was at UW MS Clinic. He said that, someone with secondary MS was not supposed to be getting better. I attribute it all to the nutrition, exercise, overall outlook, family/friends, ect. I have stated this many times... It all makes a HUGE difference!! One of the nice things when I run besides listening to my music that I like is that I meditate. Now, I know that you are thinking - how can she meditate when running? Yes, I have to be very diligent to my running and the pavement. But I am also have to have a very calm mind. My mind at that time is very peaceful. It HAS to be peaceful or I could not concentrate on my body and the pavement, ect. Some people go and work out or run to vent aggression. I cannot have those types of thoughts when I am running. That would consume my thoughts then I would not be able to be in tune and able to be mindful of the biofeedback. People may think I am really tuned into my music. I am not. The music is nice but it is a tool to help me with pacing. Most of my mind is on me, physically. I know that other runners are probably also working on reading their bodies as they run. But for me, due to the various MS issues (spasms, mis-stepping, muscles that decide not to work, tremors, ect) I have to really concentrate on reading my body 100%. But you know what... that is OK... It has taken me time to learn to do this. I think I have a handle on how to do this. It does not mean that sometimes my body betrays me and goes south, I just have learned how to avoid some of it and what to do when it goes into its own thing. Such as the mis-stepping, usually when my body is really stressed such as high heat... When it starts getting very chronic - I have to walk. I can regain myself and then run again. There is nothing I can do about that. I am not going to give up and say, forget it or feel like a failure. I also need to keep in the front of my mind why I persue this... Yes, to maintain my mobility as long as possible and also I run for everyone with MS who cannot. I always run with my MS hat... I am showing support to the MS community. I am also educating people that not everyone with MS is in a wheelchair. Yes, we still have symptoms and they suck -- but for many of us those symptoms are invisable to others. They do not see the neuropathy pain that is so severe that you are crying in pain, they do not see the MS hug that is squeezing your midriff so hard that you can barely breath, they do not see that your vision is blurry or have double vision, they do not see how you cannot find the words to verbalize, they do not see these things... EVERYONE with MS knows these things are VERY VERY REAL!!! Do they suck? YES!!! But you just have to get up and say to "hell with it" and go do your thing. I REFUSE TO HAVE IT BEAT ME!!! I WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE IT A DAMN GOOD FIGHT!!!! ARE YOU WITH ME???????

July 5, 2012

HOT, HOT, AND MORE HOT!!!!! That is the forecast!!! It is predicted to get up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit (actual temp) today!!!! It has also be extremely dry. We have not had any good rains. In fact, it is so dry that many communities in the area cancelled their fireworks for last night's 4th celebration due to the fear of fires. All the grass and yards are basically brown. In Pecatonica, no one waters their grass because our water rates are just WAY to expensive!!! Oh well.... The other part of this is the heat. As I have explained MS and heat are not good together. In fact, quite the opposite and a bit of a dangerous combination. I have explained this in relation to the thermostat in a car getting stuck. When that happens the car will over heat and stop running. It may even ruin the engine. Same with people with MS. We cannot regulate our thermostat, ours gets "stuck". Therefore, after a race I HAVE TO COOL DOWN IMMEDIATELY!!! IT IS NOT AN OPTION!!!! Otherwise, that thermostat gets "stuck" and I will over heat which will cause serious issues with my cognitive aspects, coordination, tremors, heart rate and on and on... The only thing to do is FORCE THE BODY TO COOL DOWN AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE... That is why after a race I ice down... I literally have ice packs that I wear... It forces the body to cool down and get that thermostat back into line before it goes 100% off alignment. It is the time of year, for more activity at the fairgrounds so running through there in the morning is getting more difficult. So I have plotted a new course. It is a little farther (3.5 miles). (I was doing 3.4 with my fairgrounds route.) I think it is a little more hilly. I did it today in 45 mins. That is not too bad considering the heat. Even early this morning (6a) it was still very very hot. It is predicted to get to 106 degrees today (actual temp). Tomorrow is a non-run day being that it is the day before a race. So tonight is my 2 exercise classes. In fact, I am teaching the Pilates class for my friend Laura tonight. As I have mentioned, I LOVE Pilates. It has helped me so much with my stability and core strength. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ALL PEOPLE WITH ANY STABILITY ISSUES!!!!!! Last week was the 5K in Stockton. This is EXTREMELY HILLY AND ALWAYS VERY HOT race!!! I was very pleased with this race -- I ran it 100% (1st time) and received a 3rd place in my age group. So I came home not just with the shirt but also a beautiful medal! Tomorrow's race is in a neighboring town, Winnebago. I have never done this race. Just due to the heat, it will be extremely challenging. Then I have a break from race for a week or so... That is OK - I can just work on my own training and my new route. The other interesting thing that happened to me this week is that I had jury duty. Now this is the second time I have been called. The first time, I went and sat their for awhile then was told to leave. This time I was actually picked for the jury. I served on the jury and listened to the case. It was a case regarding resisting arrest. There was two counts of this crime against this person. When we went to our room to discuss the case. We all vote guilt except one person. So then for the next hour or more we had to discuss the case to convince that person to change her vote. She finally did and we could unanimously render our verdict. We voted one count guilty and one count not guilty. But it was a VERY VERY interesting experience!!!! Which if you think about it... here at time of our nation's birthday and being part of our democratic system in action... It was really very fulfilling to me as an American. Now till Saturday, I do not run. Today, I will be in the pool. It is too hot to do much of anything else outside. Then afterwards over to the gym for a non-impact exercise class and then Pilates. Tomorrow I will probably just go over to the gym and do Pilates and non-aerobic type of workouts.

July 2, 2012

Well, I survived one on the hardest races of the season. Not only did I survive but I ran it 100% (which was my goal) and got 3rd place!!! WOW!!!! The Stockton 5K is always EXTREMELY HOT and the hills and grades on the course are very challenging!!! Last year, at that race time I was not running a 5K 100%. I was not running that far 100% till about later July... So it just shows how much I have improved. I recieved a really BEAUTIFUL medal!!! That is what I would LOVE for a Christmas present is a hanger/showcase for all my medals!!! That would be so wonderful!!! But I was looking back at my time from last year's Stockton's race I did it in 38.19 mins. This year's time was 34.52. That is an improvement in ONE YEAR of 3.67 mins or 10% improvement... That is pretty darn AWESOME!!! I know that I have done better with my time. But for that course which has so many very steep hills and grades plus the heat... I know that I went as fast as I could.... Next year, we will see... maybe I can do it faster... My next race is this Saturday... So no rest... I have been running every day since the race. I have not stopped. I have ran as early as I can to try to avoid as much heat as possible. But since the temps have been nearing 100 during the day --- even the early morning is still very very very hot. But I have been holding it together... This morning I did the 3.5 route from Summit to the fairgrounds and around the grandstand twice... I did it in 39 mins.... So that is not too bad considering the heat.... I am up to a total of 509.82 miles to date... This is since February 14, 2012!!! So my goal of the 1000 miles in one year - is a strong maybe.... I just kept track and also the challenge just for fun... What the heck??? But I am TOTALLY enjoying it and challenging myself to do more and more miles is really mindblowing!!! Here I NEVER would have thought I could do this... Not only do to the MS and all my physical limitations but there are other factors.... These factors include age (hey I am over 50); the fact that I NEVER was a runner and NEVER ran before; and there is the weight issue. I have started my whole journey grossly overweight. I still struggle with the weight and probably always will but, I feel for the first time in my life I have found the right path for me... I have found not just a "diet" but it is a way of life for me... So people ask me what I eat??? I stay with non-processed foods, alot of raw foods, no red meat, very little dairy (the only thing is yogurt a few times per week), ect.... So I make my own bread (in the breadmaker) that is with course wheat. I use very little white flour. All my flour is organic. I limit the fat content as much as possible. I use olive or canola oil sparingly. So what do I eat??? Yesterday, I had a vegan waffle (my husband made) using pumpkin and yogurt (no eggs) and sugar-free syrup, an orange and banana. For lunch I had a bowl of watermelon cut in cubes and peanut butter sandwich. Dinner was a turkey bratwurst on a homemade wheat bun; baked beans (vegan); watermelon. Then for dessert we had raspberry creme pie that I made with tofu... It was WONDERFUL!!! So there is a sample of my menu for a day. This morning for example I have had an orange and banana... I do eat ALOT of fruit and raw veggies... Tonight for dinner I will have a very large salad... But that is my dinner.... All raw greens... I LOVE it!!!! But like I have said it is a combination of items that have raised me to this point. Yes, the nutrition is a HUGE deal but also the exercise and also your overall mental status... You have to be accepting and deal with the good and the bad. When the bad (MS issues) you don't have to LOVE it... Bull --- it SUCK!!! No you have every right to get mad as HELL at it... But then you have to move on... and look at what you do have.... My MS has been a very bittersweet thing to me... If I was not diagnosed I may never have "woken up" and realized what I was doing to my own health. I was literally killing myself with the horrible nutrition and non-exercise. But the MS did "wake me up". I did realize I need to do something. I do not want to be depend on others... I WANT to be mobile... I want to be able to go do things that I enjoy... Yes - and now after 6 years of working on myself I am at that point. I can go somewhere and enjoy myself. Not go and be so damn tired that I could barely do anything. Plus be absolutely exhausted for days and days after... That is not fun... My fatigue level has improved GREATLY!! I still take my ritalin for my fatigue but it is SO SO much better. Every aspect of my symptoms have improved... There are days that it is hard, I mean REALLY REALLY hard... But you just have to keep moving.... So I do... Well another race coming up and the heat is supposed to be staying with us... All I can do is try and go... The faster I go the sooner I can cool down... That is how I look at it. I still want to go out for a long run (12 miles) but I cannot with this heat. There is NO WAY! Maybe I can do my fairgrounds route twice and stop for water half way - if I get up really early. I generally now leave at about 5:30a. So I would have to leave before 5a I think to get all that in before the heat really kills me... Well, it is 4th of July holiday this week... So I only work 2 days this week... HEY!!!! More run time for me... Plus, I am teaching Pilates for my friend at the gym this week. So I have to prepare for that... So I am ALWAYS busy -- I love it!!!!

June 27, 2012

Well, the heat is coming back.... I knew it would, this is the weekend for the Stockton 5K. This will be my (I think) 4th time doing this race. Last year, I STILL was not running a 5K 100%. So I pray that this year, I run it 100%. Since know I have been running that far and farther 100%. It is a very difficult race. Stockton is a small town close to Galena, IL. Therefore, it is VERY, VERY hilly. It is TRULY very challanging! The other REALLY nice thing is that they have opened the community swimming pool to the runners after the race. For me, this is PERFECT!!!! It really gives me an opportunity to cool down that core temperature. That is where I have such issues... I have NEVER placed at this race. There are many "big" runners that come to this race from the Galena area. These are true avid runners. But there is also people like me - just regular everyday people. My goals for this race is the usual: stay upright, finish, not be last. I would also love to improve my time from the last race in Davis. I had a time of 32.41 mins. I still REALLY want to get down to 29 by the Orangeville race in October.... Otherwise, my training has been going well. I did one longer run this last week, 6.8 miles. It had been a long time since I did that long of a run. I did not go out into the country, which I really enjoy, because of the warm weather. I worry about being out there in the middle of no where without any water. So I just did my usual route two times. That way I could stop at the house and have a water bottle at the end of the driveway. I thought that was probably a wiser idea at this point. I would love to be able to continue doing a double or even triple of my route at least one time per week. This would definetely improve my strength. That is one thing I have really improved on this last year is my strength in my legs. I believe it is from all the squats we do at BodyPump and John's classes. Then of course, my Pilates keep that core strong and me more stable!!! So right now, I have on my calendar Stockton for this Saturday and Winnebago for the following Sat after that. So I have two races in a row. I have been invited to do another race on the 4th (which is Wednesday). But I think having 3 races in a week's time span is to much. I have just graduated to having them each Saturday. Last year, I only did races every other weekend. So I am doing more races this year. That does improve my overall running, time and strength. So not only is the exercise a key component to my improvement but the nutrition is the other key aspect. Staying away from the processed foods, red meat, and going into a more whole foods and raw foods type diet. It is not to say I never have pizza. Let's get real, there are some things one must have sometimes. But I have pizza maybe at the most twice a month. So even that is really limited. The pizza I have is vegetable and chicken. Never with any red meat. But that is probably the only packaged prepared foods that I have anymore. Everything else is either raw or I cook from scratch. Now with a big race on Saturday, on Friday night I will probably have some carbs... so maybe some spagetti with a little tomato sauce. If I feel like it I may heat up one of my homemade Bocca burgers just for the added protein. But I try to keep it light and yet keep the carbs and protein up. It seems to work out. Then on the morning of the race, I have a small bowl of oatmeal with some fruit. Nothing big... I mean a SMALL bowl... It seems to be enough to keep the energy level up. Then after the race I can have a real meal. But now with the warm weather it lets me get in some "quality pool time" and also lets me continue with my quilting projects. Swimming is something I have always loved. I have swam since I was a little kid. I was on various swim teams. My stroke was the butterfly for that you need to have a very strong upper body. I still swim in my pool. I have a 24' round pool. Jeremy got me a really wonderful thing - basically it is like a leash that you put around your waist and fasten to a stable post. Then you can swim and swim and swim.... So I usually get in and swim for awhile various strokes. It is also good cross training for my running. Plus, you don't sweat when you swim. That is the beauty with summer - there is always so many things you can do. I love all the activity and options. That what makes everything fun!!! Well, wish me luck for the Stockton 5K and hope that it is not horribly hot!!!!! I really want to run it 100% and just do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

06/20/2012

This week has been VERY hot outside. Heat is not a good thing for us with MS. We tend to be heat intolerant. What does that mean? So, everyone gets hot so what... Well, folks with MS... our nerves are basically exposed... So think of it this way... You have a huge cavity in your tooth. The nerve is very exposed therefore, if you drink anything hot or cold it would cause you severe discomfort. Right? Same kind of thing with people with MS, our nerves are damaged. The mylelin coating around my nerves is damaged. So just like if your house wiring does not have the insulating coating - there is trouble if you keep turning on and off the switches. It is probably severe enough that you get a house fire. Well, that is what basically happens to me. My nerves are damaged and there are places (many) where there is no coating around the nerves. Severe heat or cold cause me to overheat on an extreme degree. Since I do not have that coating in some places, my internal thermostat literally gets "stuck". Then I am just burning inside and outside. Another way to think about it is, if your car thermostat does not work properly and you drive extremely fast (such as one of my races) the car will overheat, stop working properly, and may destroy your engine permanently. Same thing with me, I shut down literally. My cognitive aspects go right outside the door, my balance, the foot-drop, the tightness/banding feeling --- all of it escalates 100000000000000000000%. This is not an exaggeration... For me it could very easily lead to some time in the hospital to bring down that core temperature and then through IV steroids to bring the symptoms to a manageable level. So yes, heat and MS are very SERIOUS!!!!! So with my running I have figured out that the very second I cross the finish line - I HAVE TO COOL DOWN RIGHT THEN!!!! So I go to every race with a pack of blue ice. I have my husband and friends literally start putting the ice on me as I cross the line. It seems that if this happens before that thermostat has a chance to really get "stuck". Then I can be absolutely fine for the rest of the day... no problems. So as you can see, there are SO MANY things that I have discovered so that I can participate in this sport. I have had to figure all of these things on my own and what exactly seems to work for me. But - OK - if that what it takes for me to run, OK. I have my "people" that understand and are willing to help me. This is also why my race times are MUCH better with cooler weather. It is less stress to my body. But I also fluctuate the other way... I cannot handle it if it is cold. Just like that tooth with the big cavity - you cannot go eating the huge cup of ice cubes. Same with me, all those nerves are basically exposed. So the extreme cold causes me unbelievable amount of shear PAIN. So as you can see, I am a balancing act all the time. I never know when my body will fall out of "balance" but, to dwell on that is pointless. I believe in living for today and the now. I celebrate EVERY single time I run and work out... I celebrate my mobility!!!! There was so many years, that my mobility was so very limited that now I feel (even with my current issues) that I have much more freedom. It is a very strange feeling. It is like I was in bondage and someone untied me. So YES - it is a HUGE deal!!!! So that is why I have decided to keep a diary of my experiences and thoughts. I hope that maybe it would encourage others and I hope and pray that I will continue to progress. I know and truly understand that MS is EXTREMELY unpredictable. Who knows, MS may knock me flat and my running days are over. But then again, maybe not.... I don't know the answer. I know that my overall physical health is better than ever and my MS symptoms (on the whole) are fairly tolerable. What more can I ask for at this point? I feel EXTREMELY grateful to be able to say that. So YES - the nutrition and exercise are so very important!!! I know there are MANY days that after work driving home - I think I am so extremely tired... But I know that is that damn MS fatigue talking.... I go and workout and usually I get a burst of energy to get me through. Afterwards, yes - I am EXTREMELY exhausted. I cannot even verbalize my thoughts. I just go home and rest. Then after I am ready to go again. I know you may think this is way to masochistic. Maybe so. Also I will tell you that my overall health is better than it has been in decades, my fatigue level is better than it has in decades, my cognitive aspects have improved GREATLY, my balance has improved GREATLY, etc. So YES - it is worth it.... I believe that by being diligent with the exercise and nutrition I will prolong my decline with the MS. I will also be around and active whenever I become a grandmother. I had a very active grandmother. I plan to be that same way. Not the grandmother that the grandkids push in the wheelchair.... I want to play with them, run with them, jump, and climb.... To me that is a goal.... So I continue to push... Yes, I do take "breathers" now and then. They do not last long maybe a day of rest. But for me since the spasticity in muscles are so severe they become very very tight feeling. So working and stretching the muscles everyday is so very important!!! It is not like "normal" people. The tightness is awful. So stretching and working those muscles are imperative to my mobility. It does not matter if I am tired or don't have time.... No - mobility is way to big of an issue for me. I have been down the limited mobility road for too may years - I want OFF.... I LOVE being mobile and vow to do anything it takes to continue down that path. The sacrifice is WELL WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!! So go and do something... run, walk, swim, whatever... just move.... I have a saying on my ID bracelet "Just Do It". So no matter what just do it... whether you walk with a walker, cane, or just slow... move... "just do it"!!!!!!

06/13/2012

Yes, I some how survived last weekend of having 2 races in less that 24 hours apart. Friday night was the race in German Valley IL. It was HORRIBLY HOT!!! Also the course, which was through the streets in town, there was not any shade. The other problem was that they did NOT block traffic during the race. So you literally had to look before crossing any intersections. I did finish the race, not as well as I would have liked. But for my first night race - I was OK. I did get 1st place in my age division!!! My time was 36:56. I had to walk some basically due to the heat.

June 18, 2012

WOW!!! What a busy and exciting weekend!!!! June 15th was my daughter, Elyse's birthday. It is really hard to fathom that she is now 26 years old!!! She has become a wonderful, self-reliant, wise, loving, and fun person. I could not be happier of how she has grown. Saturday, was an extremely busy and very exciting day!!! I started the day with a 5k race in Davis IL. It was a hard race (they all are hard). There was only about a dozen people at this race. They did not have any prizes or awards. The whole aspect to these race is the challenge. Every single race for me is a HUGE challenge. I never know if my body (due to the MS) is going to not cooperate and then I could be out of the race... But I don't think of what may or could be.... forget that.... I just go..... In this race, I went.... I had my BEST time so far.... 32.41!!!! I am getting closer to that goal of breaking the into the 29 min.... This course was FAR from flat - we had step hills, grades, and even a small area that was NOT paved. So I did have some real obstacles. After the race, went home cleaned up and went into Chicago to hear Dr. Terry Wahl's speak. I was also hoping to meet my Facebook and MS running friend but, she had some unexpected family issues. There will be a next time, that I am sure!!! But I did hear Dr. Wahl's speak. I am a very strong proponent of her philosophy of nutrition and exercise with MS (and general health). I researched on my own through help of my colleagues about nutrition. Since my diagnosis in 2006, I have lost over 120 lbs plus look at the running.... Who would have EVER imagined that I could get to this point????!!!! Believe me - I am MORE surprised than anyone!! I researched about nutrition and MS. I found that getting rid of the processed foods and all the chemicals was NUMBER ONE!!! I do not eat red meat. I only eat poultry, fish, or wild game. Plus of these meats - I sometimes have it at the MOST twice a week or sometime not for a few weeks. My diet is primarily raw... a lot of fruit and veggies... I use soy or rice milk. I use tofu quite a bit as my source of protein. Since I exercise so much, I have to have a good ratio of protein. This I do from the leafy greens, soy milk with protein powder, nuts, and beans. So I am not deficient on any of my nutrients. We differ in some of our daily aspects but the general philosophy of nutrition and organic foods - I am 100% in her corner!!! After her lecture (which was FANTASTIC) I went up and introduced myself. I have talked with her a couple of time on Facebook. She was thrilled and seemed to remember me right away! She had everyone re-take their seats and she want ME to tell this very large room full of people my story. So I did. She told me afterwards that she wanted my contact information for another book that she is putting together. So that I thought was EXTREMELY AWESOME!!!!! Yes - I told the audience that the principles that Dr. Walhs' speaks about is 100% and does it help -- YES!!! Does having the proper nutrition and exercise help - YES!!! Does it make the MS go away - NO!!!! But I am 10000000000000....% healthier now than I have been in decades..... But it takes TIME! It took me about 6 years to reach this point. It is not a "QUICK FIX" BUT HAS TO BECOME A LIFESTYLE!!!! That is the TRUE KEY (in my opinion). Plus look I am running... not walking - a over 50 year old women running races... and actually placing and winning... Plus my cognitive is so much better and also my fatigue. I still take all the western medications... plus my interferon... But it is the nutrition and exercise that has gotten me to this point. I DEMAND to maintain my mobility and my independence!!!! Also another very important aspect to this recipe - is your over all outlook and faith. I have meet people with MS or other neuromuscular diseases and they just give up. WHY??? That is my question. Why would anyone just give themselves right over to that devil, MS??? That is absolutely moronic!!! Every time that devil, MS, tries to take me - I fight even HARDER!!!!! Those are usually the days that I exercise even harder.... I refuse to let that devil MS take me down... and if it does and might bring me down - it definitely will not be without a damn good fight!!! Every running race I do - for me is a celebration. It is a celebration that I am able to do this... it is a celebration for all the others with MS that cannot but are still fighting in their own way.... So therefore, I run.... Now you have to know - this is a newer sport for me. I was NEVER the track kid in school. I NEVER ran in my 20's or 30's. My sport was swimming. That was my sport since I was very young. I am truly blessed that I do have good joints. Especially, after all those years of being over weight. Some how I did get very fortunate in that regard. So what is stopping me - NOTHING!!! Do I still have drop foot issues - yes; do I still have the banding - yes; do I still have the heat intolerance - yes; do I still have the neuropathy pain in my feet and legs - yes; do I still have balance issues - yes; plus all the other issues... BUT - I have learned to manage and deal with them. I do not let them over take me. Since I have the neuropathy and banding feelings 24/7 - I am basically used to it. Yes - there are many times especially with running that these feelings become more intense. Those are times when I say, "damn MS, I will not let you win..." Yes, the heat issues are HORRIBLE and drain every bit of energy... After a race, I have my "pit crew" husband and some of my team mates --- literally start putting ice packs on me the second I cross the finish line. I have to cool down - NOW!!! Once I have cooled down - I seem to be fine and function through the rest of the day.... So there are various "tricks" that I have learned over the last year of running that works for me... The next race? All I can do is my best.... That is what I always try to do!!! Always keep moving FORWARD!!!!!!!