4/30/12

I have been able to accomplish the 12-mile route a total of 5 times... WOW!!! Yesterday, was my second fastest time... 2hr 41mins.... My fastest time is 2hrs 35mins... So I am still staying the same timeline. We also took a drive and looked at the 10 mile race course in Stoughton. There is a couple of good hills at the beginning and then the rest is grades. We also looked at my 12-mile route and determined that what I am doing is MUCH harder. I have more steep hills and longer steeper grades... So I should be OK. It also is helpful to look and see what you have for a course. Then you can mentally prep better. I should do well with my time. Yesterday's run was hard (as always) but it is more doable. Depending how Syttendi goes, I would like to do another long run race, either a 10-mile or at least a 10-K. This will also help to keep me going with doing the long runs in my training. But I am really getting excited about the event. I have been working for so long to be able to do this! Next weekend, the only day I have to train is Saturday due to the Walk MS on Sunday. I would love to be able run on Sat morning before I have to go and work on set up in the afternoon. This also depends on weather. I have been able to run EVERY weekend so far. I would REALLY like to complete these last 2 runs before the race. After a big run - it takes me time (I mean hours) to get my energy back. I usually go sit, eat, and just be still for quite awhile. Then I can feel my energy level slowly coming back. But till that point, I am usually non-verbal and really just need to be 100% left to deal with myself. This is what it takes for me to regain that energy. This is all part of having to relearn my body. I do not physically process and recover the same as a "normal" person. But I have seemed to find what works for me. That is ALL that matters... MS is a moving target so what works for me now may not work at another time. I have to CONSTANTLY be listening and concentrating on what my body is telling me. So far during this training time, this approach has been serving me well. I have been able to maintain being "upright" and no major falls. This week between all my activities - I will just keep working... That is all I can do....

4/27/2012

Well, we are counting down to the BIG RACE!!!! I only have three more weekends till the 19th. WOW!!!!! The other truly amazing thing is that I have run EVERY weekend. I thought for sure I would have a couple of weekends knocked out due to either my body not wanting to play or weather. I have been doing really well with my running this week. Last night at run club - I probably went my fartherest at night and ran it 100%. I did 5.5 miles in 57 mins. I don't think that was too bad!!!! So my time and pace is increasing. I still have to be SO VERY mindful of my stepping. I really work on making sure that I pick up my feet - no drop foot issues. Because when that happens - down I go. I am also very mindful of the downhills, curves, and change of terrain. Those are all the things that causes me to fall. I am also started registering for my summer races. I have registered for the Pecatonica 5k during Memorial Day weekend and the Stockton 5k during the 4th weekend. I am really waiting to see how I do with the Syttendi Mai 10-mile. I think I would like to have one either 10-mile or 10K during the summer. Going furher than the 10 or 12 miles - I don't know. I am so "toasted" after my 12 mile run. I feel towards the end that my whole insides are about to slide right out of me... I know, it is weird. At this point, I will just stick here at this mileage. So if I say - I am going to do another 10 mile or 10K race - it will keep me training on my big 12 mile run. It is good to continue this. I don't want to stop and lose what I have been able to achieve. Whether I can go farther - I don't know... But then again, I NEVER IMAGINED IN MY WILDEST DREAMS that I would be to the point I am today... VERY VERY VERY SERIOUSLY!!!! It really shows what determination and perservance can do for a person!!!! God did give us these skills - we just have to use them. I am still amazed all the excuses I hear from people of why they could NEVER run like this... Then I tell them where I am at with my MS -- they are dumbfounded. I have the following sayings on my ID bracelet for a reason --- "Just Do It! & MS Warrior & MSers Rock".... For me, those are very appropriate... I don't want to stop. The mind is VERY VERY powerful! I learned that and saw that first hand with my Grandmother. When she was in the final stages of her cancer and dying. My brother was in Vietman at the time (in combat). The doctors called and said it was time for him to come home. They did not expect her to make it past the night let alone to see "her baby" home and in one piece. But she did!!! Plus, I think to make sure, she waited about a week after he was home to finally die. It was really incredible!!! She was a very strong woman and I loved her (and still do) with my WHOLE heart. I miss her daily! I think even with the MS what she would have done. I know that she would have fought with every ounce of her being and researched what the best and newst aspects to the disease. I have continued that path, with her in my thoughts and along side of me. I know that she is with me on every step I take and will always be with me. So how coming from that type of backround can I ever just allow the MS to over take me... Well, it will not be an easy job for the MS with me -- that is for sure. Believe me there is MANY times, that I am running and the damn drop foot starts in or the feeling like I have cement legs or the feeling like I have sharp rocks in my shoes or the super tight banding around my feet, legs and waist.... But then - I literally will shout and start cussing out the MS... (At these times, I am running in the middle of nowhere - otherwise someone would probably have me committed....) But it is way for me to let out my aggression to the MS. Believe me, MS does not desire nice language. But sometimes - you have to vent out those true feelings. If you harbor them inside - it will start eating on you and guess what -- MS has scored a victory!!! I DON'T THINK SO!!!!! So away I go.... I am excited about Syttendi Mai this year. I have also planned what I am going to do after the race. The whole day is going to be centered on EATING... After the race, over to Fosdahl's for lefse and coffee.... Then at lunch time -- over the like Whole Foods store for vegan bratwaurst and across the street for corn on the cob..... OHHHHHH --- YUMMMYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For dinner maybe another course of vegan bratwaust and corn.... OH -- what a way to go..... maybe lefse for dessert.... But that is my plan... I will do the other activities (have to work off the food so I can get more)!!!!!! I am hoping that the Whole Foods like store carries my FAVORITE -- tofutti "ice cream"... especially chocolate... Then I would be in TRUE heaven... Well, enough of food.... Time to focus towards my final 12 milers....

04/23/2012

Actually a GREAT weekend.... Saturday I ran 5 miles and after my best friend Diane came and we worked on designing and purchasing the materials for my next quilt. So that was a lot of fun. I decided NOT to do my big run on Saturday morning because I know that it really takes every ounce of energy I have. It also takes me quite a few hours to regain myself.... Actually Sunday morning was warmer and less wind. So it was the better day. Sunday I was able to make my 12 miles. You would think it would great easier but it does not. My time on it was not my best but not my worst. So I cannot complain. I am SHOCKED that I have been able to do my 12 EVERY weekend so far.... I have actually done the 12 mile route a total of 5 TIMES... WOW!!!! I can do this 3 more times before the race.... My best time so far has been... 2hrs 35mins on 4/7 & my worst is 2hrs 48min on 4/15.... I also know that on 4/15 the wind was HORRIBLE and very humid.... So that does not suprise me... My time really depends not just on how my body is reacting or not reacting at that particular time/day but also the environmental factors. So basically right now - it seems that I am varing by about 10 mins for 12 miles... That really is not that horrible. Now mind you, I am just running this. Yes, I time myself but it is not a race. It is with the soul purpose of training and trying to finish the task.... All I can do is keep working on it. I am feeling confident that with this training I will be able to do the 10-mile race and run it 100%. Through my training, I have learned to read MORE of my body cues. Since I have had to re-learn so MUCH of how to run. That has been invaluable... I have not fallen since I was in Maryland and not once on the 12-mile runs or even at run club. So that shows how I am listening to my body. We will see what next weekend has in store for me. I hope that I am able to continue and complete the last 3 trainings before the race. All I can do is try, try, try.... At a race, with other people you tend to go faster. So what will my time for the 10 mile be? We will find out. Right now, this is a TRUE and HUGE focus in my life... I have worked SO VERY HARD to get to this point. We are not talking a few months worth of work -- we are talking YEARS worth of work.... So that is why this is a big deal... I also probably take things a bit slower on my 12 mile - knowing that if I fall that I may have totally forfeited my chances for this race and even the rest of the session. So I do keep things like that in mind. It is not that I am taking it slow... I am going at my pace and I am pushing. Believe me --- I am very very very exhausted afterwards and it takes me HOURS to recover... Right now I am thinking I will probably be able to do the 10 mile in about 1 1/2 up to 2 hours.... Yesterday's run was hard on me. It really fatigued the stuffings out of me... So today, I decided it was going to be a recovery day... NO running, NO working out.... Just chilling physically.... Tomorrow - I will run in the morning then run club and John's class... So Tues will be a high energy day.... That is good.... So far, my fastest pace has been 11mins/mile and that is with run club. I have other people around that spurs me to go faster. This whole experience has been an adventure... What will happen????

04/19/2012

Kind of a slow and steady week so far... I did OK with my Tues night run with the Run Club then last night since it was so very nice outside I decided to go for a run. I did 4 miles - not the best time. But I did run it 100%. As soon I was was home - then it started raining. So I definitely went at the right time. I did not go running this morning. I was just to tired. So hopefully, if the weather is OK - tonight I will run with the Run Club group. I just looked at the forecast and it is supposed to be nice Sat and Sun so I can go and get my long 12-miler in. I have really been watching my diet this last couple of weeks. Trying to be very diligent. I would like to lose some more weight before the big race. Less that I have to run with and go up those hills.... But I am still being wise to my overall nutrition. Especially after run days - making sure that I have protein in my salad. This really seems to help. I had made some homemade "Bocco" burgers awhile back and froze the leftovers. It works out great - to take one out heat it up and toss it in my salad. They have a real high protein count. I have for lunch been having my protein powder mixed with water. This also is helping to increase that protein level. The protein not only fills you up - but when you do not eat much protein - this helps with the high exercise and the muscles. It also helps with the weight lost. Right now - I am very close to my goal weight that I wanted for race day. All I can do is continue working on it... Plus - there is just so much right now -- between the race and then all the aspects for the Walk MS. I have raised some money. I know that I could do more - but time has not been my friend. But I do keep working on that. I am past my goal amount but would like to enhance it by quite a bit more. Always things to work on.... I also have signed up my first 5k race. That is in Stockton during the July 4th weekend. It is a killer route. Stockton is EXTREMELY hilly with a lot of very steep grades. Then since it is 7/4 weekend it is always EXTREMELY hot!!! Last year - that was my last race I DID NOT run 100%. This year it will be different - I will run it 100%. So we will see what happens.... As always -- I keep trying to move forward -- always forward....

04/15/2012

I was not able to run yesterday. My MS had to much of a hold on me. My fatigue issues were HORRIBLE!!! They have not been good all week. So I totally did not run. It is too bad because yesterday was a MUCH better day than today. I did do the 12 mile route today - it almost killed me. There were some bad gust winds in excess of 30 mph. Of course, those would really hit when I am going UP the really steep hills or the endless long grades.... Then since it had stormed during the night the humidity level was really high. I was praying from Avy School Rd on that it would rain. But it never did!!!! I did get over to the bridges on Main St of Pecatonica (my last couple of miles) and I was miss-stepping really bad. I don't know if it was due to the fact the I was coming off a MS fatigue episode or due to the added energy to accomplish the hills with the wind and humidity. Either way - YES - I broke down and started WALKING.... It is the FIRST time that I have walked any part of that route. I walked all the way down Main Street then turned on 6th St - then I started running the rest to home (not that far). But looking at my time -- 2:48 compared to my best last week 2:35 (100% run). So I think, if I would have continued running it 100% and NOT walked - I would have beat that time!!! Even with the wind and humidity.... Next week, I am really shocked that so far I have been able to run EVERY weekend.... That is amazing.... I still have 4 weekends to go - 4 more 12 mile opportunities.... I have done a total of 4 - 12 milers!!!!! WOW!!!! It really does amaze me... I just go.... So basically I am half way with my training... Plus, the other side - I have lost more weight!!! Always a good thing... Less to have to try to move.... I have a total of 7lbs to my goal weight - I am that close.... All this running - really helps you drop the weight and also to tone.... Toning is the big thing. Plus, with all my cross training it helps me with my endurance and to get up and down those hills.... Believe me - my route is anything than flat -- it is a killer route... But I want a killer route for this training... Sytendia Mai's route is a killer... I know from doing the 17-milers. It is hills (lots of hills) and lots of grades... So I am prepared. Plus with doing the extra 2 miles - it helps with my endurance. So I am feeling confident that I will be OK - as long as the fatigue does not start biting at my butt.... The week of the race, I will take it easy. Very few runs - I will try to keep my energy level as high as possible....

April 13, 2012

Yes, today is the dreaded Friday the 13th..... I do not believe that horrible things happen due to a certain date... I think that WE control much of our environment. I know - sometime bad things do happen. That you blow a tire or whatever but hey - that is life that does not have to do with the date... But that is just me.... Well, have you have maybe seen from my mileage log I have not run as much this week. I have REALLY been tired. I think that last 12 miler took more energy from me than I expected. But I was able to do Run Club both nights and run 100% of the course. Last night we did almost 5 miles.. I did it in 59 mins... Plus, this is also after a full day of work that was REALLY busy yesterday. So I am EXTREMELY thankful and actually EXTREMELY shocked that I can run that far at a decent time. It just shows how my endurance has increased. Last year, at this time... NO WAY could I do that... It was a really really really good night if I could get 1/2 mile of 100% run... It is called being extremely stubborn and a lot of percerverance. Believe me - I am one VERY VERY stubborn Irish girl.... There is NO DOUBT about that. On the whole of my street running - I have done GREAT! There has only been one fall (that was not serious - only scraped knees). Last year, I had so many injuries - besides the constant scraped knees, stress facture to the wrist, and TWICE I tore muscle fiber in my left calf. It is so wierd that I have had to RELEARN how to run. But I really have. I know that I cannot go fast downhills and have to be VERY mindful of my stepping around curves or any change in pavement. These are my "problem areas". Even though I know there is a difference and my brain tells my muscles there is a difference coming there way - they do not react fast enough and then the accidents happen. I have also noted that because of the spasticity (and I stretch before and after) it usually takes me a good mile to loosen my muscles up that I can get a decent stride. But till then, it is really hard. My stepping is very short therefore, I am doing MORE work. Taking more "baby steps" to move forward. Till my muscle start opening can I start to really move. Therefore, like with Run Club, everyone leaves me in the dust... But at the end - that is where my pace is faster and my stride is longer. So see, this is opposite of the typical person. Many people start out strong with long strides and finish weak. See, how I have REALLY had to READ my body... I am doing this as I am running --- constantly reading my body. I am trying constantly to maintain my stability and forward movement. I still come in last in my group -- but I do not care. I have a WONDERFUL group of people that I run with. They are VERY encouraging and even though I am not lightening fast - it does not matter. I am running the course 100% and I am working... As for having a partner with running. Actually I DO NOT want one. I have so much that I have to concentrate on to keep me moving forward. If I had to concentrate on someone else's pace, ect... I would be in the ground for sure. I have to focus on my body and all it cues - I am constantly reading them. When my left foot starts to shuffle - I have to literally tell myself to pick up the "damn foot". I am sure that I look like a real goof-ball with one leg taking a higher step than the other. But this is what I literally have to do ALL THE TIME!!! So thinking about another person or pacing - no way... I do not have enough brain power for that. Plus, the longer I run the fatigue sets in more and more which means my brain turns to mush... I am not kidding. When I am really really tired - even getting my name out is EXTREMELY hard. For my birthday, Jeremy (my son) got me an ID bracelet with my name and that I have MS and a contact number (Elyse, my daughter). So if I have that situation or someone runs me over they can ID me... I should have the bracelet also so DO NOT CALL PEC AMBULANCE!!!! Another horrible story... But anyway.... Today is Friday!!! I rested this morning - will go to Body Pump this afternoon (great strength training) and get ready for a early morning 12 mile run tomorrow. I hope to improve my time. That would be awesome!!! We will see... If I am able to do tomorrow - this will make my 4th time. Last week was my best time - 2hrs 44mins... All I can do is try and that is what I ALWAYS intend to do -- ALWAYS TRY!!!!!!!

04/11/2012

I have been pretty tired this week. I really think that big 12-mile run on Saturday took alot of energy out of me. I did run last night at run club. Despite the cold and the wind, I did OK... 4 miles in 45 mins. Then after I was off to the gym to John's exercise class. His class is very physical and different -- so I enjoy it. It is DEFINITELY a challange - there is no doubt about that!!! It is also interesting - me the over 50 and with SP MS is the ONLY person from the run club group that goes to John's class after running. Last night, I really thought it was very funny -- I just got back to our starting point (the parking lot) and there was a couple ladies from the beginning run group chatting and debating whether they should go to John's class now or just go home. Now, these ladies are MUCH younger than I and are in the BEGINNING run group so they did not run as far... Well, as soon as I got to the parking lot because of time - I jumped into my car and went right over to the gym. As for the ladies or any other ones from the run group --- NOT ONE PERSON!!!! HUMMMMMMM.... Interesting..... Yes, was I tired - YES!!! I also know that the cross-training really helps my running. It has given me strength in my muscles and my core is MUCH stronger and stable... This is HUGE when it comes to running... Not only the strength in the muscles but the CORE issue (helps to keep me upright). Maybe I am not the fastest in the run group, let's get real - I know that will not happen. But what I am doing has amazed not only myself but my doctors. I know this will help me in the long run (I know a pun). If I keep going with this lifestyle - my general health will continue to be excellent and it will help to maintain my mobility. I have also noticed my fatigue level and cognitive issues have gotten better. That is not to say that I do not get tired - I my -- yes -- past tired... And when I really exert myself, like last Saturday, it takes me days to really recover. Yes, when I am tired - I shut down 100%. This means no verbal communication - basically nothing.... So I just push till I am pretty much totally spent - then go and shut down. But with the exercise my stamina is so much better. I have noticed this mainly when I am just out and running errands or out with other people at an event. I used to be so totally exhausted afterwards for days... Not so much any more... It has GREATLY improved my overall stamina. That is HUGE!!! Anyone with chronic fatigue knows that it is a real BITCH.... There are no kind words for it... It drags you down to all kinds of dark places... really not good. So having the stamina and keeping that horrible, horrible fatigue at bay for awhile is a blessing... Another wonderful thing is that I weighted myself today and found that I had lost another 2 pounds... I am close to my goal... 4 more pounds to go... That is what running will do to you. It is very difficult for me to lose weight. My metabolism is slower than a turtle.... I am post-metapausal and on two different drugs that are "downers". (One for the spasms and neuropathy and other for restless leg.) So this makes it very difficult. But I need the drugs in order to maintain my lifestyle. Oh well.... I would rather have the drugs and just keep working on the weight issue. It is coming off and I have maintained and gone down for a long time. It is just something that will always be an issue in my life. I know that my nutrition choices have also been a key factor not only in my progression with my wellness with my MS but my overall health and my weight. So my nutrition will continue to be the same. Yes, I enjoy having my sweets. Last night after dinner (salad, plain with dressing) I had a piece of my orange dreamcycle pie with banana cream topping.... YUMMY --- this is all made with tofu... So it was a GREAT thing for me to have last night after a run and an intense exercise session. Tofu is very high in protein. It also takes on the favor of whatever you put with it... I made the orange-dream with tofu and sugar free orange jello - mixed and put in a pie crust. Then the topping is tofu mixed with sugar free banana cream pudding. This is SO VERY HARD.... LOL.... But you know what - it tastes WONDERFUL and actually very good for you.... It is totally vegan.... high in protein... no sugar... and satisfies the sweet that we ALL crave... I do the same with sugar free chocolate pudding --- oh my - it is really good!!!!!! Today is going to be rest day... Tomorrow - we will see - I should be able to run in the morning at least.... As always -- I am moving forward!!!!!!!!!

April 7, 2012

I competed my THIRD 12-mile run. Best time yet - 2hr 35mins... This was 9 mins faster than last week and 11 mins faster than 2 weeks ago. WOW!!! Maybe all those extra runs with the Running Club is helping. Everyone else in the Intermediate/Advanced group is TONS faster than me.. I can do the distance but there is a couple of HUGE factors when we meet at 6p in the evening. #1 is impending darkness and #2 energy level. I have usually already workout in the morning before work (because I cannot sleep very long due to the spasticity,neuropathy (nerve pain) and restless leg issues. So I might as well get up and do something. Therefore, I go and run the treadmill and other strength exercises. I am trying to do one 12-mile run per week up to the day of the 10-mile race on May 19th. I have an opportunity for 8 runs (one per weekend). Now I figured barring weather issues and my own MS body issues - I may be knocked out of 2 weekends - giving me a minimum of 6. Right now, I am on track... I did this last run in 2hr 35min. I was having alot of issues with my left foot. The tightness was really bad and also the mis-stepping. I had to really concentrate from Avy School Rd to home. I did it - NO falls... Many mis-steps but was able to stay upright!!!!!! Yes - now I am very tired.. Need to go and take a shower which I know will feel like the wonder of the universe! I just need to get myself there. Sometimes after that much exercise - you just need to sit and relax. I think that is OK.... But I am very excited at my time improvement!!!! I wonder how I will do at the actual race???? All I can do is keep working and stay on my course... It seems to be working.... Right now, my feet feel like they are on FIRE; it feels like my legs are being squeezed with a super tight leggings; it feels like inside the leggings there are ants that are hot and running up and down my legs; it feels like my shoes are now about 2 sizes to small and way to narrow; it feels like everything is very heavy - like there are weights on my legs and arms; my verbal speech is very difficult for me to get out full thoughts; and that there is a squeezing sensation around my waist like a very tight undergarment. So if you think - oh her MS is in some sort of remission. BULL --- no --- the normal runner does NOT have these feelings... But the thing is yes - I have these feelings NOW. But they will calm down - but DO NOT go away.... They just get more aggresive when I exercise and really exhaust out those muscles to the endth degree. That is when I usually have an "accident" and fall. So I have to be EVEN MORE mindful of my stepping.... But the option of stopping and not doing this --- NO WAY!!!! I do enjoy this - I am in GREAT physical health - and my overall mobility and stability has improved 1000-fold... So that is why I do this and will continue as long as I physically able....

4/5/2012

Yesterday, was beautiful outside. So as soon as I got home from work and started some bread. I was off.... The problem for me and evening running is two fold - my energy level and darkness. So I have to be even MORE mindful of my steps because it is even easier for the drop foot and miss stepping. So this takes even MORE energy. Then I am not as fast in the evening... I did 3 miles in 50 mins. That is not a good time for me. But I did run it 100%. My "transformation" if you want to call it that from walker to running comprises of many factors. Not only the exercise, which you may have guessed I am a strongly endorse. But also the nutrition side. I have done a 100% turnaround in my nutrition over the last 6 years. I was a daily red-meat eating, fast food eating, processed food eating person. Like probably most of the population. I did research on my own about nutrition and MS. I read about eating a diet high in fat and how that effects MS. With MS, we have exposed nerves due to the covering (mylin) being distroyed) so the various nerve type issues we feel are like "little fires" within the nerve fibers. When you put fat on a fire - what happens? The fire becomes bigger. So I went to a non-red meat and non-processed foods type of approach. Yes - you do need to have some fat but the right type of fat. For me and I know of others - where this approach to their nutrition as made a HUGE difference. I also eat alot of raw foods. So what is a typical day for me... Breakfast - coffee (sorry I know a vice but I love it), banana, orange, and maybe some oatmeal with protein powder (if really hungery); lunch - is soup or rice cakes with 2 pieces fruit (apples or pears); afternoon snack - yogurt and another piece of fruit (apple or pear); dinner - lettuce salad with carrots, celery, egg, apple, and maybe another veggie if I have or if I did ALOT of exercise that day - I will throw in a boca burger (homemade). Then I may have dessert of tofu "ice cream" - non-dairy and maybe a piece of sugar free, dairy free cake that I made... Come on - I have to have some sweets... I am just very mindful of what they are. I make my sweets so there is not any processed anything and I can control and make them low in fat and sugar free. I also LOVE to make sugar free "pudding". This is sugar free pudding mix then you mix with tofu... YUMMY... This is high in protein which is great for me and tastes like a mousse... It is fantastic!!!! So this is the kind of foods that I eat. Like I said, most of my veggies and fruit are raw. I usually only have meat (non-red meat) on the weekends. I have not had fast-food or processed foods in years. I make my own bread that is high in fiber. I use organic flours and ingredients. (That is what a breadmaker is for...) But it makes a difference!!! I know of others with MS that have benefited GREATLY from a whole foods type of diet. One of the authorities on the subject is Dr. Terry Wahl's. She also has 2ndary Progressive MS. She has changed her diet and gone from wheelchair to biking (that is her sport). Another is Montel Williams - he is also a strong proponent of exercise and nutrition. It does make a difference. But it takes time... Like me - it took about 5 years for me to have a "break through". But if you perservere - maybe you can to... I look at thing - will this harm me? Proper nutrition will not hurt you - but it does make you healthier in the long run. I think do to all of these factors - I have NOT had a cold/flu anything in years.... Why? Because my overall health is better than it has in YEARS... But - you HAVE TO BE DILIGENT!!!!! No matter what the temptation.... But once again - it is a choice. I chose this so I can maintain and improve my mobility and cognitive aspects --- and guess what it is working....

4/3/2013

Today is my birthday. I have been blessed with many ecards and well wishers. I truly appreciate it!!!! So what EXCITING thing am I going to do for my BIG birthday celebration... You guessed --- go and run this evening then off to John's class so that he can finish me off... (Just kidding....) I did take a "vacation" from running this morning before work... Today - the sun is shining and I am so anxious to go out and play!!!! I have heard that some people really wonder if I have MS. You know I do have MS. I have worked my way from using a walker (at my worst) to today. Do I still have symptoms - YES!!!! That is the thing about MS - it is an invisable disease for the most part. Like RIGHT THIS minute - to look at me - you say "oh, she doesn't have MS - she is just fine". But you do not see the neurological issues that are going on right this minute. My feet feel like they are on fire and that my shoes are too small (length and width), I feel like there is a tight band on my left leg, another band around my midriff and squeezing me, seeing out of my left eye is a bit blurry, my hands and fingers are numb, controlling my bladder is sometimes difficult, speech is sometimes difficult - I can think of the words but cannot get them out, when I run my legs feel heavier and heavier like I have weights on them, also like I have some pebbles in my shoes. So you say - oh she is full of hooowieeee --- no in many ways MS is an invisable disease... You do not see the VARIOUS things that the nerves are doing inside my body. Even when I run - sometimes the nerves say - I don't want to do this anymore and then the muscle do not move - and down I go... That is just part of the fun that people with MS experience DAILY!!!! Through my blog I am trying to educate. This is a new experience for me, also. But I want to share my experience with others. Maybe they can also reap some benefits from changing nutrition and exercise. It DOES make a difference. I am not the only person going down this road.. There are others that are going to a whole foods, non-red meat, non-processed foods, ect.. type of nutrition... Changing your nutrition and incorporating exercise has to be a lifestyle.. It takes time. For me, it took about 5 years to get to this point... Not a week, not a month, not a year -- 5 LONG YEARS!!!!!!! And a hell of A LOT OF WORK!!!!! Oh is it worth it.... YES!!!!! I enjoy my mobility and the friends that I have made through my exercise programs.... So try it... Yes... one step at a time... For me in the beginning I could barely walk to the end of my block and that was WITH A WALKER.... You just have to perserver... and just do it.....

4/2/2012

Yesterday, lived through my second 12-mile run. Feeling good today - a bit tired but that is OK. I did get 3 1/2 miles in this morning on the treadmill before work. I am taking a "vacation" this afternoon - no running or workouts. I just plan to go home and work on my quilting project.. I did have my semi-annual visit with my family doc. They were so impressed with my bp and heart rate. My heart rate was 52 and I was NOT in a coma. They said that, this is the heart rate of an athlete. This is not typical for a post-metapausal woman with 2ndary progressive MS. I just said that, I have really been working on my running. This heart rate is also in conjuction with my nutrition. Everything makes a FULL circle. You cannot have pulse that low if you are downing candy, McDonald's, and other processed foods. You have to make a decision. What do you want? Do you want to continue inhaling garbage food that offers no nutritional substance but is heavy in fat and chemicals? Yes, it may taste good but it is horrible on your body. Why do you think we have childen with type 1 diabetes??? Let's think about it... Nutrition and exercise are KEY components to EVERYONE'S daily life... I have made the "turn around" and my health has made a "turn around". It is not something that happened in a instant - it took years.... But so very worth it!!!! I want(fact is I DEMAND from myself) to be active and viable. I want to be active with my children, family and friends. I don't want to be that person who sits on the sidelines while everyone else is having fun. Do you? I have some family members who seem to want that type of lifestyle. They continue to eat improper foods and exercise as little as possible... So you choose -- what do you want out of your life?

SECOND BIG RUN

YESTERDAY WAS NOT A GOOD DAY. I.COULD NOT GO OUT & RUN AT ALL. MY FATIGUE WAS FULL BLOWN ALSO I WAS DEALING WITH ALOT OF SPASMS & TREMORS IN MY LEGS & FEET. SO BASICALLY YESTERDAY WAS A SUCKY MS DAY! OH WELL.. TODAY MUCH BETTER.. ALSO WEATHER WAS WARMER THIS MORNING. I WAS ABLE TO DO MY LONG RUN (12 MILES). MY TIME WAS VERY GOOD -- 2HRS 44MINS. SO I TOOK OFF 10 MINS FROM LAST WEEK. I HOPE TO CONTINUE THIS PROGRESSION!!! THAT WOULD BE VERY NICE. FEELING OK- TIRED. ENOW AFTER MY SHOWER I WALKED TO DOWNTOWN PEC TO THE RESTAURANT FOR A NICE BOWL OF OATMEAL & COFFEE. YUMMY!!!&_