OK --- I'm here in Madison, WI countdown time before the half marathon race tomorrow morning starting at 7:00!!!!! The weather is a bit warmer than it was at our practice run. That may be an issue for me. But I am not going to worry about it. I am just going to enjoy the run!!! Afterwards, it sounds like there is going to be quite a party!!! I want that picture with Big Bird and Cookie Monster. What more could a girl want in this world!!!
I am really excited!!! Who would ever EVER thought in a million years that I would be doing this. I am a person that NEVER ran when I was young. Here at 53 years old with SPMS going to run a half marathon --- 13.1 MILES!!!! Yes, the person only a 3 years ago was walking with a cane. The person about 5 years ago could NOT even wear shoes because the neuropathy pain was SO HORIBLE!!! In fact, I walked my first two 5k's in Crocs. The only shoes I could wear!!!! Very very true!!! Now look at me!!! Do I still have neuropathy issues? Yes!!! But they are not as intense as before. Plus, I have learned to blow them off. You just get used to them when you feel it EVERY day!!!!
Tomorrow I am going to just enjoy myself!!! For me, the entire run will be a party!! I'm going to be celebrating with EVERY step!!!
As I have already proven that I can do this. So now, it is just a matter of doing an 'encore' performance. So JUST enjoy the run and celebrate it!!!
Now it is time to rest. The race begins at 7a and I want to be at the park by 6a. So eat and bedtime for this runner.
So as ALWAYS and FOREVER FORWARD!!!!
Friday, September 27, 2013
September 27, 2013
OK --- I'm here in Madison, WI countdown time before the half marathon race tomorrow morning starting at 7:00!!!!! The weather is a bit warmer than it was at our practice run. That may be an issue for me. But I am not going to worry about it. I am just going to enjoy the run!!! Afterwards, it sounds like there is going to be quite a party!!! I want that picture with Big Bird and Cookie Monster. What more could a girl want in this world!!!
I am really excited!!! Who would ever EVER thought in a million years that I would be doing this. I am a person that NEVER ran when I was young. Here at 53 years old with SPMS going to run a half marathon --- 13.1 MILES!!!! Yes, the person only a 3 years ago was walking with a cane. The person about 5 years ago could NOT even wear shoes because the neuropathy pain was SO HORIBLE!!! In fact, I walked my first two 5k's in Crocs. The only shoes I could wear!!!! Very very true!!! Now look at me!!! Do I still have neuropathy issues? Yes!!! But they are not as intense as before. Plus, I have learned to blow them off. You just get used to them when you feel it EVERY day!!!!
Tomorrow I am going to just enjoy myself!!! For me, the entire run will be a party!! I'm going to be celebrating with EVERY step!!!
As I have already proven that I can do this. So now, it is just a matter of doing an 'encore' performance. So JUST enjoy the run and celebrate it!!!
Now it is time to rest. The race begins at 7a and I want to be at the park by 6a. So eat and bedtime for this runner.
So as ALWAYS and FOREVER FORWARD!!!!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
September 19, 2013
http://www.thisisfitworkouts.com/pam-ran-13-miles-oh-and-pam-has-m-s
Yes, I lived and COMPLETED the 13.1 miles practice 1/2 marathon run last Saturday!!!! My friend Laura (also trainer, exercise instructor, and my son's former 4th grade teacher) rode her bike as I followed. We did the whole route and I ran it 100%. I did stop for one bathroom break and one minor fall towards the end. But I kept going just nice and steady. I really think Laura was surprised. She asked me when we were about to start, if I plan to walk/run it. I said, NO -- run it 100% at my speed. And that was exactly what I did. It is a beautiful route around Lake Monona in Madison, WI. It was nice having change of scenery along the way. We past gorgeous lake front homes, over the bridge to downtown, saw the beauty of the capital building with the lake in the foreground, Monona Terrace, through parks, etc. I passed all kinds of people; some fishing, some walking dogs, some running, a group of military/veterans running in a group. I said, "Hi!" to all of them. I felt so empowered - that I was ACTUALLY DOING THIS!!!! It was amazing when we got to the bridge and I the GORGEOUS view of the Capitol building and downtown Madison. I was very happy!!! I was born in Madison and it seemed fitting for me to do this HUGE challange here. I was keeping in mind all the years and struggle it has taken me to get to this point. I was also keeping in mind ALL the people with MS that are currently struggling. MS is a struggle (understatement)--- 24/7 - no doubt. But not ALLOWING it to over take you is the key. Yes, I know right now I have accomplished this. Will I be able to do it again, don't know but I am going to give it my damn-ness! I am so blessed to have a great support system of family and friends. It really encourages me and motivates me!!!! The whole run I just locked into my pace and followed Laura as she rode her bike. Just nice and easy! I was getting tired about the 12th mile and did take a very minor tumble. Laura checked me for any big cuts and/or bleeding (since I really very rarely feel sensory pain) and I was OK so off I went. This took all of maybe a minute or two. Afterwards, I walked/paced awhile in the parking lot to get the nerves and muscles calm down. Then I drove to Stoughton for my lefse and coffee breakfast. I was able to sit and enjoy my breakfast/lunch and just relax. Afterwards, believe it or not, I spent the rest of the afternoon shopping and visiting with friends in Stoughton. I felt fine. I just needed my "down time".
Now the race is a week away. I am doing shorter runs this week. I don't want to get to over trained and not accomplish the actual race. But I think I am feeling good about everything and being able to handle the distance.
Who would have EVER in a million years fathom that I could do this. I know that I did not. Even if you would have said anything about running a 1/2 marathon two years ago - I would have fallen over laughing. ME - 50+ year old, who NEVER ran before, with Secondary Progressive MS... It just goes to show you - that if you dream it and really want it - you can obtain it.
What is my secret? It has been YEARS of HARD, HARD WORK; lots and lots of exercise; DRASTIC change of in my nutrition lifestyle to whole foods; drastic weight loss (over 120lbs); and overall improvement of general health. This is not something you do for a few months -- this is a TOTAL LIFESTYLE CHANGE... I am not only one that has experienced drastically improved via this journey - there are others of us out there. But it takes work! I believe in continue to fight the MONSTER OF MS and I will not stop. Now I am focusing on completing this race then,???? The sky is the limit!!!!!
REMEMBER, ALWAYS FORWARD~!!!!!!!
Yes, I lived and COMPLETED the 13.1 miles practice 1/2 marathon run last Saturday!!!! My friend Laura (also trainer, exercise instructor, and my son's former 4th grade teacher) rode her bike as I followed. We did the whole route and I ran it 100%. I did stop for one bathroom break and one minor fall towards the end. But I kept going just nice and steady. I really think Laura was surprised. She asked me when we were about to start, if I plan to walk/run it. I said, NO -- run it 100% at my speed. And that was exactly what I did. It is a beautiful route around Lake Monona in Madison, WI. It was nice having change of scenery along the way. We past gorgeous lake front homes, over the bridge to downtown, saw the beauty of the capital building with the lake in the foreground, Monona Terrace, through parks, etc. I passed all kinds of people; some fishing, some walking dogs, some running, a group of military/veterans running in a group. I said, "Hi!" to all of them. I felt so empowered - that I was ACTUALLY DOING THIS!!!! It was amazing when we got to the bridge and I the GORGEOUS view of the Capitol building and downtown Madison. I was very happy!!! I was born in Madison and it seemed fitting for me to do this HUGE challange here. I was keeping in mind all the years and struggle it has taken me to get to this point. I was also keeping in mind ALL the people with MS that are currently struggling. MS is a struggle (understatement)--- 24/7 - no doubt. But not ALLOWING it to over take you is the key. Yes, I know right now I have accomplished this. Will I be able to do it again, don't know but I am going to give it my damn-ness! I am so blessed to have a great support system of family and friends. It really encourages me and motivates me!!!! The whole run I just locked into my pace and followed Laura as she rode her bike. Just nice and easy! I was getting tired about the 12th mile and did take a very minor tumble. Laura checked me for any big cuts and/or bleeding (since I really very rarely feel sensory pain) and I was OK so off I went. This took all of maybe a minute or two. Afterwards, I walked/paced awhile in the parking lot to get the nerves and muscles calm down. Then I drove to Stoughton for my lefse and coffee breakfast. I was able to sit and enjoy my breakfast/lunch and just relax. Afterwards, believe it or not, I spent the rest of the afternoon shopping and visiting with friends in Stoughton. I felt fine. I just needed my "down time".
Now the race is a week away. I am doing shorter runs this week. I don't want to get to over trained and not accomplish the actual race. But I think I am feeling good about everything and being able to handle the distance.
Who would have EVER in a million years fathom that I could do this. I know that I did not. Even if you would have said anything about running a 1/2 marathon two years ago - I would have fallen over laughing. ME - 50+ year old, who NEVER ran before, with Secondary Progressive MS... It just goes to show you - that if you dream it and really want it - you can obtain it.
What is my secret? It has been YEARS of HARD, HARD WORK; lots and lots of exercise; DRASTIC change of in my nutrition lifestyle to whole foods; drastic weight loss (over 120lbs); and overall improvement of general health. This is not something you do for a few months -- this is a TOTAL LIFESTYLE CHANGE... I am not only one that has experienced drastically improved via this journey - there are others of us out there. But it takes work! I believe in continue to fight the MONSTER OF MS and I will not stop. Now I am focusing on completing this race then,???? The sky is the limit!!!!!
REMEMBER, ALWAYS FORWARD~!!!!!!!
Friday, September 13, 2013
September 13, 2013
TOMORROW is going to be a BIG, BIG DAY!!!!! WHY?????!!!! Tomorrow, I am going to practice running the 1/2 marathon route in Madison, WI. My friend, Laura, is going to bike the route ahead of me so that I do not get lost. She will be biking slow because, I am not the fastest runner but that is OK. I do not care about speed, I care about longevity!!! I do wish I would have gotten in more distance practices in - that part does bother me. But this last month, has not been good for that - hot weather, wedding, new grandson... But - oh, well.... I am getting in this practice run in. That will help me so very much! Like I say... I am not going for speed (I cannot do speed). I am just going for endurance - staying upright, run 100%, and finishing (hopefully not last). That is my WHOLE goal!!!!!! I have really worked for this moment.... WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT --- only three years ago I gave up my cane and started running... NOW to do a 1/2 marathon -- that is 13.1 miles -- WOW!!!!!! So definitely keep me in your thoughts tomorrow -- that I accomplish this and live afterwards!!!!
I am dedicating this run to my WONDERFUL new additions to my family... #1 that beautiful grandson of mine... 
#2 my new daughter and son.... 
I cannot be more blessed!!!! My MS is in a state that is fairly manageable. Yes, I still have issues... lots of issues... I wish I could sleep an entire night through without the DAMN legs seizing and wanting to move all the time and feeling like there is hot ants running up and down them... That is a BITCH!!!! Or the fact that - of the numbness and spasticity in my legs and feet. Of course, this heightens when stressed (like running)... I WILL NOT ALLOW MS TO OVER TAKE ME!!!! DAMN THE SYMPTOMS --- DAMN THE MS RIGHT TO HELL WHERE IT CAME FROM!!!!! I am also very blessed that the EXTREME hot weather has broken... (MS and heat do NOT get along - understatement!!!) So this will be very beneficial to my run!!!!! I have run up to the 13 mile mark but never past it... so this will be a true test. Plus, I have not had that many long runs. I was able to get in quite a bit of long runs before the Syttende Mai race... But the weather was cooler and did not have that horrible humidity...
So what I am going to do while I am running is ENJOY IT!!!! I am going to focus on the blessings in my life, enjoy the fact that I am doing this run in my hometown and just enjoy the run!!!!! AS ALWAYS AND FOREVER --- FORWARD!!!!!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
September 5, 2013
WOW!!!! What a whirlwind of activity in our family!!!!! So much in such a short span of time!!!! Where do I begin....
Let's begin chronologically... Jeremy and Anna's wedding on 8/24/2013 was beautiful and wonderful!!!! It was a perfect day with perfect temperatures. We started the day by going to the park where the reception was going to be held. Jeremy had me, my husband and some friends worked on the set up of the room. It did not take any time at all. The only thing I knew from talking with Jeremy was it was at a building in a park. I did not know that the building was on the Chesapeake Bay... Talk about GORGEOUS!!!! 
We even did something unusual - we stayed at a Hostel in Baltimore, right across the street from the Basilica. It was really fun! We meet some VERY VERY interesting young people. One was riding his bike from NY to Florida. He was a professional dancer on Broadway and wanted to take some time to do some serious soul searching. Another young man, from India, was completely blind. He was doing some graduate work with John Hopkins dealing with the blind. So that just added to our trip, to meet these wonderful people!
As you can imagine, I did not get much mileage in that week. Then the following weekend, (last weekend), Jeremy and Anna were here from Maryland. They are traveling to their new home in Denver, CO. It worked out PERFECT!!! Because one week from their wedding - Kollin, our new grandson was born (8/31/13)!!!!! 
I was happy that Kollin was born when everyone was home!!! That was really special, he was able to be greeted by his new grandparents, aunt, and uncle!!!
Now, things are calming down. Jeremy and Anna have left to continue their travels to Colorado. Elyse is home with Kollin. So the new family is beginning their adjustment to having a new baby in the house. I am getting back to my training for the 1/2 marathon. I was trying to work on my distance last weekend but, I have been plagued by some stomach bug for a good week. But by Sunday, I was able to get my distance up. I did 8.16 on Sunday and 9.08 on Monday. This weekend, I only have time for one long run (if the weather is OK). So I am really hoping that I can get that in and go even longer... Then a week from this Saturday, I am going to practice running the route. My friend, Laura, is going to bike it so I do not get off course. This way I will be familiar with the route and it will help me psychologically just knowing that I can do it. Then I will have a week to do shorter runs to the actual event. I have so MANY GREAT and WONDERFUL things that I am celebrating during this run... The marriage of Jeremy and Anna, the birth of Kollin, and my own celebration of beating my MS and not allowing it to over take me. I find it very sad when I hear so many people with MS say, "I can't do anything like that." I have been at the bottom - using the walker/cane because I could barely walk, weighting more than 270 lbs, having HORRIBLE fatigue issues, and horrible balance issues.... I know what it is like -- I have been there done that. The amount of progress that I have made is amazing and I do not plan on stopping. You have to decide what you want out of this life. I choose to live to the fullest! I plan to be as active as possible! I plan to not allow MS to overtake my life! I want to be active, enjoy my life, enjoy my family, travel, and do everything and anything I want to do!!!!
So remember -- ALWAYS AND FOREVER FORWARD!!!!!
Let's begin chronologically... Jeremy and Anna's wedding on 8/24/2013 was beautiful and wonderful!!!! It was a perfect day with perfect temperatures. We started the day by going to the park where the reception was going to be held. Jeremy had me, my husband and some friends worked on the set up of the room. It did not take any time at all. The only thing I knew from talking with Jeremy was it was at a building in a park. I did not know that the building was on the Chesapeake Bay... Talk about GORGEOUS!!!! 
We even did something unusual - we stayed at a Hostel in Baltimore, right across the street from the Basilica. It was really fun! We meet some VERY VERY interesting young people. One was riding his bike from NY to Florida. He was a professional dancer on Broadway and wanted to take some time to do some serious soul searching. Another young man, from India, was completely blind. He was doing some graduate work with John Hopkins dealing with the blind. So that just added to our trip, to meet these wonderful people!
As you can imagine, I did not get much mileage in that week. Then the following weekend, (last weekend), Jeremy and Anna were here from Maryland. They are traveling to their new home in Denver, CO. It worked out PERFECT!!! Because one week from their wedding - Kollin, our new grandson was born (8/31/13)!!!!! 
I was happy that Kollin was born when everyone was home!!! That was really special, he was able to be greeted by his new grandparents, aunt, and uncle!!!
Now, things are calming down. Jeremy and Anna have left to continue their travels to Colorado. Elyse is home with Kollin. So the new family is beginning their adjustment to having a new baby in the house. I am getting back to my training for the 1/2 marathon. I was trying to work on my distance last weekend but, I have been plagued by some stomach bug for a good week. But by Sunday, I was able to get my distance up. I did 8.16 on Sunday and 9.08 on Monday. This weekend, I only have time for one long run (if the weather is OK). So I am really hoping that I can get that in and go even longer... Then a week from this Saturday, I am going to practice running the route. My friend, Laura, is going to bike it so I do not get off course. This way I will be familiar with the route and it will help me psychologically just knowing that I can do it. Then I will have a week to do shorter runs to the actual event. I have so MANY GREAT and WONDERFUL things that I am celebrating during this run... The marriage of Jeremy and Anna, the birth of Kollin, and my own celebration of beating my MS and not allowing it to over take me. I find it very sad when I hear so many people with MS say, "I can't do anything like that." I have been at the bottom - using the walker/cane because I could barely walk, weighting more than 270 lbs, having HORRIBLE fatigue issues, and horrible balance issues.... I know what it is like -- I have been there done that. The amount of progress that I have made is amazing and I do not plan on stopping. You have to decide what you want out of this life. I choose to live to the fullest! I plan to be as active as possible! I plan to not allow MS to overtake my life! I want to be active, enjoy my life, enjoy my family, travel, and do everything and anything I want to do!!!!
So remember -- ALWAYS AND FOREVER FORWARD!!!!!
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