YES -- I DID IT!!!! I completed and ran the Garden Half Marathon in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 28, 2013 (that is 13.1 miles), 100% no walking, without falling, and I was not last!!!!! My time was a respectable 2hrs and 40mins. I took one bathroom break but that was it. This is a
HUGE accomplishment for me. Not only am I 53 years old but I have Secondary Progressive MS. What does that mean? It means that I experience various neurological symptoms, pain, spasms -- ALL THE TIME -- 24/7. It never goes away. I have had to learn HOW to run with MS. Why do I say that... imagine trying to run with a swim flipper on one foot, AND a very tight spank around your midriff and left leg, the feeling that your shoes are two sizes to small, your vision will blur now and again, your feet and legs are totally numb, AND you are using every bit of energy and concentration just to keep sequence of picking up one foot, move it forward, and repeating. THIS IS MY REALITY!!!!! Not only in everyday life but, to run is even more challenging. That is why completing this half marathon was
SUCH A HUGE TRIUMPH for me!!!!
When I arrived at the park early Saturday morning, Big Bird and Cookie Monster were there to send me off on my journey. I was SO EXCITED!!! Who would EVER have imagined that I would be doing this? Believe me - not me nor my doctors! But I did it! Yes, it has taken me
YEARS to get to the point of running this distance but, so worthwhile. I am the same person that
ONLY 3 1/2 years ago became "cane-free". Yes, before that time I was using a cane and before that I was using a walker at times just to get around. Plus, the neuropathy (nerve pain) was SO intense in my feet that I could not wear regular shoes. Then there is the balance issue... let's just say not good. The ONLY shoes I could wear was Crocs. Plus the factor that I was grossly overweight topping the scales at over 270lbs.
How did I get to this point? With ALOT of hard work and support from my wonderful family and friends. Without them - I don't know if I could have done it!!! I did it!!!! When I was first diagnosed in 2006 (but had been experiencing symptoms for about 10 years prior) I started with water aerobics. This did not cause the intense pain in my legs and feet since, I was not putting any weight on them. Plus, the water helped stabilize me. Swimming had ALWAYS been my sport. I was on various swim teams growing up and in college. Running -- NEVER!!! Hated it even when we did it in gym class, now I LOVE it!!! It goes to show you - how you change over the years. Distance running seems to be something that I have mastered. Not only have I learned to read my body but, also to concentrate on my footing and balance. This is not easy. When I am running I am generally looking down. This is because I literally cannot feel the pavement and its imperfections. This is also why I prefer not to run with other people. To have other people around me, takes my focus away on my footing and concentrating on my movement. I enjoy the solitude and I also know that I am NEVER alone. Right now,
I am celebrating my VICTORY OVER MS. MS is an unpredictable disease at any point, I may not be able to run or do many of the daily activities. But, TODAY I CAN. I celebrate that fact. What is in my future? Right now, I am working on increasing my distance mileage. The goal is to be able to complete a
FULL MARATHON (26.2 MILES) IN 2015. Why, why not!!! I don't believe in allowing MS to beat me. I am going to continue to battle that ugly monster! I will continue my vow -- "ALWAYS FORWARD"!
I realize how precious everyday that I can celebrate the fact that I can overcome my MS!!! I rejoice when I take off running.... I love when I can get in a good LONG run. It shows me and the MS that I AM IN CONTROL!!!! I do know and truly understand that someday I may not have the control over this HORRIBLE disease... but right now, I seem to for the most part. I am still working on my distance running. Last weekend I set out and ran our Pecatonica Prairie Path, that is fairly flat. I did get in 12.72 mile run on Sunday. So that was GREAT!!! I need more of those longer distance runs to build towards that full marathon. 
This week I have been taking it easy. The weather has been less than cooperative for running outside. So, my distances have been very short or just working out inside. I have been doing more Pilate's these last few weeks. The reason being, one that my buddy, Laura, has been on vacation and I have been substituting for her; two - the lousy weather outside; and three it really helps me with my spasticity and balance issues. I think many people see people doing Pilate's and because of the slow controlled movements think that it is an easy exercise. WRONG - it is FAR FROM THAT!!!!! Not only is it crucial for a good stable core, balance, flexibility, muscle toning, strengthens bones, etc... Truly not kidding.... MS attacks and works on destroying all of these. So that is why, Pilates is so wonderful for people with MS and other neuromuscular diseases. Yes, I still fall occasionally. But, believe me it A LOT LESS!!! I can even stand on one foot without holding on to anything. Believe me, when I started Pilates there was NO WAY. I had to hold something to stabilize me. Now, I can actually not only stand on one foot but stand on my toes on one foot. Believe me - this is amazing!!!! So this is so crucial for everyday life, not just running. It has helped with my core and overall balance. That is something that MS is very good at trying to destroy! So this is why I sing the praises of Pilates!!! I do wish more people would see its overall benefits.
This weekend I have a race, a 10K in Sycamore IL. I did this race last year. It is a fun race and in conjunction with their Pumpkin Festival. There is a large crowd that signs up for this race, I would say over 500 people. Some of the people are even dressed in Halloween costumes. When I run, I tend to heat up very quickly so I really do not like having anything binding or obtrusive on me. I am happiest with a tank top and shorts. The weather is getting cooler whether I will be able to wear that or not we will see. Right now, the forecast is that it is to be sunny and cool (about 40-50 degrees).
For me, the cooler weather is the BEST to run in. I am ALWAYS able to go farther and quicker. Since my nerves are damaged and basically exposed - to run in the heat or too cold - is a real struggle and extremely painful. Imagine having a nerve exposed with your teeth, now drink something with ice. Most people would be in terrible pain - some for me. Except that it is not just one little nerve on one tooth, it is usually my ENTIRE LEGS AND FEET that feel the effects. Sometimes (let's get real) even my hands. I am considering one more race before the end of the year, a 8K Turkey Trot in Winnebago (neighboring town). It is a nice race and close by.
Otherwise, as ALWAYS AND FOREVER --- FORWARD!!!!
