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!!!!
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!!!!
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