Vitamin D, Tysabri and Running...Rx's for my MS



I just read a very inspiring article on runnersworld.com about a 35 year old man who started running and changed his life. This article resonated with me for several reasons but, mostly because he has MS and started running as a way to lose weight and stay fit for his kids. It got me thinking that more neurologists should recommend Running as a remedy for MS.

I am a big proponent of Vitamin D. I know it can do wonders for people, especially those with MS. I am also a big fan of treatment. Tysabri is my treatment of choice at the moment and I could not be happier with it. I also try and get my daily dose of crossword puzzles because I know it keeps my mind sharp. But, out of everything I've tried, nothing has helped me more than a little ol' drug they call Running.

I started running almost 3 years ago and I cannot emphasize enough what a difference it has made. Not only with my MS but, with my overall health, happiness and well-being. I always joke that if I didn't run, I would surely be in the Nuthouse by now! My daughter said to me recently, "Mom, if you didn't do so many races, we'd have enough money to go on an expensive vacation." I replied, "Ummm, honey, if I didn't run so much, I would be spending ALL of our money on therapy and would be in no condition to even go on vacation." I think she caught my drift!

Now, I realize running is not for everyone. I do know that I am extremely blessed to be able to run. I know there are lots of folks with MS (or not) who cannot run, let alone walk and my heart goes out to them. I have always adhered to the mantra, "Use it or Lose it" because I know there may come a day when I can no longer lace up my shoes and just go for a run. But, for now, since I've learned to run and while I'm able to run, I will. I don't want to look back someday and say, "Man, I wish I'd run while I had the chance."

I know doctor's need to promote their own profession by pushing pharmaceuticals and all, but really the answer is pretty simple: Get moving. Doesn't matter how fast you are. Heck, doesn't even matter if you are walking, rolling or scooting, just as long as you are moving. For me, it is running. For someone else, it may be walking to the mailbox everyday. But, find that thing that makes YOU feel alive and DO IT!

Streaking with my clothes on!

I have mentioned before that I am an "All or Nothing" kind of gal. Yep! That would be me...I either resist the plate of nachos or I eat the whole thing in its entirety in a matter of minutes! I go on the wagon for weeks at a time, but once I fall off, it is ALL OVER and no can of Coors Light or bottle of chardonnay within a few inches is safe!!

To stay motivated between half marathons, I decided to challenge myself for the month of July to run EVERYDAY! They call that "streaking" in running lingo! You can become a streaker by either running everyday for a certain period of time or you could run the same race year after year and be considered a "streaker". Either way, it sounded like fun to me and it satisfied my "all or nothing" way of life. One lady I read about ran everyday for 365 days and drank a different kind of beer everyday after her run (I think she drank 2 beers the very last day)!! I thought that was pretty cool...but, since I'm a devout Coors or Budweiser girl, I would run out of beer choices mid-way through the week! :)

So, I am on Day 17 of this personal challenge and so far, so good! I have managed to run everyday...somedays, it is all I can do to get moving and run a mile (aka "The morning after gals wine night!"). Other days, I feel as if I could run forever! My shortest run has been 1 mile and my longest run has been 4.2, averaging 2.51 a day. This sort of challenge works well for me because I know that if I stop, I will be done. So, it has become somewhat of a game with me to keep the streak going. The tricky part is geting out there early, before it gets too hot. I have been pretty good about that and so far, have only had to run in the heat of the day once! (I also set a goal for 2012 to run atleast 12 miles a week, so this keeps me on track with that goal as well.)

Turns out, I come by this "All or Nothing" attitude rather honestly. I come from a long line of "AorNAYer's". This patten is most evident in my older brother, Kevin who I believe holds the World's Record for longest consecutive jump roping!! He started jump roping on March 22, 1997 and never stopped. That is 15 plus years of jump roping, people! Every. Single. Day. When he first started, he lost 60 lbs! Now, it has become a way of life and probably somewhat of an addiction. He has jump roped under the Eifel Tower, at the Vatican; all sorts of exciting and unusual places! He even forgot his jump rope one time on vacation so, he made a makeshift one out of the phone cord!! Gotta love that kind of creative thinking!

It really is almost easier to do something everyday than it is to say you will do it 4 times a week. If you know you are going to run everyday, then there is no negotiating with yourself. You don't start making deals with yourself like, "I can take tomorrow off if I run today" or "I can push the snooze button and run extra tomorrow!" You just get up and do it. And, pretty soon, it becomes habit.

"Just Do it. And Do It Again Everyday."

MS Doesn't mean "No Mas"!!

Recently, I have been doing my best to just forget that I have MS. Training for and running my second half marathon (last weekend) makes me feel rather "studly" and makes me feel strong and invincible! I usually don't even think about having MS until my monthly IV. And, then, I'm like "Wait a minute, Why am I sitting in this chair with a needle in my arm? Oh yeah, I have MS!" I sit there for a couple hours and then I walk out the door and go on with my life.

MS is a funny thing. I have heard it referred to as the "But you look so good" disease! Which is a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because to the outside world, I look normal. I can walk, run, jump and do pretty much anything any of my friends can do...Okay, let's be honest, I often do MORE than any of my friends in a given day. On the other hand, though, it can be a curse because no one really knows just how much it sucks! As much as people try to empathize, unless they've been in my shoes, they just don't know. They don't know the fear that I know. The fear of uncertainty...wondering if I'll end up in a wheelchair someday, wondering if my children will get this disease, or wondering how long I will feel this good. Come to think of it, those are things we all worry about, MS or not, right?

 I consider myself very lucky because at the moment, I don't really have any glaring symptoms (thanks to my medication!) and I feel pretty normal. But, there are times that I'll be laying in bed and cannot feel my lower legs and feet. When I wake up in the morning, it is a bit hard to get my bearings. I stagger to the bathroom...a little unsteady on my feet. There are times when I forget things...mostly short-term stuff, like "why did I walk in this room?" or "what in the hell was I looking for just now?" Then, there are those times when I will be searching frantically for my expensive sunglasses, only to have someone (usually a small child) say, "Aren't those them on your head?" I truly don't know if I can blame MS for all of these mishaps or if some of it is just the natural progression of age. I imagine that it's a little of both.

I guess what I'm trying to get across is that even though I have MS, it does not dictate how I live my life. Life is uncertain for all of us. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. I don't use it as an excuse to not try new things or push myself beyond my limitations...rather, I use it as motivation to go further. I run because I know that someday, my legs may not be as strong and capable as they are today. I do crosswords everyday because I know that someday, my mind may not be as clear as it is today. I try to greet each day with excitement because I know what it's like to want to crawl back under the covers and hide from the world...when it hurts just to get out of bed. I am thankful that God has given me another day, a day that I feel good. MS has been such a gift - a reminder that life is fragile and that everything can change in the blink of an eye. A reminder that none of us is guaranteed tomorrow and we have no right to take a single moment for granted. A reminder to seize the day!

So, just for today, I am going to forget that I have MS. One day at a time, baby. One day at a time.

Taking a break from my busy day to get a stinkin'  IV! And yes, I am rockin' a pair of cowboy boots with my sundress!!



Twice fallen...twice shy!

Okay, Okay! It was bound to happen sooner or later! I'd been running almost 2 years and had yet to fall. Well, up until a few weeks ago, that is. And, then last week, it happened again!

A normal person might say..."To heck with running." or "I better slow down before I kill myself." Some people, once they experience something negative, try at all costs to avoid the very situation that caused them pain. Well, not this girl! I have one thing to say, "I just need to keep a better watch on those damn rocks because I am NOT going to giving up running until they bury me in the dirt!"

Both times that I have fallen...it have been on a 5 -6 miler with my two running buddies. (We are training for a half marathon and training requires us to do LONG runs on the weekend.) And, both times, it was at Mile One of the run!

The first time, I tripped and fell to the ground but, was able to pick myself up, brush myself off and continue as if nothing had happened. My partners stopped to make sure I was okay, but it was apparent that they didn't think it warranted stopping. So, neither did I!

The next time, we were just starting out on a 6 mile loop around the gorgeous Deschutes River. It was 540am. I was chatting up a storm, filling them in on my Memorial Day Escapades...when, BOOOM! I tripped and fell and ended up flat on the ground, staring directly at a very large rock, just centimeters from my face!! I fell much harder this time. Luckily, I had braced myself with my left hand and was able to break my fall somewhat and also avoid hitting my face on that sharp rock! I also had gloves on, since it was a particularly cold morning, which I am certain saved me from even more damage.

Again, my friends stopped in their tracks, checked me out and were happy when I brushed myself off and set off on our run.

It hurt like hell. It was all I could do to keep from crying and continue on. Lord knows, I have a hard enough time running 6 miles on a good day, let alone with a bruised hand and bloody shin/knee!

I finished the run. Drove home. And, once I was in the saftey cocoon of my own home, I bawled like a baby!! My husband just sort of stood there in awkward silence in the kitchen, not quite sure what to say. He grabbed the hydrogen peroxide and scrubbed the you-know-what out of my "owie" while I closed my eyes and cringed. He also brought me three ibuprofens and a glass of water to wash it down! Good man! (Had it been 6PM instead of 6AM, I am sure he would have replaced that glass of water with a glass of wine...or two!)

Life is hard sometimes. Things don't always go the way we expect. Some days, we just need to suck it up and be tough and carry on. And, then sometimes, we just need to let go, surrender to the pain, and have a good old fashioned cry! Some days, we do a little of both.

My hand swelled up the size of an orange, turned some amazing colors and my shin and knee had a nice pattern of road rash all over them...but, thankfully, nothing was broken (except perhaps, my ego!) and I was happily able to complete a 12 mile training run this morning...with NO falls!

If there is one thing, I've learned, it is this: "Keep an eye on the ground, because at any moment, it can rise up and frickin' hit you in the face!" But, I've also learned that you can't let life's little bumps keep you down. For too long anyway!

Sometimes we all need a little pruning...

When I go to church, sometimes, I am more attentive than others. Sometimes, I really concentrate on the message and other times, it's all I can do to try and stay focused long enough to get through mass. Tonight's sermon at church was awesome; it was all about the Gospel of John (Chapter 15, Verse 1-11) where Jesus talks about The Vine and the Branches. This part hit me in particular:

"I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

It got me thinking, "How many times in my life has God "pruned" me, whether it be through a sickness or some other life challenge to become even more fruitful?" I can think of a few times for sure.

Being diagnosed with MS was definitely one of those times. I always say that having MS has been more of a blessing in my life, than anything else. My diagnosis happened during a time of my life when I was not being particularly faithful to God - or much else in my life. I had grown complacent. I didn't have a purpose.

God  has a way of getting our attention and in my case, the message was LOUD and CLEAR! I have never felt like he gave me MS to punish me...but, rather as a wake-up call. He was saying, "I have given you so much and you're not even using it. Maybe I need to take something away for you to blossom."

Well, in the end, MS really has given me more that it has taken away from me. I don't know if I would have had a second child if it had not been for this disease. And, I can almost guarantee that I would not be running today if it had not been for MS. Losing the use of your legs, arms, whatever it is, even temporarily, has a way of spurring you into action!! My motto now is "Use it or Lose it!" I don't want to ever look back on my life and say, "I wish I had run when I had the chance." Everyday that I wake up and am able to get out of bed and run is a gift and I'll be damned if I'm going to turn that gift away. I know some people think I've gone a little overboard on this whole running craze but, honestly,  I just look at it as a second chance, a chance to give back and a chance to stay strong.

More than anything, MS has given my life purpose. I feel like having MS has given me a new perspective on life and has enabled me to offer support to others. Just like the words in the song that we sang tonight at church, "Where there is despair, let me bring hope." If I can bring hope to even one person, then my life here on earth has not been wasted. Amen.

I'm in an "ommm" state of mind...

I have heard for years that yoga is good for folks with MS. I have tried in the past to like yoga, but to no avail. Something about those crazy poses, balancing on blocks, twisting into a pretzel and just plain having balance issues of my own and being too self-conscious in front of all those amazing yogis...has always turned me off.

That is, until I discovered a Sunday morning class offered at my health club, called "Beginner's Yoga." I've been going faithfully for the past month and a half and I absolutely LOVE it. I pray that the time doesn't come where they kick me out and say, "Okay, you have been taking this beginner's class for 3 years now, it is time to move on to intermediate yoga!" Because I think I could take this class for the rest of my life. I am all about the basics.

The instructor starts with the very basic poses. Child's pose. Downward dog. Tree pose. She has the most soothing voice and uses words & phrases like "relax", "surrender", "breathe", "focus on the here and now"...all of which are great lessons for everyday life! At the beginning of class, she has us set an intention for our class - something we'd like to get out of it, something we'd like to let go of, something we'd like to do better. I love this idea and have begun setting a "weekly" intention for myself. She really pushes us to be our authentic selves, not comparing ourselves to anyone else in the class. She sets such a great tone for the whole class that I think everyone feels instantly at ease.

I also added yoga to my weekly workouts because I've read many times over, that it is the perfect compliment to running. It strengthens your core, stretches tired muscles and helps with balance. I now look forward to my Sunday morning ritual like I would a spa treatment. I feel like it is the one time each week that I devote to pampering my body inside and out. I savor that hour like I would savor a piece of cheesecake, a good book or a glass of wine. I love the way I feel before, during and after the class. It gives me a sense of empowerment and just leaves me with an overall sense of peace to begin my week. Not a bad Rx for anyone...MS or not!

So, don't wait to be diagnosed with a disease or get injured, to try yoga. It really is as good as people say it is. It does a body and soul good.  Just make sure you find a class that suits your needs and lifestyle.

-Namaste (which, for other fellow beginners, is pronounced Num-ah-stay and means "the divine in me honors the divine in you...")

Running and Chocolate...What could be better?

A PR, perhaps and possibly a ribbon!! Today, I ran a 5k with my running buddy, Rachel. It was so much fun...it reminded me why I run. It was a beautiful course, located in scenic Sunriver, Oregon. It was called "Run for Chocolate"...which means after the race, they treated us to an array of delicious chocolate treats (dark of course, 'cause that's the healthy kind!!) They had a choclolate fountain with all kinds of yummies for dipping (bananas, strawberries, marshmallows, graham crackers....you name it!) and pots of gourmet coffee, hot cocoa....biscotti, protein bars, chocolate milk (my fave post-run drink!) It was pure "post-race" heaven!!

The best part, perhaps was crossing the finish line at 29:40. A personal 5k best for both Rachel and I. At the start of the race, we had decided our goal would be under 31 minutes. Afterall, the trail was icy and even the race annoucer said at the start line, "Not a day to try for a PR!" Well, take that, race announcer!!

The funniest part was afterwards, as we awaited the race results and awards ceremony...I told Rachel, "I really think I may have placed in my age category!" I was a little excited thinking about the possibility. Rachel said she might cry if I did. As they read the Top 3 winners in each category...I was getting more and more excited! They read Rachel's age group, 35-39, ... Rachel won 2nd place!!! Woohoo!! Then, they skipped ahead to the 50-over group. I quickly yelled out, "Hey, you forgot the 40's". So, the announcer graciously apologized and went back and read the 40-over category winners. Well, call it karma (for yelling out) or call it like it is (40 year old women in Bend are a COMPETITIVE bunch!!) Because I didn't even make the top 4! No ribbon for me. The first place finisher in my age category finished in 24 minutes...Wow!

The really sad part was that I was all ready to run up and accept my ribbon. I had stepped out of the buffet line. I had set my plate down. I was in starting position to run up to the podium and maybe even give a little acceptance speech. I know, nobody does that, but why not start a new trend??

Well, my bubble burst just a little bit when I didn't hear my name called. But, Rachel and I got a good laugh out of it. We headed to the lounge and ordered a celebratory bloody mary and recounted the highlights of the run as we looked out at the snow capped mountains! I mean, we had achieved a Personal Best...so, that was worth celebrating!! Yay Us!!

40 days til a new year...

It dawned on me today that 2012 is right around the corner!! 40 days to be exact. I need to get busy on my New Year's resolutions!! Last year, my goal for the year was to run a race each month...and I've accomplished it so far!! I've still got the "I Like Pie" 5k on Thankgsiving and the "Jingle Bell Run" in early December, but God willing, it will happen!!

I want to do something bigger and better for 2012. Here's what I'm thinking:

• 12 Races in 2012
• 12 miles a week
• Run a race on 12/12/12 

How does that sound? I like the idea of having some goals in mind and it's fun to play with the "12" theme! I figure if I put it down on paper for all to see, it makes me more accountable!! And, Lord knows, I need accountability in my life!!

As 2011 comes to a close, I reflect on my life this past year. A year ago today, I had never run a 5k...now, I've got 10 under my belt, plus 3 10ks and a half marathon!! Wow! What a difference a year makes. I have to say that I am a happier, more grounded, content person than I was before I started running. Running gives me the energy I need to get through the day. It gives me the confidence I need to deal with life's little challenges (I always think, "I can do this, I ran for over 2 hours straight"). It truly has given me a new lease on life and has made my MS symptoms all but disappear...well, that and a little help from Tysabri!!

I hope each and every one of you finds that thing that makes you tick, that thing that makes you leap out of bed with excitement each morning, that thing that makes you feel like I am ENOUGH and I am worth investing in. Go out there and find it - Time's a wastin'!!

Lucky Number 13

I've always thought of 13 as my lucky number...afterall, I got engaged on Friday, the 13th...and almost 21 years later, it's working out pretty well for me!! Today, number 13, worked for me again! I ran my 13th race...since I started running last September. It was a 5k for the Central Oregon Disability Support Network which is an organization that is near and dear to my heart! I work with a lot of children who have disabilities from downs syndrome to autism. I got to see a lot of those kids out there today, working at the race and running the kids 1 miler. It was awesome to see the smiles on their faces and the satisfaction in their eyes as they crossed the finish line and were awarded a medal! Most of them yelling, "I won!" as the medal was place on their little necks! I ran the 5k today knowing that I was doing it for them...and maybe that made it a little easier for me. I set a PR today...running it in just under 30 minutes!! I was stoked when I made the final turn towards the finish line and the clock said: "29:40". I kicked it up a notch and ran across the finish line at 29:55. It felt good. But, not as good as seeing those kids out there today with their families, having the time of their lives. Running has allowed me to give of myself in ways I never have before. I love being a part of something bigger than myself and having a bigger reason to run rather than just accomplishing personal goals. I felt like such a part of the community today...and it filled me with such joy and gratitude.

The 12th Race...

A year ago today, I couldn't have run from a burning building to save my life. Today, I ran my 12th race! It feels so good to look back and see how far I've come in the past year...MS or not, running has been a huge accomplishment for this 46 year old gal!

I'm one of those people who has to have a  goal to work towards or I will lose all my motivation to keep at it. At the beginning of this year, I told myself I'd run a race a month...and I did it!! Some months, I even ran two! So far, I've conquered 8 5ks, 3 10ks and a Half Marathon! I made a point to run the entire race - no matter what...and if I walked at all, I told myself, I couldn't hang my number on my "wall of fame". So far, all 12 bibs have made it to the wall!

I love everything about the race...I love signing up for it and writing it down on my calendar, I love picking up my bib number and t-shirt the day before the race and seeing people I know at the running store, I love the pre-race excitement that I feel, I love lining up at the start line and taking off, I love crossing the finish line...and I absolutely LOVE the feeling of accomplishment once it's over! I love waking up the next day, checking the sports section to see where I finished...The whole experience is so worth the entry fees to me!

Racing, to me, is the best way to gauge where I was last month and where I am right now. It gives me the push I need to keep running and training...and there is just something about a race that makes it virtually impossible for me to stop and walk.

Today's race was especially poignant. It happened to fall on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 so, no matter how tough it was, or how hot it got, I had to remind myself that there were thousands of people who went through a whole lot worse, ten years ago. When I found myself complaining of the heat, I had to remember those people who tried to flee the Twin Towers and were unable to or the heroes who went down in that Pennsylvania field. I had absolutely no right to complain...

I just felt gratitude to be running and to have been given the chance to live another day.

Racing keeps me on track.

"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe