It’s all in the mindset

Phew…month one of training has been completed and oh boy what a month it was. This by far was one of the most challenging months that I have had physically, mentally, and emotionally.

So here are my top 10 take aways from my first month of training for my segment of MS Run the US.

10. Sierra, our dog, is a fabulous running partner who is always up for the challenge of a long run in the dark. She’s always ready to protect!!

9. Stretching and Strengthening is HUGE. Because of all of my running in the past and not taking the time to stretch, I have been in extreme pain in my piriformis (because of weak glute/ core muscles) for the past several months. This has made sitting, standing, sleeping, walking and running very painful. Therefore, I decided it was time to check myself in to physical therapy. After learning different stretches and strengtheners, I was able to graduate within 2 months!!! Thank you Select Physical Therapy for your guidance and knowledge.

8. The strength of my legs and arms is extremely important, but one lesson I have learned this month is the importance of the strength of my core muscles because they affect every movement I make. By incorporating core exercises after every run, I can feel my core getting stronger every day!! Along with my legs and arms.

7.  Stress Management is key to good health. As I have started running again, I figured out where I carry all of my stress and tension…in my neck and shoulders. I have also figured out that I need to find a way to manage my stress because I can’t always rely on running. I have incorporated weekly yoga and incorporating daily personal development to start which is helping.

6. Being a strong runner doesn’t happen over night like I want it to. The Olympics really helped set this straight in my mind. It takes a great amount of hard work, dedication, discipline, and determination to get where I want to go.

5.  I’m not weak, I’m putting strength back into my body.

4.  I truly love how running is a time of reflection and deep thinking for me. It is when I have some of my deepest thoughts and most amazing ideas. Now I just need to start running with a recorder :).

3.Nutrition is HUGE. It doesn’t matter what I do physically if I bomb it with my eating. Thank goodness for Herbalife!!

2. I have the most amazing, supportive, open minded husband who I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without. I am very grateful to have him as a teammate on this amazing journey.

1. Not only is running truly a mindset, but so is life. It can be so easy to let the negative thoughts race through my mind. But what’s even more amazing is when those negative thoughts are kicked out and completely reversed by encouraging, motivating, positive thoughts that will do nothing but make me a better runner and all around person.

I’m so excited to see where this amazing journey takes me, and I can already tell it’s going to be amazing.

Here are a few photos from month one.

As I was teaching shapes to my first graders, we came across this template. Of course I had them all complete it!!

Pre-run with my furry child, Sierra. She could hardly stand still for the picture. 🙂

A little post run pose from one of our late night runs.

My reflection from month one to push me into the upcoming months.

Bring it on Month 2…

So what is MS?

This was the million dollar question that not only I had for my parents and doctors but the question that my friends and family had for me.

After reading several books, talking with other people who had MS, speaking with doctors, and learning from my mom (who did an amazing amount of research), I was able to answer that tough question. Here are some basic facts about Multiple Sclerosis:

1. MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerves)

2. The immune system attacks the myelin that protects our nerves. When the myelin is damaged the messages traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are interrupted which is what causes all of the many different symptoms for MS.

3. MS gets it’s name because the damaged myelin forms scar tissues and sclerosis means scars.

4. There are 4 stages of Multiple Sclerosis (information taken from http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS):

• Relapsing Remitting (RRMS): the most common stage (which is what I have). This stage is when someone may experience relapses/flare ups/exacerbations but will have partial to full recovery periods with little to no repercussions.
• Secondary Progressive (SPMS): The name for this course comes from the fact that it follows after the relapsing-remitting course. Most people who are initially diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to SPMS, which means that the disease will begin to progress more steadily (although not necessarily more quickly), with or without relapses
• Primary Progressive (PPMS): PPMS is characterized by steadily worsening neurologic function from the beginning. Although the rate of progression may vary over time with occasional plateaus and temporary, minor improvements, there are no distinct relapses or remissions. About 10 percent of people with MS are diagnosed with PPMS.
• Progressive Relapsing (PRMS):PRMS — the least common of the four disease courses — is characterized by steadily progressing disease from the beginning and occasional exacerbations along the way. People with this form of MS may or may not experience some recovery following these attacks; the disease continues to progress without remissions.

5. MS affects every single person differently which is why it is so hard to diagnose.

6. When I was diagnosed the medications available were injections only. Now there are several injections, a few pills, and an infusion that will help slow the progression of MS.

7. MS affects more women than men between 20 and 50 years old.

8. Vitamin D levels have a huge impact on those living with MS.

9. Pregnancy can relieve MS symptoms.

10. There are over 2.3 million people throughout the world living with MS.

Here is a great video that gives you a visual of what MS is.

Other Resources with more information.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/MS-FAQ-s