MS disappoints. But we're stronger than that.

Multiple sclerosis interrupts our lives. The MS MonSter creeps in, causing symptoms to crop up at the most inconvenient times.

This morning, for example.

I was planning to run a little 5K nearby. Last year, I actually was surprised to find that I had won my age division. (Don’t get too excited. The age brackets grow a little thin in my decade. Our finishing times tend to increase, as our numbers go up.)

But still! As the defending (haha) champion of my seasoned age group, I was earnestly aiming to participate. Sure, I know I’d come in considerably slower than last year. A couple of injuries and a long MS summer set me back a bit. But I was game to go anyway.

Then the barometric pressure shifted. A storm system lingered. And an MS migraine wreaked havoc on my plans.

So I didn’t go. 

Honestly, I’m surprised this hasn’t happened a whole lot more often.

In fact, I’ve been grateful for so many times when MS lingered in the background on race days, professional presentation days, important event days, and other occasions when a flare-up would totally throw a wrench into the works.

Yes, it happens. (Ask any MS warrior.)

I’ve canceled all kinds of stuff at the last minute, when the MS MonSter won the days’ battles. Sometimes I’ve been leery of even penning dates on my calendar. I’ve skipped holidays, fun trips, and outings with friends. I’ve missed church, dinners, movies, and nearly a whole summer of horseback riding.

But I’ve made it to (and through) plenty of occasions too.

And, although I have found myself laid up for days after hosts of major happenings, I have appreciated being there. Sometimes that’s enough to celebrate.

Today, just across town, some woman-of-a-certain-age is proudly wearing a race medal around her neck. I’m happy for her, and I recognize that she’d likely have won it anyway – even if I had showed up.

MS showed up today, and I never had a chance. But I’ll be back another time. And, when I show up, it won’t be to beat other runners. I’m gunning for the MonSter.

If you’re an MS warrior, hang in there. We’ve got this thing.

Image/s:

 Adapted from public domain artwork and photo

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I'm gonna run 1,000 miles for MS

Color me crazy. (I know. MS is all in my head, right?) I just joined a 1,000-mile challenge. But I have a whole year to rack up those miles (running or walking). That comes to approximately 2.74 miles per day – if I run every day for the next 365. I am pretty sure I will skip a day, every now and then, but I generally run more than that when I go. So it should work out OK, if the MS MonSter behaves.

It’s called the 1,000 Mile Challenge to Hike/Walk/Run 1,000 Miles, and it runs from June 6, 2015, through June 5, 2016. That means it started today – but it’s not too late to join.

Participants ante up $19 apiece (or $39, if you want the event tee shirt). Signup includes membership in a private Facebook group, monthly rankings and statistics, and a personalized certificate of completion at the end.

50% of the registration fee benefits the charity of the participant’s choice (based on a list of dozens of charitable organizations on the event site).

1,000 Mile Challenge participants keep logs of miles on charts and report them monthly for credit.

From the listed charities for the 1,000 Mile Challenge, I selected the National MS Society. So I am running for MS in the next 365 days. And, God willing, I’m gonna hit that 1,000-mile mark.

 

As of today, I am 5.6/1,000 of the way there already.

I’m also signed up with Charity Miles, using a free smartphone app. Every mile leads to a sponsor donation to charity. I’ve run to benefit Special Olympics – at least until Charity Miles adds the National MS Society.

And she’s off -----

Image/s:

1,000 Mile Challenge

Promo artwork

Fair use

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Now running for sponsors, thanks to Charity Miles

I don’t run fast, but I am running farther every day. Yes, I am still trying to kick MS to the curb, and so far, I am still at it.

The long-range goal still stands. God willing, I will run a half-marathon by the end of the summer, and aim for the big beast in 2016. (I almost shudder to name it, but I am praying and pounding pavement with that end in mind.)

As of today, every mile I run is sponsored for charity. At this point, the miles raise funds for Special Olympics. That’s a wonderful cause, and I am pleased to support it. 

However, I have asked the kind folks at Charity Miles to consider adding the National MS Society to their supported charities list. If they will add the National MS Society, I will switch over.

Hey, it’s personal.

It costs nothing to sign up for Charity Miles. It’s a free smartphone app, which tracks the miles (when activated) by GPS. This morning, my sponsor was Timex.

Charity Miles also has a Facebook page.

My multiple sclerosis symptoms seem to attack me in waves that can be wholly unpredictable. Fatigue and vertigo are the biggest baddies for me. There are days when even walking is a challenge. Other days, I can pound out several miles in a jaunt.

I am hoping the charitable sponsorship thing will load me up with extra motivation, especially on those days when it all comes a little (or a lot) harder.

Having been diagnosed many years ago with MS, I am extremely grateful to be walking and running and moving well most of the time. I respect and honor others who are also fighting the MS battle and particularly those who carry harsher MS burdens each day.

For many MSers, rising to face each day is a form of marathon all its own.

Boom. Let’s kick MS to the curb – however we can.

Image/s:

Charity Miles,

Special Olympics &

 Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

promo artwork -

fair use

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