When you are diagnosed with anything, from bursitis to dehydration to multiple sclerosis, the people who love you become experts on your disease. They know the most advanced treatments, the best doctors, all the symptoms of your disease, etc. The one thing they are not an expert on are the inner workings of your brain, unless you let them in. I have a friend who knows what makes me tick, and as much as I want to use multiple sclerosis as my excuse for things, she simply doesn't let me. As a matter of fact, if I even mention MS as an excuse, she calls me out on it and tells me to get over it. She is kinder than that, most of the time...
Anyway, one of my proudest achievements in life have been all of my athletic pursuits. I cross start lines and finish lines, I celebrate, hug my friends and spend some time celebrating. I have other interests that are of similar importance like my vegetable gardens, music and my craftiness. Although these other interests make me extremely happy, there really is nothing like crossing a finish line.
As an athlete with multiple sclerosis I live with extreme fear over the idea that I might not be able to run. FYI, that is a BIG might! So, I was having dinner with a friend a couple of months ago and she asked me why I keep running when, in fact, I have been struggling with running. I instinctively blamed my struggles on MS and she reminded me that my cycling is just as awesome. I agree!!! I love my bike, I love the adventures and memories and future adventures that I have planned with my cycling buddy/friend, thing is, I also love my running adventures and they challenge my body and my mind that no other sport has paralleled (except for that 175 mile bike ride).
So, I started thinking about that conversation in which my friend was offering me other options, I though WWSS (what would Sue say), and I heard an echoing in my ear that I was unreasonably allowing myself to blame MS for my running struggles at the time. After a lot of reflection, and a pretty good run this morning, I realize that MS is NOT to blame for everything... My mind is quite possibly more powerful, which is why my attitude is the best tool for moving forward with my athletic pursuits.
Just yesterday another friend of mine posted this video on my Facebook page, called Catching Kayla. Any time I start struggling both athletically or emotionally, I think it appropriate to remember the strength of Kayla and keep moving forward with NO excuses:
Anyway, one of my proudest achievements in life have been all of my athletic pursuits. I cross start lines and finish lines, I celebrate, hug my friends and spend some time celebrating. I have other interests that are of similar importance like my vegetable gardens, music and my craftiness. Although these other interests make me extremely happy, there really is nothing like crossing a finish line.
As an athlete with multiple sclerosis I live with extreme fear over the idea that I might not be able to run. FYI, that is a BIG might! So, I was having dinner with a friend a couple of months ago and she asked me why I keep running when, in fact, I have been struggling with running. I instinctively blamed my struggles on MS and she reminded me that my cycling is just as awesome. I agree!!! I love my bike, I love the adventures and memories and future adventures that I have planned with my cycling buddy/friend, thing is, I also love my running adventures and they challenge my body and my mind that no other sport has paralleled (except for that 175 mile bike ride).
So, I started thinking about that conversation in which my friend was offering me other options, I though WWSS (what would Sue say), and I heard an echoing in my ear that I was unreasonably allowing myself to blame MS for my running struggles at the time. After a lot of reflection, and a pretty good run this morning, I realize that MS is NOT to blame for everything... My mind is quite possibly more powerful, which is why my attitude is the best tool for moving forward with my athletic pursuits.
Just yesterday another friend of mine posted this video on my Facebook page, called Catching Kayla. Any time I start struggling both athletically or emotionally, I think it appropriate to remember the strength of Kayla and keep moving forward with NO excuses:
This post made me think of one yoga instructor who always says 'it's your mind telling you you can't do it', as I struggle with the 'crow' pose. However, there is also the reality of my own unique build, fitness history, and medical history, which do, on occasion, conspire against me. Just knowing the difference is the key.
ReplyDeleteKayla is a great inspiration for all of us who suffer and complain about little aches and pains.
ReplyDelete