What’s Your Mountain? Half Marathon with MS!

Wendy,

I saw you in Fort Lauderdale last October, and after hearing you, I signed up to train for a half marathon with our local National MS Society. We trained and ran/walked the Miami marathon this last Sunday. I never would have thought about training to walk a half marathon, but I had been in the hospital and unable to walk due to a complication with a flare-up a year ago, and I wanted to get stronger, and feel more like my old self.

One of my happiest moments on my journey was near the end of a 9 mile training walk becoming overwhelmed by emotion when I realized I felt tired and achy because of my exertion and effort, and not my MS and MS medications. Keep spreading your message, it’s so good to see someone who feels OK, and is accomplishing amazing physical achievements while having MS.

Rock On!

Jane

What’s your mountain? Education!

I’m a 67 yr old woman diagnosed almost 20 yrs. ago with chronic progressive MS.  I’ve traveled extensively and just completed college!  I was interviewed and on the front page of our local paper.  Quite an accomplishment.  I’m very active and am considering continuing for another degree.

Dianne

What’s your Mountain? Running.

Wendy immediately caught my attention by telling us that she was from Boston (as am I) and was a casual runner (me, too).  My grandmother, whom I lived with until I was 23, had MS. Therefore, I am very aware of the daily challenges of the disease.

All of this got me to thinking, “What is my problem?” In other words, I am healthy. What’s stopping me from doing “more”.  So, I bit the bullet and signed up for the Falmouth Road Race (7 miles) the day I came home from National Conference.

I did run it (in 1:01) this August, and thoughts of Wendy and, of course, my grandmother, got me through it strong.  I consider this just the beginning of big changes, big challenges, and big accomplishments!

Linda B.

What’s your Mountain? Exercising more.

Hi Wendy. I just wanted to say thank you. After hearing you speak on Saturday in South Florida, you motivated me to exercise more.  I am not gonna let my MS defeat me.  No more looking in the rear-view mirror.  If I just add 1 minute a day to my bike riding, its a start.  I did just that.  Both Sunday and Monday, I beat the MS.  When I wake up every day, I plan to listen to what you said, while I ride my bike.  Thank you so much, Wendy.  God Bless you.

Jay R.

What’s your Mountain? 100 pounds

When my sister told me about your What’s your Mountain? page, I wanted to be one of the first to share a story.

My mountain is 100 pounds.  It’s been a really tough journey so far, but I’m committed to not letting my body get the better of me.  37 pounds down – 63 to go!  From now on when I have a bad day and get grumpy I’m going to think… geez, at least I don’t have to climb Mt. Everest!!!!

Thanks for helping to keep my mountain in perspective,

Sara Sullivan (AKA the incredible shrinking Sara!)