So my summer goal this year was to run in the Biggest Loser Half Marathon with my hubby Matt and my bff Debbie. Training was hard. Once we started getting into the longer runs, my body protested - ALOT! I ended up adding a med before my runs to help from getting dystonic, and that seemed to help.
A summer full of many many runs, finally the big day had come! This would be the test of all tests! Started out feeling really really good. Around mile 10 it got pretty rough, I'm not gonna lie. At mile 12, I was blessed to have a spectator console me as I cried because I didn't think I was ever gonna make it. Then I cried once again as I did the unimaginable...I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE! PD was not the victor on this day! I overcame with the help of my hubby, my running partner, and all of the people out there who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself! (shame on me!)
If I had any advice to give, it would be to never give in to circumstances...they may make things hard, but certainly not impossible!
Phil 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
In training...
Ok, so I am trying to step it up a couple notches this year. I am 'training' (using that word very loosely) for a half marathon in a few weeks. So far I have really only ran half of a half successfully. But I am not giving up. I am getting dystonic far into my runs, which makes going over 6 mi a little difficult. But, we are now trying to take a form a dopamine about an before my runs. It does seem to be helping some. I miss the days when I could just go out and run. Now a days, I have keep talking to myself giving reminders...flat foot, flat foot, pump arms, pump arms...I find myself mentally exhausted - lol. I still feel like God will use my running to bless others, I am just unsure how. I will continue to trust and work my butt of to accomplish my goals...
ok...so my new thought for today is...who has 2 thumbs and will be running in the Biggest Loser half marathon...THIS GIRL!
ok...so my new thought for today is...who has 2 thumbs and will be running in the Biggest Loser half marathon...THIS GIRL!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Hello old me:o)
I know I keep getting sappy about all the wonderful things God has brought back into my life through dbs...but I just can't help it! This past week, I helped out with the teen group at my church's VBS. I played kick ball, capture the flag...and at the risk of bragging, I actually CAPTURED A FLAG...after falling flat on my face and convincing the nice gentlemen who was chasing me to not add to my embarrassment and tag me as I lay on the ground. He agreed, and I jumped up and got the flag. He then tagged me and ran off. I stood there waiting for someone to escort me to jail. No one did...so off I ran with flag in hand! lol. The next day I woke up feeling like I went over Niagra Falls in a barrel!
On Monday I went to my neuro's office to get a tweaking. My reasoning was 4 1/2 miles into my 8 mile run, I became distonic and had to stop completely after 6 mi and walk the last 2. After going through several settings,, I ended up walking out of there exactly the same setting as I was when I went in...lol.
I tell these stories because my complaints have def changed. Before DBS my complaints were I fall asleep while driving (not n e more), I black out when standing up (rarely), tremor in both sides now (non exsistant), can't swallow food (not so much), shuffle when walking (never), Dystonia kicks in about 5 minutes into run (hardly the case now). These are just a few that I can remember. so it is funny to me that a year later I am capturing flags, running for miles, staying awake for whole movies. driving hours with no problem...the list goes on and on. I am finally starting to recognize the girl pre-PD. I am so incredibly thankful to God for my miracle, my second chance to enjoy life. I will not take this for granted. I wake up everyday and know how blessed I am. I hope I never forget it!
On Monday I went to my neuro's office to get a tweaking. My reasoning was 4 1/2 miles into my 8 mile run, I became distonic and had to stop completely after 6 mi and walk the last 2. After going through several settings,, I ended up walking out of there exactly the same setting as I was when I went in...lol.
I tell these stories because my complaints have def changed. Before DBS my complaints were I fall asleep while driving (not n e more), I black out when standing up (rarely), tremor in both sides now (non exsistant), can't swallow food (not so much), shuffle when walking (never), Dystonia kicks in about 5 minutes into run (hardly the case now). These are just a few that I can remember. so it is funny to me that a year later I am capturing flags, running for miles, staying awake for whole movies. driving hours with no problem...the list goes on and on. I am finally starting to recognize the girl pre-PD. I am so incredibly thankful to God for my miracle, my second chance to enjoy life. I will not take this for granted. I wake up everyday and know how blessed I am. I hope I never forget it!
Monday, April 8, 2013
What a great day!
Well, Saturday was our 2nd annual Running for a Cure 5k run/1mi walk. It was a cold but sunny day. So many people came out to support our cause. It was very humbling. I once again was overwhelmmed with emotion. So I wanted to take this time to thank the many many volunteers that dedicated their morning to this race. All of the runners/walkers who came out to show their support - about 250 to be exact! Wattsburg School District sent 15 or so people through their health and wellness program. FBO 212 sent out quite a large group also! So many friends and family and also donated items for our very first chinese auction!
God has def blessed us putting all of you in our lives. Matt and I are so blessed and truly truly grateful! THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!
God has def blessed us putting all of you in our lives. Matt and I are so blessed and truly truly grateful! THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Long time no post...
Yikes! It's been so long since my last post. I think for the new year I will make it a point to post more often. I miss it when I don't! I have securred our race date for this year - April 6! Lots of planning to do but super excited to do it! I still need tweaking for my dbs...running is still kind of difficult. Could be the extra ten I'm carrying too!
Looking back on 2012 there is alot to be thankful for. Our first race was successful, raising oveer 4000$ for APDA. Having DBS surgery changed my life and gave me so much back! We were able to share our story with so many through NBC nightly news and a great article in our local paper. We were able to take a wonderful vacation with family to Myrtle Beach. Visiting wonderful family/friends along the way. We were invited to participate in a Phinney Davis Symposium...big things for such a simple girl <3 p="p">
All in all it is a great start of a New Year. I am thankful for all of the GREAT and WONDERFUL things that happened in 2012 and look forward to 2013. God is always GREAT!
Looking back on 2012 there is alot to be thankful for. Our first race was successful, raising oveer 4000$ for APDA. Having DBS surgery changed my life and gave me so much back! We were able to share our story with so many through NBC nightly news and a great article in our local paper. We were able to take a wonderful vacation with family to Myrtle Beach. Visiting wonderful family/friends along the way. We were invited to participate in a Phinney Davis Symposium...big things for such a simple girl <3 p="p">
All in all it is a great start of a New Year. I am thankful for all of the GREAT and WONDERFUL things that happened in 2012 and look forward to 2013. God is always GREAT!
Friday, October 5, 2012
At Last...
I haven't postede in awhile, haven't done much running. Stiffness got the best of me even with meds I went back on. Turns out it was the program settings. Now I am almost stiffness free and med free again...YAY!
So yesterday I went for my first run with new settings...much better! I am in serious need of muscle strengthening, but fact is I CAN RUN! The hurdle now is getting the BIGGER me motivated to get out there. It's gonna be a long road - but I'm always up for a challenge.
So yesterday I went for my first run with new settings...much better! I am in serious need of muscle strengthening, but fact is I CAN RUN! The hurdle now is getting the BIGGER me motivated to get out there. It's gonna be a long road - but I'm always up for a challenge.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The Whole Story
I realize that in three minutes it is impossible to put all the details of an 8 week journey. So I feel the need to elaborate. I have been getting alot of feedback from people about my bravery and the awesomeness of the whole thing, and while I really appreciate that, I feel it necessary to tell who the real brave heroes are.
They are my husband who never failed to make me feel like my decision to go through with this was the right one. He was by my side the whole time, praying with me, giving his loving support and being the best husband and father he could be. When he was all we had, he was all we needed.
My pastor and his wife, my friend, Karen. Who dropped everything to come be by our side the morning of my surgery - 5 am - and did I mention it was Karen's birthday?!
My mommy who came down to be with me and Matt to be there for us and help us through the scary parts. And My step-father for taking time off of work to stay with our 4 children so he could be a comfort to them and also a comfort to us knowing they were in good hands.
My great friends who brought the most thoughtful gifts. I love all of you.
The women in our church who came to sit with me when I got home so I could rest and not worry about anything. They loved our children when we needed them to, came to be a fill-in when I was in rehab for 8 days and provided our family with dinner and/or lunch for 2 weeks straight.
My friend Brenda who wouldn't think of letting me sit lonely in a hospital bed in Pittsburgh for 8 days by myself, so she came and stayed with me. And her husband Greg for being gracious enough to lend me his wife for one of the most trying times of my life.
My dad and Ann for taking the time out of their day to come to Pittsburgh to visit and bring me lunch and magazines.
The great friends I met in rehab who played the part of my physical therapy who always had such great words of encouragement.
The wonderful people who sent cards and gifts through the mail and the literally hundreds of people who prayed for me and my family
Our wonderful awesome cousin Cheryl and her family who graciously opened her home to us and allowed us to drag our NBC crew into her home for our interviews. Never once making us feel like we were imposing on them. And her daughter and son in law, Jerica and Kevin, for coming and running in the race with us.
My sister in law who helped me get my house in order so I would not have to worry about cleaning after my surgery. And Matt for keeping up with it!
And anyone else I may have missed, your thoughtfulness was not unnoticed. Thank you all for your kindness.
I always say that I get my strength through Christ. My motto has always been I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And in this particular case the strength he gave me was through the dozens of angels I mentioned above that he brought into my life. I am so thankful for all of you. I say it now and forever more GOD IS GREAT!
They are my husband who never failed to make me feel like my decision to go through with this was the right one. He was by my side the whole time, praying with me, giving his loving support and being the best husband and father he could be. When he was all we had, he was all we needed.
My pastor and his wife, my friend, Karen. Who dropped everything to come be by our side the morning of my surgery - 5 am - and did I mention it was Karen's birthday?!
My mommy who came down to be with me and Matt to be there for us and help us through the scary parts. And My step-father for taking time off of work to stay with our 4 children so he could be a comfort to them and also a comfort to us knowing they were in good hands.
My great friends who brought the most thoughtful gifts. I love all of you.
The women in our church who came to sit with me when I got home so I could rest and not worry about anything. They loved our children when we needed them to, came to be a fill-in when I was in rehab for 8 days and provided our family with dinner and/or lunch for 2 weeks straight.
My friend Brenda who wouldn't think of letting me sit lonely in a hospital bed in Pittsburgh for 8 days by myself, so she came and stayed with me. And her husband Greg for being gracious enough to lend me his wife for one of the most trying times of my life.
My dad and Ann for taking the time out of their day to come to Pittsburgh to visit and bring me lunch and magazines.
The great friends I met in rehab who played the part of my physical therapy who always had such great words of encouragement.
The wonderful people who sent cards and gifts through the mail and the literally hundreds of people who prayed for me and my family
Our wonderful awesome cousin Cheryl and her family who graciously opened her home to us and allowed us to drag our NBC crew into her home for our interviews. Never once making us feel like we were imposing on them. And her daughter and son in law, Jerica and Kevin, for coming and running in the race with us.
My sister in law who helped me get my house in order so I would not have to worry about cleaning after my surgery. And Matt for keeping up with it!
And anyone else I may have missed, your thoughtfulness was not unnoticed. Thank you all for your kindness.
I always say that I get my strength through Christ. My motto has always been I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And in this particular case the strength he gave me was through the dozens of angels I mentioned above that he brought into my life. I am so thankful for all of you. I say it now and forever more GOD IS GREAT!
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