Friday Feature- The Running Items That Are On My List & Managing MS

Happy Friday! I got to sleep in this morning and have the full day off! I always love to go for a run in the mid-morning when I have the day off, but it's a bit chilly here so thinking I'll wait until this afternoon. My foot had been feeling a bit of numbness/tingling, but I've been icing/ epsom salt bath soaking/ stretching/ massaging it and it feels way better. So I'm not really sure how far I'll run today, but if I could get anywhere between 8-10 (my long run today since it will snow tomorrow) I'll be happy. If I start to get pain anywhere then I'll just call it and take it day-by-day. 

Does anyone else have the day off? Are you traveling anywhere? They said that many parts of the US are under winter weather advisories this weekend, so hoping you have safe travels if you do have somewhere to go! We will hopefully be taking advantage of the first (finally) snowstorm of the year and going skiing! yay! We are also planning on doing some chinese food either on Christmas Eve or Day and who knows what else the weekend has in store. 

There are definitely a few items that I have on my running wish-list this year/ what I would love to have for future training runs (note: no posts are sponsored- just my own opinions here!):

• Tracer360- Nox Gear  - This is definitely one that I know is so important and necessary for early morning/ evening runners to have. It's gotten amazing reviews and many runners say how well it works for oncoming traffic to see you. 
• Rabbit Runner Girl Emoji Tank  - I think this tank is SO cute and have been dying to try the Rabbit running gear, plus the runner girl emoji is so amazing. 

• Sarah Marie Design Studio Feed Me And Tell Me I'm Pretty Fast- Because I kinda think this is my everyday motto and it's just so cute. 

• Erica Sara Designs Running Necklace- I've loved all her pieces for years and love how she is still a small business (love supporting small entrepreneurs). 
• IPod Shuffle- I know this is definitely an 'old school' item, but it's so small and perfect for when you're out on your really long runs and not wanting to carry your phone (or it dies). Would be great for ultra runners or relay runners! I know it's been discontinued, but looks like there still may be a few out there either on Ebay or Wal mart/ Target !
• Oiselle Spandos Capris- These are super pricy (although they are on sale right now...), but they are just so cute and unique! 

• Brooks Ghost 10s- Because you can never really go wrong with running shoes. Also I'd love 5 more pairs of Ghost 10s (I seem to go through sneakers every few months and this would get me through a year or so...)
• Stabilgear STABILicers- Running on snow/ ice is definitely a must if you live in the mountains and want to run outside in the winter, so these are a necessity (plus they look like they have great spikes/ traction)

• Race Entries Fees- This one is pretty general, but I don't think you would meet a runner who wouldn't have at least one race for 2018 that they want to sign up for (but it may be pretty pricey). I've got three on my list....

Also just wanted to continue my series on Multiple Sclerosis and share with you a few tips that the National MS Society lists for those living with MS/ how they can manage it with diet/nutrition:

• Diets low in Saturated Fats & high in omega-3s & omega-6s are recommended
• Vitamin D is important
• Biotin can help
• Additional supplements can help

What's on your running wish-list?

Know someone who has used diet/ nutrition to help manage their MS?

Happy Holidays friends!

Feature Friday- Why I'm So Passionate About Running for MS Run The US

Happy happy Friday! I hope everyone has some fantastic weekend plans coming up. I'm not exactly sure what we'll be doing yet, but we have talked about going skiing so maybe that will happen! I also have a 10 mile run and 1 mile run to get done, hoping to also do my 10-miler on the trails, but they're starting to get pretty snow packed so we will see. 

I was writing a short write-up of my story and why I'm so passionate about being able to run for MS Run The US and really wanted to share it with all of you! I've definitely touched on a few of these topics before, but never really expanded upon it. SO, here it goes. 

About my grandfather:

My grandfather worked at Saw Mills his entire life and retired from Bailey Manufacturing in 2001. I always remember visiting him at work and the smell of fresh-cut wood (still reminds me of him to this day)! I can hardly remember a time where he was sitting down (unless there was a tool in his hand), as he loved to work on his ample collection of Chevy trucks and Model "A" Fords. He was an extremely hard-worker and loved to spend time with our family. His hard work ethic is something that I have tried to mirror and can definitely attribute some of my stubbornness to him!

He would give anything to help others, which I hope to carry on his caring nature. I was still very young (~10 yrs old) when he was being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but I remember that he began to move slower and would have to spend more time sitting (very unusual for him). Our entire family looked up to him for advice and as a role model so it was difficult to see someone you love not being able to do everything they wanted to do. As the disease progressed, he transitioned into a wheelchair and eventually to the Fryeburg Health Care because we could no longer care for him, but his fight, love, and positive spirit never waned. I was always amazed to see how strong and resilient he was (even in the darkest moments of his MS).

Why I decided to run:

Because the route of the relay, I had known about MS Run The US for a few years (it passes through where I currently reside-Steamboat Springs) and looked into the application process a few times, but had always missed it (the application process starts in August, but the relay does not begin until April).

I remember marking on the calendar this year when the applications opened and it just so happened to open a week after my grandfather's passing. There was a bit of hesitation from me questioning whether I could tackle the 175 mile run over 6 days and fundraise the $10,000, but the timing and being able to honor my grandfather really pushed me to apply and ultimately accept.

How will I be able to push myself during tough times (either in training or during the race)?

I know that I will encounter many challenges throughout my training cycle and during my race, but when you see someone that you love suffer through a horribly debilitating disease like MS, it really makes your suffering seem insignificant. If he could approach each day with a smile, then that is my goal for this entire journey. He is, after all, the reason why I began running and continue to remain active today in memory of those who cannot. 

More of this story will be posted up on the Bridgton News and I'll be sure to link to that once it has been posted!

Have a wonderful weekend friends! I hope you get in some miles, hot cocoa, and time spent doing something you love with someone you love. 

xo,

Stacy

Weekend plans- what are you up to?!?

How do you push yourself when training or racing becomes tough? 

Feature Friday-Caring for Those Who Have MS

Happy FRIYAY! I haven't done a feature on MS in a bit and wanted to get back into it. Once diagnosed with MS, there are many facets of gaining comprehensive care (source via National MS Society). 

There are several medications approved by the FDA that are able to provide treatment for relapsing forms of MS. They can help reduce and minimize the frequency of the relapses caused by those who have MS, reduce the accumulation of lesions that may pop up on the brain & spinal cord, and may also slow the onset of disability caused by MS. 

Rehabilitation is another form of comprehensive care and includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Speech-Language Pathology. 

Gosh, as I'm typing this out I'm realizing more and more that having MS IS REALLY EXPENSIVE. Not only is it expensive, but you need to have really great insurance and a lot of resources close to you. 

When my grandfather had to retire early due to MS, it certainly was not easy on anyone and living in a rural area in Maine- finding great physicians is really difficult (especially ones familiar with MS). There were MANY trips to doctors offices over an hour away and this was after years of trips to doctors offices to be ruled out for other various diseases and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. 

It is very challenging when most (the general population) are unaware or unfamiliar with what Multiple Sclerosis actually is, especially when you live in a less populated area. 

Every time I put together these posts, I become more and more passionate about MS Run The US and my 175 mile journey in May 2018. I cannot wait! 

What are you doing this weekend?

Anyone racing?!?

GIVING TUESDAY- DOUBLE YOUR DONATION!

DON'T FORGET- you can DOUBLE YOUR DONATION today at 8AM EST-8:15 EST by visiting my Facebook Donation Page for MS Run The US HERE. 

Facebook is waiving all donation fees on Giving Tuesday, so it's great way to kick-off the Holiday Season and donate to a GREAT cause that not only focuses on running, but Multiple Sclerosis as well! 

Also here's a picture of our kitties because we all need something cute to look at today : )

Now, GO DONATE! 

Saturday Special-Diagnosing MS

Since there is currently no simple test or symptom to give doctors the indicator that someone has Multiple Sclerosis, a multitude of tests and exams are done to come to the MS diagnosis. 

Tests used to determine if symptoms are MS (source):

• careful medical history
• neurology exam
• Various other tests including:
  • MRI
  • Evoked Potentials (EP)
  • Spinal Fluid Analysis

For a doctor to diagnose it as MS, they need to have the following:

• Find evidence of damage in 2 or more areas of the central nervous system (CNS). Damage needs to done to separate areas of the brain, spinal cord, and/or optic nerves AND
• Find evidence that the damage occurred AT LEAST one month apart AND
• Rule out any other possibilities

I remember when my Grandfather was first going through diagnosis of his symptoms, he was constantly traveling to the doctors office (I was around 10 or 11 at the time). I can't even begin to imagine how stressful it is to be bouncing from doctors office to tests to more imaging, also how burdensome it is on family/friends to help you get from appointment to appointment. 

This is why I believe further research can help us find a CURE for MS and why I am so passionate about running 173 miles over 6 days to help us END MS. Don't forget to also check back on my post about Giving Tuesday, where you can DOUBLE YOUR DONATION and my MS Run The US page which details my journey and story behind accepting my Segment 7 invitation. 

It is amazing to me there is definitely a link between where you live and the prevalence of MS: