Feature Friday-Multiple Sclerosis What Is It?

Happy FriYAY! This week has been both equally long AND short- it's definitely possible for it to feel like both. I'm looking forward to just one 8 mile run this weekend (or however long I feel like running for : )...) and lots of RnR! I'm getting a mani/pedi tomorrow (a definite treat for me) and going to a pilates class. I definitely also think that there will be pancakes for atleast one (if not both) morning- Alex is the one who almost always cooks us breakfast (I'm not the best breakfast maker...), which is super nice so I can just relax with my cup of coffee ; ) 

I wanted to share with you some information on Multiple Sclerosis. I'm also planning on doing a weekly post on MS in the near future so stay tuned : ) It's one of the best ways I can think of to spread the word about the disease and would LOVE to hear from you if you (or someone you know) has been affected by MS. Also possibly thinking about a possible guest blog posts regarding stories with those who have been affected by the disease...so let me know if you're interested in writing a guest post!

Multiple Sclerosis is an AutoImmune Disease. All the information below was provided by the National MS Society. 

It is unpredictable and disrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body. It attacks the Central Nervous System. 

There is both no cure for MS, nor is the causation of the disease known. Scientists believe that environmental factors affect some rather than others (they are genetically predisposed). 

The immune system attacks the myelin (the covering that protects your nerve fibers) and forms scar tissue. Because of these attacks, it causes a disruption between the brain and spinal cord (body)- the more damage caused, the more disruptions. 

There are four disease courses and women are 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed than men. 

Have a great weekend and look for more posts on MS in the future!

Don't forget that you can help me reach my fundraising goal of $10,000 by visiting this page. Even the smallest donation or spreading of the word of my fundraising efforts helps MS Run the US. 

Friday Feature- Why Running Las Vegas Will Be Extra Special & 5 Things I'm Doing This Weekend

I recently came across this article posted on Women's Running Magazine and it really got me thinking how the events that occurred on October 1st has made running on the strip even more special. While the starting location was set to begin at the same site that the incident occurred, it has since moved (but not yet announced where the new location will be). I am (of course) excited to still have the opportunity to run, but now I actually have more drive to run for those that lost their lives or were seriously injured that fateful night at the country music festival.

I will channel any pain that I have back onto the strip and push through because I CAN. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to run and not back down when it comes to gun violence. I will stand with other runners on that starting line and utilize that as a platform to stand-up against the atrocity that occurred October 1st.

Every day someone could find a reason to be scared, but I will not let those who chose violence over love and compassion get me down.  

With Alex away (guy's weekend at the casino), Stella and I are on our own, so it's a perfect time to catch-up on all those Fall things that I've yet to do (or well...more like chores that still need to get done):

1. Jewelry making for my MS Run The US fundraiser! I can't wait to share with you my finished products and sell them at the Artisan Fair here at the beginning of December!
2. Collecting items to do an online garage sale, also for a MS Run The US fundraiser. There's definitely quite a few items that already come to mind that I've been dying to get rid of...
3. Napping. A LOT of napping will be going down. We also just got our Casper mattress (it.is.HEAVENLY), so any excuse to lay down I'm taking right now ; )
4. Cooking up some goodies. I'm thinking I may make these Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onion cornbread and some chili (we also just made chili last week), but it's my favorite meal come Fall!
5. Going out for a hike. Not sure where yet (or how the weather will be), but I need my fix of trails this weekend!

Any fun plans this weekend? 

Any good recipes that I should make or fundraising ideas? I need more!

MS Run The US 2018 Relay Runner

163 miles. 6 days. Running from Steamboat Springs to Denver, Colorado. Up and over 2 mountain passes. Fundraising $10,000 for MS Run The US. You probably already questioned my sanity (running 4 marathons, including back-to-back races, does make someone slightly off-kilter), but this task is on a whole different level. I've accepted the Segment 7 Relay Runner position of the MS Run the US and pledged to raise $10,000. 

This is a really big, daunting task, but I knew when I began following the relay several years ago that I had to try to sign-up and do it. It didn't matter that I would need to run an average of 26 miles everyday, for 6 days straight. The cause behind MS Run The US was why I began running in the first place and continue to put one leg in front of the other (besides the fact that I now actually enjoy running). Their main focus is to raise awareness and funds to support multiple sclerosis (MS) research, while also promoting a healthy lifestyle and inspire others to become active in helping others in need. 

My grandfather was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over 15 years ago. Before MS, he was an extremely active man and loved to do anything and everything with his hands. From woodworking to car repairs to everyday household chores, he did it all. I was pretty young when he was diagnosed, but I still remember the small changes that the disease caused. He slowly began having trouble moving and while lifestyle changes helped curb the disease, his 6' 4" body had endured a lot. He began to need a wheelchair and while my family tried endlessly to help him do the things he loved (putting in an elevator in the household and wheelchair ramps), we slowly had to begin transitioning him to a life with MS. 

MS forced him to retire early from his job. 

MS prevented him from doing hobbies that he loved to do. 

MS eventually moved him to a nursing home because care for him at home became too expensive.

MS took a toll on our entire family.

But, MS did not take away his spirit, love of a great debate, old cars, and the best bear hugs a guy could give.

My grandfather passed away August 2017 and MS Run The US applications for their 2018 Relay Team opened a week later. I knew that the timing was not a coincidence. This was the perfect time for me to commit to a crazy fitness and fundraising goal for something that I am so passionate about. 

I will be running 163 miles in May 2018 not just for my grandfather, but for those who suffer or have suffered from MS. Research is the gateway to finding a cure for the disease and I am so beyond honored to have the opportunity to help the fight to stop MS.