Diets & Weight Maintenance Support Group

As a lot of you know, I was diagnosed with a pretty serious illness in June of last year. By all rights, I should be on disability...according to the research. I was put on mega doses of prednisone and told not to exercise, because they didn't know how the disease would affect my heart. I have a muscle wasting disease that is autoimmune driven.

Well, I got the green light in November to lift...light and begin the elliptical for 4-5 minutes at a time...yeah right. So, I took it slow, at first. In January, I made a decision to take it up a notch and begin exercising more regularly and lifting heavier. (Now, I did lift and exercise regularly before getting "sick", so it was a matter of getting back into the lifestyle I had once lived.)

I have never been a runner. But, I was encouraged by friends...especially here at DS...to try it. So, I did. I even set a goal for myself to run a 5k. It's on the second of Aug. When I started, about 8 weeks ago, I could barely run a quarter mile. Well, i'm up to 2.5 miles and loving every minute of it! The more I run, the better I feel.

My point is this, if you put your mind to it...you can make it happen. I chose to be well and healthy. I could have easily used my illness as an excuse to lay around and do nothing. My spirit would have truly been broken though. I use my experience to show people that even in the face of adversity...you can do it. You may have to work a little harder, but in the long run...isn't it worth it? Aren't WE worth it?

Be well.
Posted on 07/22/08, 09:07 am