Legs 11

Over the last four days I’ve noticed some muscle weakness in my right leg. I tried to ignore it and hoped it was my imagination, but when I felt unsteady on the stairs this morning I had to face up to it.  When I first found out I had multiple sclerosis, one of my greatest fears was losing the use of my legs. This may sound odd but my legs have always given me self confidence- if you’ve ever partied with me you know I love nothing more than dancing in high heels and short skirts!! Now I’m more at peace with the idea that I might not alway have the use of my legs, but I am determined to do what I can to stay active and strong as long as possible.

On the plus side, this is an old symptom coming back rather than a new relapse. I have a bit of a sore throat (hopefully not covid round 2, as I’m pretty sure I had it back in March) and I know often viral infections can trigger old MS symptoms to reoccur. Whilst I’m normally good with prioritising my health, the last few weeks have been intense. I’ve been working 16 hour days and struggling with finding time to run, with juggling working from home and spending time with my family and our twins who are at home whilst their nursery summer school is closed due to covid-19. I normally aim to get 8 hours sleep a night but the last couple of weeks it’s been more like 6 hours if I’m lucky!

Anyway, this morning I was desperate to run. I had the “use it or lose it” mantra in my head, and I needed to check that my legs would still let me run! As I was running I was reflecting on my priorities and reminding myself the importance of making time for sleep and exercise. Running has been so good for my physical health, and my mental health too. I think my legs might even feel stronger now I sit here after my post-run shower! That might be in my head, but it’s certainly given me a mental boost! I’m now wondering is there anything else I can do to help with muscle weakness?

3 things I've learnt from the Marathon (so far!)

dreamy running scenery!🐑

I can do anything, and so can you J

Until last August, I had never ran more than 10km. One Friday night, Nick said to me “do you fancy doing a half marathon next week?” I said “no way! I couldn’t do that!” You see, for my whole life I’ve thought as myself as not at all sporty. I was pretty useless in P.E. at school, can barely hit a tennis ball, and my family still mock me for how many years it took me to ride a bike! However Nick persuaded me to give the half marathon a go, and the following Wednesday I ran the furthest I’d ever ran: my first half marathon. That night I was exhausted but also on top of the world! I had done something I never felt I could achieve. That same evening, it was me who suggested to Nick that we apply for the London Marathon. Having thought I couldn’t run a half marathon a few days before, suddenly I believed I could do anything.

‘Training’ is more motivating than exercise

The last few months of training for the London Marathon have been a brilliant experience. I have got more in touch with my physical strength, and love to notice myself getting fitter and healthier. One thing I have found is that “training” for a considerable challenge is vastly more engaging and enjoyable than “exercise” – which for me normally involved a bit of treadmill in the gym, with no real goal other than maybe to lose a pound or two. For anyone struggling to make time for exercise, I would really recommend switching to training instead!

Happy running

I feel physically stronger, but the real eye-opener is the difference that running makes to my mental wellness. I mostly run outside and try to be mindful of the scenery and the fresh air in my lungs. Sometimes I start running and my mind is so busy with anxiety and going over my mental to-do list. After a while, I try to focus on how my body is feeling and the people and environment as I run past. I noticed it’s typically about 6km before I let go of all my distracting thoughts and anxiety and focus on the run (good job I’ve been doing long runs!) On the days I’ve been running I notice that even when the run is over, I have more energy and a greater sense of positivity too J