I am a 30 something living in NYC and recently diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (originally told it was Crohn’s disease which is why you may see that in earlier posts). I am forever attempting to achieve the ever elusive work / life / training healthy balance. I am a lover of endurance events who finds it harder to take a day off from working up a sweat then getting out there and doing it.
Growing up I was always athletic and played multiple sports, but was also overweight the majority of my life.
I developed poor eating habits and began binge eating in my early adolescent years as the product of being left home alone. I long struggled with rectifying this and when I decided I had had it with being overweight (okay, obese at 240lbs) in my mid-twenties I went to severely restricting and over exercising and while I lost weight I also eventually wound up with an eating disorder.
I had a rude awakening to recover and glad my parents intervened but think I will forever have issues when it comes to food.
A few years ago as I was trying to lose some weight I had gained back I started running quite a bit. This lead to the “I should obviously just run a half marathon” train of thought and the next thing you knew, I was hooked.
I have since then lost count of shorter races, run 20 half marathons, 5 marathons and 1 ultra trail race.
My diagnosis with Ulcerative Colitis came at the very end of 2014. It was both a welcome diagnosis to finding out that my issues weren’t all in my head but also sad to know that I will be dealing with this for the rest of my life.
It is a year later and we are coming close to remission. It has been a struggle but they say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
I am apt to believe this as running through my flare was a struggle but I am a very stubborn person and refused to give up what I loved. I spent a lot of time sprinting to bathrooms and running 12 minute miles, but in the end it did make me stronger. I came back to run PR’s in the 5K and 10K and am looking forward to achieving the same in the half marathon, and eventually marathon when I decide to go back to it.
So there is a little glimpse into who I am, thank you for stopping by!
No comments:
Post a Comment