Embrace the Journey, A curated Blog: Celebrate the Effort

Jeanne, plans my workouts

The Olympics are over. Who are the winners? Certainly the medalists, but also all the Olympians. What is your Olympic challenge? Mine is MS and working to overcome the debilitating effects of the disease. 

The most obvious issues are physical. I’ve been going to a trainer for years. Since starting back after Covid, my trainer has been Jeanne. When  either of us see a new area of weakness, she makes a plan to address it. Recently, I told her , “I want to be stronger so I can walk farther and faster. Donnie says I act tired after three miles. He notices my toe scuffing, slowing down, and being unsteady. I want to be able to do four strong miles in one walk.”

The Ab Machine @ 125 lbs.

Jeanne’s fix for me worked quickly and well. In fact, I’m amazed at how much overall progress I’ve made in the three years I’ve been working with Jeanne. For example, on the ab machine, I’ve moved the pin from 35 pounds to 125 pounds. 

Pressing the 45 plates on each side

On the leg press machine, I started with 10 pound weights on both sides. Now, I do a 45 pound plate on each side. The hamstring muscle is my best improvement. I’ve progressed from lifting nothing to lifting 30 pounds. All this effort to be stronger when walking. Everything I do contributes to stability, balance and movement.

PT, Thomas 

Thomas, my Physical Therapist, has also been a key player. He reviews exercises Jeanne gives me, looking for appropriate weight, body alignment, and technique. With their help, I haven’t gotten any workout related injuries. Thomas also fixes other issues that crop up because of MS. Several times he’s helped me get relief from pain in my neck or improper fitting walking shoes. 

Staying hydrated

Walking is my indicator of my well being. Everyday is different, but most days, I feel like my efforts are working. With both MS and aging  slowing me down and wearing me down, I have to stay vigilant to new weak areas. However, as long as I keep seeing results with my intentional effort, I am motivated.

 

For example, I can see that endurance has improved. I do that 4 mile walk without fatiguing now. Leg strength along with balance and flexibility are also improving.  I feel more relaxed and stable when walking. Falling will always be a concern, but it doesn’t paralyze me.

Clearly, I’m not an Olympian but I can relate to their challenges. My training and preparation, like theirs is a daily grind. When my body has even a little issue, everything is more challenging. Also, the mental aspect of staying mobile and fit is as important as the physical.  My goal is to stay fit, mobile and healthy rather than secumb to the inevitable that is MS.