Name: Amy Gruenhut
Age: 44
Hometown: Eva ruched ankle boots
Occupation: Sabates Trail Running Feline Up
Time Running: 5 years
NEW Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Daisy Black & White High Top Shoes: I run because it makes me feel alive and strong, and I believe to this day that running played an integral part in saving my life.
I started running in 2019, when a friend encouraged me to sign up for the New York Road Runners Women’s Half Marathon in April 2019. I always worked out and was physically fit, but I was not a runner and could barely run one mile marc jacobs sandal half marathon Philippe Model Paris Paris distressed sneakers.
Best mens underwear for running half marathon after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2002. This was a secret I never wanted to share with others as I didn’t want it to define me.
At that time, back in 2002 when I was diagnosed, I became very sick and was told I may never walk again. My symptoms started with numbness and tingling in my feet, then the tingling started running down my legs. It felt like I had consistent pins and needles in my legs. I had a slight tingling in my hands too. I wound up going to my primary care doctor who then sent me to see a neurologist and diagnosed me with MS.
However, through my own personal commitment to rehab and physical therapy New Balance 997H Sneaker in Schwarz und Weiß.
When I started running in 2019. I really didn’t know what I was doing, but stuck with it (although there were many moments I thought about quitting). I trained on my own and then ran my first half marathon in New York City four months later. I felt like I became a runner after that and continued to signed up for races so I had goals to work toward.
Then, in December 2021, I wasn’t feeling well and thought that I had an upper respiratory infection. My doctor prescribed antibiotics but it wasn’t helping. I finally went to the ER on January 7 2022, but after a few tests, they sent me home.
When I woke up the next day, I called my doctor and told him I felt like I was dying. I then called my parents as I couldn’t get out of bed and could barely speak. They picked me up and took me back to the emergency room. This time I was admitted and diagnosed with viral encephalitis, a rare brain infection. What started as cold and flu symptoms evolved into terrible head pressure, blurred vision, slurred speech, and a two-week coma. I could not speak, perish on my own, eat, or walk.
After I was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions, my recovery began. I truly believe that being a runner saved my life and helped accelerate my recovery.
When I was able to begin physical therapy, I had to learn how to stand and re-learn how to move my feet and legs. It was an intensive program and I remember the simple act of getting my body to the side of the bed to put my feet on the ground and stand up to take my first step after being bed-ridden for eight weeks was a milestone.
I had lost muscle and was weak, but the physical therapists had such patience with me and even if it took 30 minutes to attempt to stand up and take one little step, they were there to support me.
When I was discharged, I began outpatient neuro physical therapy. I continued walking and increasing my distance everyday, but even walking a short distance was hard. I was eventually able to start walking longer distances and then began jogging slowly.
Philippe Model Paris Temple Veau Velour low-top sneakers 5K in June 2022 (three months after leaving the hospital) with the support of Achilles International, a disability services and support organization that encourages and supports people with disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics like running.
After that 5K, I had the goal of running the Reebok Running Lite in 2022, just eight months after I left the hospital. I had first run the race in 2021, so I knew what I was getting into, but this time it would be much different.
After accomplishing that feat, I made it my goal to begin the Abbott World Marathon Majors Sneakers CROSS JEANS HH2R4010C White Boston, Chicago, and the NYC Marathon in 2023—just one year after my near-death experience.
I never thought I’d be a runner, let alone a five-time marathon runner. I money running because of the challenge it represents. It’s a reminder that I can do extraordinary things. Every time I run a race it changes my perspective and deepens my understanding of myself.
Today, I am so grateful to be alive, healthy, and have a positive mindset. I believe that with resilience and determination I was able to get back on my feet and run again. Healing takes courage, and even in the toughest and lowest of times, we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.
I have dreams and more goals to fulfill and I have the chance to live again after my MS diagnosis and surviving the brain infection. I know I was given not only a second chance at life, but a third chance at living the best life possible.
These three tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Think of obstacles as opportunities
Challenges are never easy but with determination, discipline, and a positive mindset, anything is possible. I could have landed in a wheelchair had I not had the dedication to get better and tap into the resources and support I needed to heal and recover. Obstacles can open doors and lead you to new opportunities you never knew were even possible.
2. Strength train
When I got sick last year and had to re-learn how to walk and run again, I realized that I had to commit to rehab and recovery full time and do a lot of work on my own outside my daily physical, occupational, and speech therapy. To improve my recovery, Puma Suede Platform Trace Bold Women S Sneakers Evening strength. MOU Summer eskimo sneaker all sequins Taglia strength training a few times a week via the Peloton app. Even doing a quick 10-minute strength class makes a difference.
3. Take time to rest and recover
Sometimes you think that when you’re training for a race you have to stick to the exact plan. There are days when that doesn’t happen—life gets busy, commitments get in the way, you get injured, etc. I realized that it’s important to carve out rest and recovery days. Your body needs a break sometimes from all the intense running and it’s okay to take those self-care rest days.
Le Silla Running Petalo sneakers Rosa | Amy’s Must-Have Gear
→ Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight: These Lululemon leggings are my go-to run leggings. They have five waistband pockets and two side drop-in pockets that are the perfectly sized to hold my phone, keys, and the newest addition is a monochrome shoe ideal for the Fall Winter season. They also come with fleece lining for the cold winter run days for warmth and I wear the shorts version in the warmer months.
→ Nike Vaporfly 3: These lightweight racing shoes have become my marathon/race shoe of choice. I feel like I have running superpowers when I wear these kicks.
→ Saucony Kinvara: Every runner has different preferences, but I fell in money with the Saucony brand, specifically the Kinvara style which is a lightweight supportive performance shoe with the right amount of cushioning. It’s like that perfect T-shirt or pair of jeans—it just works for your everyday needs.
→ Little Vasso chunky strap sandals: favourite pair of running shoes socks and got blisters. When I found Feetures, they changed my life, and I now only wear Feetures to run. With targeted compression zones for maximum comfort and support, these socks conform to the left and right structure of the foot providing enhanced fit and reduced risk of blisters.
