Hello Readers!
It has been a while since MyAuraBorealis has posted – there have been many changes going on around here and I am very excited to share them all with you in the near future!
But, today is a special day! Today, MyAuraBorealis is featured in the 2017 Epilepsy Blog Relay! This relay runs from Nov 1st – Nov 30th, 2017 and will feature a different Epilepsy blog each day!
Why November? Because it’s Epilepsy Awareness Month! So put on your purple gear, grab your laptop, and get ready to hear from some amazing bloggers!
As you know, our post today covers Exercise and Epilepsy – Gaining Independence While Maintaining Your Safety. Although exercise can be a drag sometimes, it is an essential part of keeping our bodies in balance, and staying as healthy as possible while living with Epilepsy!
Now, I know I am not alone in saying that sometimes I really just want to do something without being “babysat” or “monitored” or “kept an eye on”. Don’t get me wrong here, because I absolutely LOVE how devoted my family is to keeping me safe! They make me feel very cherished and loved every single day. But, every once in a while I just want to do something…. Anything… without having to tell someone where I’m going.
For some of us, this may be possible in small doses, and we may find little ways to indulge in our independence! For others however, independence is just not going to happen.
So, how does this tie in with exercise? How can I want to exercise but still be independent at the same time? I personally love to dance, take classes, and do other group fitness activities. These are fantastic because you not only get a workout, but you have people around you that will see if you have an episode. But recently, I set a goal for myself:
I am going to run a marathon!
It is a lofty goal as I am starting with absolutely no running skills. And I mean none. Sure, I’ve run a few 5k’s, but that was more for fun than anything, and I always had someone right by my side while I was running. Training for a marathon however, is a solo sport. I don’t expect my fiancé or my mom to run the marathon with me just so that I can feel safe. So, I had to find other ways to still feel free and independent, but stay safe at the same time.
My ultimate “someday” goal is to run a full marathon: 26.2 miles.
My “hopeful” goal is to run a half marathon: 13.1 miles in May of 2018.
My “contingent” goal is to run a 10k: 6.2 miles in May of 2018.
I know that if I put too much pressure on myself, it won’t be fun anymore and I’ll lose sight of the independence that I’m gaining by making this goal. So, I’m taking it one day at a time, one run at a time. And even if it takes me a very long time, I WILL run a marathon someday!
So, how am I staying safe while still jumping into this solo sport?
I’ve been microchipped.
Just kidding! But I did find an amazing GPS running watch that has honestly blown me away with its capabilities! My three main requirements with using any type of running accessory were:
- I want it to be waterproof
- I want to see a live feed display of how far I’ve run
- I want my fiancé Andy to be able to see me on GPS in live time. So that if I stop moving, he knows to come get me.
And the Garmin Forerunner 35 has all of those capabilities and more! I found mine at REI. And yes, it’s a little spendy. But, to me I’m not only paying for the watch, I’m also paying for the experience! So not only am I gaining freedom and having fun, I’m also maintaining my safety, giving my loved ones peace of mind, and getting a workout too!
If the Garmin isn’t quite your cup of tea, no problem! There are SO many GPS varieties out there; some of them are even so small they are designed to loop through your keys or your shoelace. There truly is something for everyone.
Do you have a GPS or monitoring system that works well for you and your family? We would love to hear about it! Be sure to comment below to share your info and be featured in our blog!
That’s all for today readers, and as always, thanks again for tuning in! Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to Seize The Day!!
**For the full schedule of bloggers participating in the Epilepsy Blog Relay visit livingwellwithepilepsy.com
Hello from Minnesota! I was diagnosed with Generalized Idiopathic Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in 2006. My goal is to create and contribute to a community for those living with Epilepsy & other neurological disorders, so that we can support each other, raise awareness, and share our hope for fewer seizures in the future!