AWARENESS!

With the passing yesterday of Junior Seau I thought I would again bring up a subject that is very important, Suicide Awareness. Having Multiple Sclerosis the subject of brain issues (which is a possible element to Mr. Seau's passing) is obviously something I can relate to. In my case and the case of many MSers the issue at hand involves depression and how it can effect us and hinder us. I say with all respect to Mr Seau, his family, his friends and fans, but this is an excellent opportunity to shine a light on a serious matter. No one should suffer in silence, regardless of the issue, mine is MS but there are countless others that aren't physical health issues such as those that effect service personnel. I shared last year about actor Michael Showers who apparently took his life shortly after he was diagnosed with MS, I didn't know Mr. Showers personally but I know plenty of other MSers. I can say that having (or knowing) people in the same situation is great because it serves as a great support system. You are not alone 1-800-273-TALK or you can message me if you need to talk, I am NOT a pro, but I can listen. 

todays workout

Most of lifes obstacles NEED to be overcome, MS is no different. I should preface that with if it's possible to overcome an obstacle in MS I think you should try to do so. At this time last year I was in the process of joining a gym because I was discharged from outpatient physical therapy. Upon starting at the gym I gauged my comfort level on certain machines since the gym didn't have the same machines as the phys. therapy office.

the treadmill in my gym is similar to this one but has a longer plastic  "handlebar" area to grab  onto

One machine that has turned into a necessity is the treadmill, at the gym my first few weeks I hovered around a 1.5, eventually I was able to progress to a 2.0 for an average of a 10 minute walk. These past few weeks I've been gauging my strength and endurance during my treadmill time and progressed to 2.1 and eventually 2.4, when doing all this I keep the emergency stop with arms length because I have also been increasing my walking time to 20 minutes. So far so good, I'm thankful that I haven't had a relapse or  had any other complications. Today I did a good 20 minutes at 2.4 and walked for .78 of a mile. I'm not a math wiz so I don't know exactly what the 2.4 translates into a per hour ratio but I know I feel great. While I do all of this it is important to note that sometimes dial down the treadmill speed to compensate for my dropfoot.