Just did a 5k trail run!

[ksiwek]

I just wanted to share a personal milestone with my fellow ANers.  Yesterday, I did my first post surgery 5k run!  It actually was a very hilly trail run that really tested my balance...I was so excited when I crossed the finish line!  My husband ran it alongside me and we plan to try to do another 2 this summer!

If any of you followed my story, this time last year I wasn't able to walk on my own as the tumor had compromised my balance so much.  It took me a long time to feel that I could get to this point...but I am here and it felt great!  When I first started jogging, it was a challenge to look side to side!  I know that I have come a long way in (almost) a year!

Things still continue to improve (I am 11 months post op) and just wanted to share my victory with people who really understand the significance of overcoming balance deficits! 

Kris

[Tod]

That is a great milestone. Trailrunning rocks...al the more so when you don't fall.

Congrats!

-Tod

[Jim Scott]

Kris ~

What an encouraging post!  Congratulations on an impressive achievement and thanks for sharing your success with other AN patients who will be encouraged by your positive recovery experience.  Well done!

Jim

[Kaybo]

WHOO-HOO!!

Way to go Kris!!

K 

[CHD63]

Kris .....

Congratulations and way to go!!!
Clarice

[kraynok2]

Kris,
   This is such great news.  I remember reading about you and thinking what a wonderful story.  The funny thing is right after I read that, my brother received the HEI magazine with your story at his house in Bakersfield.  He had never heard of the House clinic until I told him about it. That was weird. Thanks for sharing your story and your success.
Sandy

[leapyrtwins]

Ah, progress!!!

Ain't it a beautiful thing?? 

Congrats,

Jan

[kenneth_k]

Great!!!!

[Soundy]

Congratulations!!!!

You are progressing faster than I did ... it took me forever to walk fast on uneven ground and even longer to
do hills ... I don't run ... did around track at Relay For Life  last year for a lap and that was enough ...

Continued progress wishes to you ...

[saralynn143]

So happy for your progress, Kris. How is the little guy doing?

Sara

[ksiwek]

Thanks all for the kind words!  I will post some pictures soon!  Parker will be turning 1 on May 18th!  I cannot believe it.  He is simply amazing and I am very blessed to have such a happy healthy little boy    He has started walking and is curious about everything.  He has gotten so big and has a full head of blonde hair...I think he is looking more and more like Dad!

As for running....Donnalynn, I think that jogging has helped my wonky head.  But it is hard to say definitively as it could be improving the further out from surgery that I am.  But, I can say that it helps me keep my balance in check and helps me exercise my eyes.  I had significant residual nystagmus for months after surgery.  I still have it now, but MUCH improved.  While I run, I practice looking in different directions with my eyes.  The trail run really tested my balance with the uneven surface and new surroundings for my eyes to take in.  During the race my world jumped around a bit.  During my run today (paved road), I felt great and looked around and was able to look straight ahead.  My husband and I are doing 2 or 3 more 5ks this summer.  I think we decided to do a half marathon in September.  I will keep you all posted if I check the box for 1/2 marathon vs 5k route for our race in September    Either way, it is something that I never thought I would be able to be asking myself even 6 months ago! 

[Keri]

hi kris,
just now finding your post. congrats!! i love trail running (better than road running, but sometimes hitting the trails are just less practical than getting out and running on the sidewalks / road). i'm a runner too, and believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that running before my translab had a tremendous effect on my balance after surgery. i had already signed up for a half marathon before i even knew what an AN was, and i never thought i'd be able to do it. this was all a few years ago. post surgery, of course i felt horrible but then was able to run/walk a few weeks post op and slowly build up and complete the half marathon. i feel little tipsy sometimes, but running helps. i actually feel more tipsy at night or in a big setting like a mall.

good for you! if you sign up for the half, which will you do? and it's great that this something you do with your hubby too!

if you ever want to hop over to our 'let's run or walk or something' thread, you're welcome to join us and share you stories.

keri