Comments on: Why I Run

By: Charles

Charles — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:12:48 +0000

Dennis,
I was very excited to read your story, you see, 2 years ago I came down with rheumatoid arthritis. I had been a long time distance runner but had pretty much taken a couple of years off due to having kids and was just starting back in when it happened. My knees swelled up, it felt like I was walking on rocks every morning when I got out of bed. I had to buy a cane to get around, when this first happens to you, you think running is the last thing you’ll be able to do. Plus, all the RA forums and the doctors seem to bring you down even more. After two years of this I just recently decided to turn my back on all these negative people and run again, it really feels good! I have been able to run 2 miles 2-3 times a week so far, I could go farther but I’m taking it slow as not to ruin it.
It’s really good to know that I’m not alone in thinking that this will help me more than it will hurt me and could actually prolong the disease’s effect of disabling me.
You have no idea what an emotional release this had on me, I’m not a guy that has tears come to his eyes very often but just the stress of dealing with this and being strong enough to say “no, I’m not going out that way”. Then hearing that it is possible for someone else and I’m not alone in thinking this is the way to overcome at least in some part is truly a relief. Thank you very much for posting your story. Run On!

By: Blaine Moore (Run to Win)

Blaine Moore (Run to Win) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 17:18:30 +0000

I wish that I had discovered Yoga in college, because I think that it would have gone a long way to preventing my injuries my junior and senior years.

The first time that I did yoga was a few days after a weight lifting session after taking some time off and I did too much too soon. One session of yoga, though, and the soreness was gone.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:38:05 +0000

@ Kelsey
I haven’t tried yoga, but several people have recommended it. Like most distance runners, I’m really inflexible anyway, so it probably would do me a lot of good. Thanks.

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 23:41:24 +0000

Hey, you ever tried yoga to help with the AS? It’s supposed to help keep your spine flexible. It’s good for balancing out what running does to your body too.
I really like your articles by the way.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:42:30 +0000

Thanks for all of the kind words everyone. I appreciate it.

By: Mark Iocchelli

Mark Iocchelli — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:19:28 +0000

You have no idea how much I identify with this. No, I don’t have what you have but I have suffered from debilitating back pain.

More people need to put themselves in a place where they can’t do the things they can today to appreciate what they have.

Total respect, Dennis.

By: stevie

stevie — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 22:12:52 +0000

Hearing stories like that keeps me going, and counting my blessings. A someone in the health care profession, I realize AS is a chronic condition. It is obvious to me that you have already beat it. Keep on running.

By: Anne

Anne — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 21:41:13 +0000

Wow, Dennis. After reading your ordeal, I promise not to whine about mine anymore. At least until next Tuesday.

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:19:11 +0000

That was truly inspirational, dennis. I agree wholeheartedly with Thomas. You’re one tough dude! Keep it up. Who knows, maybe you’ll beat this thing yet.

By: Robyn & Rachel

Robyn & Rachel — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:09:57 +0000

Amen! May every step continue to be one of defiance.

We’ve been getting a lot of the “why” questions lately too. Check out our answers at http://www.tritoendhomelessness.blogspot.com