2nd Time Ever Running 9 Miles: Proof You Can Do Hard Things!!!!
- uniquelymeandlovin
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 17
"This was my second time ever running 9 miles in one workout, and let me tell you, it was tough. Increasing distance is always a challenge in endurance running, but I did it! This video takes you on the journey with me—an Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patient who has undergone seven spinal surgeries, including four fusions. I am walking, running, and living proof that you can do hard things!
I’m also living proof that our brains often set our limitations! When we retrain our minds, we can change our outcomes and achieve so much more than we thought possible! I want to inspire anyone out there, whether you have a chronic illness, spinal fusions, hip or knee replacements, SI joint fusions, or if you're healthy but seeking motivation, to get moving.
Choose an activity you love and make it part of your daily routine.
The saying “move it or lose it” couldn’t be more true, especially with AS and as we age. I wish someone had been as direct with me when I first got sick as I’m about to be with you. No excuses—get up and do it! Yes, I know you’re in pain, but trust me, once you lose mobility in the areas that hurt, the pain becomes even worse. For AS patients, moving through the pain might feel counterintuitive, but it’s necessary. I can promise you that you’ll feel so much better once you start moving regularly. I didn’t take my doctors seriously when they told me movement was key because I thought they couldn’t possibly understand how much I hurt—but I was wrong, and they were right!
To my incredible care team, I owe you everything. Dr. Ploska with Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute, thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone and truly caring about improving my quality of life. I’ll forever be grateful, not just for my life but for the ability to live it fully. To my rheumatologists, Dr. Hayes and Dr. Kimberley Wilson, thank you for tirelessly advocating for the best biologics and personalizing my care plan. The biological medication is such a crucial part of my treatment and my success—it’s made all the difference.
If you’re hesitant about starting biologics, take this as your sign. In most cases, the benefits far outweigh the risks. If you’re wondering whether you can push past your limits, the answer is yes—you absolutely can. Get up, get moving, and rewrite what’s possible for yourself!
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