Own it. Recognize it. And be stronger because of it. 

2 days ago my little sidekick alerted me to a fibromyalgia flare up. The thing that I hate about it sometimes is that it flares up slowly. So for the past 2 days I’ve been in horrible pain. 

Since the OUC Half marathon I did last weekend, I’ve done a few miles here and there. But these past two days I’ve been wanting to just crawl into my bed and not move. 

For those that know me, you know that 8 out of 10 times, I deal with pain by running. The other 2 is with cupcakes. So today I went out for a run. For some reason, working out my muscles and bones kinks before the full on fibromyalgia flare up sometimes helps. I had already tried the Epsom salt bath and take daily medication. It was time to take the natural medicine. 

The first few steps always hurt because with fibro, it feels like your entire body is on fire and my joints hurts and feels like I’m fighting off the flu.

But I took off running and took a chance. You never know if you don’t try, right? I started running off on a trail where many people frequent. I felt like I was flying, and yes I had my ASICS gel-kayano on

There was a slight cool breeze and I was running with it. I was holding a steady 9:30 pace. Tears were streaming down my face, but not because it THAT cold but because I was in pain. Why keep running then right? Because it helps. Mentally and physically. It helps me maintain the mental strength I need to keep fighting against my chronic illnesses and by running, it somehow rids the pains of fibromyalgia if I catch it at the right time. Some young lady noticed my speed, my form, and my face. She stopped me and said “Are you ok?” I responded with “Yes I am, just fighting through fibromyalgia at the moment.” She asked what that was and was in shock by the way I made it look so effortlessly and flawless. 

She told me that if it wasn’t for my tears and grimace on my face, she would never know what I’m going through. She admired my strength and determination to keep going and keep fighting through my ailments. She was a beginner runner and was struggling herself and was admiring me from afar as I was running towards her on the trails. She told me that I gave her hope that for someone her age and weight still has a chance. 

Everyone has a chance to be what they want to be. It’s all a matter of believing you are bigger than your obstacles  and stronger to be who YOU want to be. I share my struggles, not because it helps me but because it helps others see that it IS possible. It won’t be easy and it takes a lot of work, but if you want it bad enough it will be the most extraordinary journey you’ll ever be on. And the reward will be priceless. Do it for you and you will be happy in the end. The reward will be the smile that YOU on your own face. Keep fighting through the battles and the tears, we all have them and ee all have the strength to get through it. Give yourself the credit. 

-gelcys