Bravery is...

Princess Half 2016 I went with a Merida inspired outfit. I didn’t used to be a Merida girl, but I’ve been all about celebrating bravery these days. My body keeps on pushing my well past my limits and I can’t count the times I’ve wanted to give up, but instead I keep moving forward.

I’m finding bravery in the strangest of places like on the 2 hour drive to the hospital to see a specialist, in my 4th trip to the pharmacy that week, in the waiting room of my doctor’s office, and in now having to use 8 needles on infusion days instead of the 4 I used to use.

I face my fears and through the tears, I’m not letting these illnesses win. Some days I may feel like they’re winning then I look back at all I’ve done, all I’ve overcome and realize that I can keep doing this. Just like Princess Half 2016 was the first ever year for Team No Lupus which wouldn’t have been created if it wasn’t for my persistence.

I helped them and showed them the ways and wouldn’t let this go. Eventually they relented and Team No Lupus was created! We may have been a small group, but we were a mighty group. I can’t believe we’ve raised over $5,000. I love that this is something we can continue in the future and it’s not just going to end when Princess half ended.

Princess half once again stole my heart and I will keep doing this race. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate bravery and courage. Plus I have to hope for another PR next year! This year I was 46 minutes faster than last year so who knows what next year will have in store.

Two weeks later I did a 10k and had another PR. After that race I had my first ever allergic reaction to kiwi. Following that I’ve learned I have a latex allergy and need to avoid kiwi and bananas as well. I also need to carry an EpiPen as if my first reaction wasn’t scary enough, my next reaction could be much more severe.

Never a dull moment and my body keeps on throwing challenges at me. I dig deep to find that bravery and say challenge accepted.