​Researchers have studied the strong connection between addiction and distance running, proving that many recovering addicts have a unique disposition for the sport. For many, one obsession is replaced by another (usually less destructive) one. The traits that can predispose a person to addiction can also produce fierce athletes. 

We hear less about runners who struggle with chronic pain. Of course, the cause of pain determines whether or not a chronic pain warrior is physically able to run without causing further damage. But those who continue to run through the pain, like those who have turned to running as an anti-drug, have a unique mindset and stamina that can lead to success in running and in life. 

But what about endurance athletes who already live in a chronic pain state? The jury is still out on this one. We know that activities like running increase feel-good hormones that can help reduce pain, but further research is needed to explore the relationship between chronic pain, endurance and performance.

As a runner who lives with chronic pain, I have my own theories. I think running appeals to me because it puts the ball back in my court. I didn’t choose chronic pain, but I can choose to run. And the pain associated with running is one that I can practice some control over with proper training, recovery and determination. That feeling of control, coupled with the mental fortitude required to run long distances with chronic pain, gives me a sense of power over my pain. 

Running isn’t an easy sport, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. But if you’re interested in giving it a try, keep in mind a few tips to start running as a chronic pain warrior:

​Your doctor can help you decide if running is safe for you and may be able to give you some recommendations based on your diagnosis and current fitness level.

​A general rule of thumb for beginner runners is to increase your weekly mileage no more than 10% each week. Runners with chronic pain should be especially mindful of this rule and give their bodies extra time to adapt. 

​Any running routine, from the low-mileage beginner plan to an elite training regimen, requires adequate rest and recovery. Take time to listen to your body and don’t ignore any unusual aches or pains. There’s nothing wrong with taking a day off!

Are you a runner with chronic pain? Share your tips in the comments!

Resources:
Effective Options for Runners with Chronic Pain
How Training Helps You Handle Pain
​Tips on Confronting & Managing Chronic Pain
Is It Safe to Run If You Have Chronic Pain?

​Whether you’re going back to school, back to work or staying home, fall is approaching – and with it, a new wardrobe! Shopping should be fun, but finding clothes that fit, look flattering and, most importantly, are comfortable is almost impossible when you’re facing the dreaded endo belly. 

​For those days when your stomach is especially bloated and sensitive, nothing beats a stretchy pair of maternity jeans or jeggings. I recently bought a new pair of a:glow™ maternity jeans with a full belly panel from Kohl’s and they’ve been a life-changer!

​Sweaters have always been a fall staple, but the chunky knit sweater trend has given new meaning to the word cozy. They’re perfect for chilly days and the best part? They look great with leggings or those maternity jeans!

​Besides adding a fun pop of color to an outfit, scarves can give the illusion of a bigger bust and a smaller waist. They draw the eyes up and away from your tummy. Plus, they can work as a mask in a pinch!

​Like scarves, push-up bras can provide the optical illusion of a smaller belly. I have one push-up bra that I reserve for tighter-fitting tops and dresses for just this reason. 

​Autumn is the time to rock those darker tones, and lucky for us, they’re slimming! I’m also a fan of patterned tops, which can help to hide a bulging stomach. 

​Mr. Rogers was onto something. Anything with an open front is a great disguise for a bloated belly. Plus, cardigans are an easy way to convert those summer dresses and blouses into chilly weather outfits.

​For those times when you really want to wear a tight-fitting dress or run a 10K with minimal discomfort, nothing beats high-rise compression underwear. Compression may not be for everyone, but I’ve found that it makes running more comfortable and minimizes bounce. 

​What are your favorite fall fashion tips for fighting endo? Share them with me in the comments!

​Today (Tuesday, May 12) is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) Awareness Day. While it’s been observed each year since 1993, it takes on new meaning in the age of Covid-19. As retail stores in my home state reopen and many people resume some semblance of their normal routines, the threat of M.E. has never been greater. On one hand, the survival rate of coronavirus patients is higher than some original estimates. On the other hand, those who have recovered face an increased risk of complications like M.E. and other post-viral fatigue syndromes. 

Recent studies suggest that as many as 10% of people who recover from the coronavirus could develop M.E. in the coming months. Yet funding for research to find a cure is almost nonexistent. Raising awareness and advocating for the millions of people who are affected by this debilitating disease is needed now more than ever. To find out how you can help to make a difference, visit the M.E. Action Network. And for those who are social distancing, here are four things you can do in the safety of your own home to learn more about M.E. and help raise awareness. 

​The Sundance award-winning documentary tells the stories of M.E. patients and their families.

​The author shares her diary chronicling her teenage years with M.E. She was able to capture her thoughts with voice-activated technology when she was living in the hospital and unable to write.

Artist Christina Baltais has created the Inner Landscapes collage series to bring visibility to the lives of people with M.E. 

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and this year it’s unfortunately been overshadowed by a global pandemic. But while we’re all hiding out from the coronavirus, we may as well take a few minutes to educate ourselves. ​

Q: First things first; what is endometriosis?
A: Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found in other areas of the body. 

Q: What is the most common symptom of endometriosis?
A: Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, but not everyone with endo experiences pain. Pain can be mild or debilitating, and the level of pain doesn’t necessarily reflect the stage or severity of the disease. Other common symptoms include heavy bleeding, digestive issues, infertility, inflammation and fatigue. 

Q: On average, how long does it take to get a diagnosis?
A: It takes an average of seven or more years to reach a diagnosis, but many women wait much longer for answers. A lack of awareness and the difficulty of diagnosing endo could be contributing factors. 

Q: True or false: the only cure for endometriosis is surgery.
A: False. There is no cure for endometriosis. Surgery is the only way to confirm an endo diagnosis and is a common treatment. But it doesn’t cure endometriosis.

Q: How common is endometriosis?
A: It’s estimated that at least 11% of women and girls have endometriosis. Despite how common it is, there continues to be a lack of awareness, delay in diagnosis and many myths surrounding the disease.

Q: True or false: the only place endometriosis has NOT been found is the spleen.
A: True. Endometriosis can be found anywhere in the body, including the brain, diaphragm and lungs. The spleen is the only organ endometriosis has not been shown to effect. 

To learn more about endometriosis and to find out how you can help raise awareness, visit https://www.endofound.org/.

References
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis
https://endometriosis.org/resources/articles/facts-about-endometriosis/

​Q: What inspired you to create the Woosah Warrior book?
A: As an artist living with epilepsy, brain fog, trouble concentrating and mood fluctuations have always made it difficult for me to keep up with other artists. Anxiety and overthinking often get the best of me, and I find it a struggle to finish personal creative projects that aren’t linked to my professional clients. In an effort to be creative without feeling overwhelmed, I turned to coloring books as a way to feed my creativity, ease anxiety and rest. 

I tried so many types of coloring books, but I never felt that they helped to accomplish my goals. The books were either too child-like and over-simplified or marketed to adults and contained extremely detailed illustrations. I found myself bored by the children’s coloring books and overwhelmed by the adult coloring books. (Brain fog is no joke, and sometimes the simplest task can feel like too much.)

In an effort to appease my wants and create something for the chronic illness community, I decided to create Woosah Warrior, which combines coloring pages with journaling questions to encourage you to dive a little deeper. I found while coloring children’s books, my mind would wander off; the journal pages provide gentle nudges to bring you back to the present. 

Q: Can you tell me a little about the process you went through in creating the book? 
A: This is my first dive into creating a book, so it was a bit of a bumpy road to get to the finished product. Procrastination due to fear of failure was an overarching theme throughout the process, but I did my best to work through it. I started by coming up with empowering messages for each coloring page and tweaking as needed.

Then, I thought about what type of graphics I wanted to create for each coloring page, and went through a brainstorming process for each page – deciding which style and graphics to move forward with before continuing on to create the journal pages. The journal pages were the easiest part for me to create because they correspond to the adjacent. The messages of empowerment set the tone and flow of my creation process, while keeping me inspired to finish the book.

​Q: How has your experience with epilepsy shaped your art?
A: Epilepsy has shaped my art in a few ways. The first being that I’m more cautious during my design process, meaning I do not include flashing imagery or lights that may trigger photosensitive seizures in some people with epilepsy. Secondly, I began creating clothing and accessory designs for epilepsy warriors, which was never even a thought prior to becoming an advocate for the epilepsy community.