At the start of 2024, I couldn’t have imagined how far I would come. Any workout I attempted sent me into a POTS or CVS flare, and running felt completely out of reach. But in October, with guidance from my functional medicine practitioner, I began taking small, manageable steps. I started with 30-minute walks, jogging for just 15 seconds at a time when I felt up to it. By the end of that month, I ran my first full mile in 16:54—something I never thought possible. November was about moving my body and building consistency. I started taking Sebastian on runs with me, not following a plan, just enjoying the process. We covered 22.23 miles that month, and for the first time, running felt like something I could actually enjoy. December brought milestones I didn’t see coming. I ran my first 5K in 40 minutes during the first week, then surprised myself on Christmas by running 5 miles. To finish the year strong, I ran my fastest mile at 10:49, a time I would have laughed at if you’d told me about it back in January. In the last three months of the year, I logged a total of 48.48 miles. This journey hasn’t just been about running, it’s transformed my health and confidence. After cutting out sugar and finding a routine that works for me, I’m down 30 pounds and wearing leggings a size smaller than I ever thought I would. But more importantly, I’ve proven to myself that I can do hard things, even when the odds feel stacked against me. Running has given me more than I expected: it’s given me a new sense of purpose, joy, and pride in myself. I never saw myself as a runner, but now I can’t imagine my life without it. Thank you all for following my journey, celebrating my wins, and sharing your own stories. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish in 2025. 💖
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