How I Overcame an Autoimmune Disease to Achieve My Marathon Dream
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Chapter 1: My Health Journey
For the majority of my life, I considered myself to be quite fit and healthy. Sure, there were moments when I exercised less or indulged in less healthy foods, but those instances were rare. At 16, I battled anorexia, but through hard work, I managed to regain my weight, build muscle, and adopt a balanced diet, ultimately making healthy eating a source of pride by the time I turned 21. Physical fitness became an integral part of who I was. However, I soon learned that true health extends beyond just diet and exercise.
In 2017, at the age of 30, I began experiencing alarming changes in my body. Weight gain became a mystery, fatigue set in, and my muscles felt weak. Cognitive tasks that used to take minutes now consumed hours, and my monthly cycles had become erratic. Digestive issues added to my concerns, leading me to suspect something was seriously wrong.
I consulted a doctor about Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder that hampers energy production. After researching the symptoms, I felt a connection and hoped for a diagnosis, believing it would pave the way for a recovery plan. Unfortunately, my tests came back negative, and the doctor found no deficiencies in my diet. Defeated, I reluctantly accepted her assessment that I was fine.
Yet my condition continued to deteriorate. By 2018, I reached my lowest point. I experienced hair loss, unexplained weight gain despite eating less, and muscle weakness that left me struggling to get out of bed. Chronic pain plagued my joints, and post-exercise, I felt more agony than euphoria. My monthly cycles returned with brutal PMS, and my mental health had spiraled downwards; I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, alongside symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).
With minimal work and the support of my family, I dove deep into researching my symptoms. With Hashimoto's ruled out, I self-diagnosed fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, and gut dysbiosis, losing faith in the medical community and steering clear of doctors. I feared being prescribed medications that might worsen my situation or being labeled as crazy.
Over the next two years, I explored every avenue to regain control. I tried a ketogenic diet, cut out gluten and dairy, but these changes yielded little improvement. My primary income came from a small wine label, but after a grueling vintage in 2019, I opted out of producing in 2020.
Lost and fearful of my new reality, I stumbled upon research regarding the vagus nerve and its potential benefits for inflammatory conditions. I recognized that inflammation played a significant role in my health, so I began implementing various strategies—interval training, spending time outdoors, and even cold plunging in the ocean—all of which provided some relief.
However, the most profound change came from deepening connections with family and friends. Moving back in with my parents in late 2018 opened the door to vulnerability. Despite our struggles with communication about tough topics, sharing my experiences brought us closer. I discovered that the relationships I had were often superficial, not due to a lack of care but from my inability to express myself authentically. As I shared my pain and past traumas, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and some of my physical symptoms began to fade.
After two years of searching, I finally received a diagnosis—not from a concerned doctor, but through my own persistence. By mid-2020, I felt a significant improvement but suspected Hashimoto's was still a factor. Armed with knowledge, I sought out a new doctor and insisted on comprehensive testing. While the initial results came back normal, I refused to accept this conclusion and ordered a full thyroid panel myself, finally confirming I had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
The day I received my results was emotional; I feared a life of medication and fertility challenges. An ultrasound later revealed scarring on my thyroid, intensifying my anxiety about cancer. The next doctor, who confirmed my diagnosis, suggested managing the condition without medication due to my improvements. Exhausted and desperate, I initially craved a quick solution but later discovered the potential long-term side effects of medication. Research indicated Hashimoto's could be influenced by environmental factors, inspiring me to believe in the possibility of reversing my condition.
Since 2020, I dedicated myself to understanding the immune system's relationship with stress, diet, and exercise. A career shift further fueled my knowledge, empowering me to help others facing similar challenges. Genetic testing revealed predispositions to illness, yet each piece of knowledge I gained became a stepping stone toward recovery. Last year, I officially entered remission, and my thyroid scarring became undetectable.
At the start of this year, I learned about a new running festival in my hometown. Feeling revitalized, I impulsively signed up for the full marathon—something I had long wished to achieve. Despite my doubts and less-than-ideal preparation, I began training only four months in advance. An injury forced me to shift my focus to gym cardio, and my busy schedule left little room for rest.
On April 28, 2024, I participated in the Ballarat marathon. I completed the first half in 1 hour and 48 minutes, but the second half proved challenging. I crossed the finish line at 4 hours and 2 minutes, far from my initial goal, yet proud to have completed the race against all odds.
My journey exemplifies the power of self-belief and commitment. I am fortunate to have a loving partner and a supportive community behind me. The event was wonderfully organized, with local crowds cheering us on, but ultimately, it was my determination that propelled me through those miles.
I share my story to inspire others battling autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses, whether diagnosed or not. Many have been told by healthcare professionals that they are powerless to change their conditions. I want you to know that I am not extraordinary; I have my share of struggles. My journey has had ups and downs, but if I can overcome these obstacles, so can you. With belief in yourself and consistent small steps, you can reach your goals. Don’t surrender to negativity or accept defeat—pursue your dreams relentlessly.
After the marathon, I was so sore that my partner had to help me from the car to the house and into a salt bath. It took two days before I could descend the stairs without struggling. Yet, without hesitation, I would do it all over again. This experience has shown me that I am capable of far more than I ever imagined. This chapter isn’t the end of my story; it’s merely the beginning.