Glimpses

“When you’ve been sick for so long, you forget what it feels like to be healthy.”

Wise words from my friend Jess, who also happens to have Crohn’s-Colitis, the disease of digestive underachievers everywhere.

Back in May, when I was in “Desperately Seeking Doctor” mode, Jess called me to help me out with my quest for a new doctor and my miracle drug (still searching for that second one). When some people offer advice regarding this disease, I’m completely unreceptive. Unless you’ve been in my exact situation, I just don’t want your “genius tips.” Thank you for trying, but also no thank you.

Jess, however, gets it.

We met back in 2009, when we had both signed up for our first half marathons — Napa to Sonoma — with Team Challenge, and she was the first and only person I ever knew who had been diagnosed with both Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis. Way to go, Jess!

That's Jess on the far left. I'm the shorty next to her. I'm not actually short. I just happen to be standing in between some lovely giants.
That’s Jess on the far left. I’m the shorty next to her. I’m not actually short. I just happen to be standing in between some lovely giants.

My point: What Jess said to me on the phone back in May really stuck with me.

I have been sick for so long that I’m having a hard time remembering what my “normal” life is like. Since January, my days have revolved around trips to the bathroom, visits to the doctor, pills, IVs, steroids, tears, more trips to the bathroom, medical bills, missed days at work, ruined vacations, missed vacations, ruined runs, missed runs, missed races and essentially watching my life and the things I love slip away.

Plus more trips to the bathroom. And more medical bills. And thus more tears.

This is my life. Twice a week. My veins are starting to develop scar tissue because they're being over-used. I'm told that's a bad thing.
This is my life. Twice a week. My veins are starting to develop scar tissue because they’re being over-used. I’m told that’s a bad thing.

Lately, though, I’ve gotten a few glimpses of what my former life used to be like, and I must say, it’s been kind of amazing.

Last weekend, Brian and I went to Bob’s Discount Furniture to finally buy a new couch — something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

Old couch = leather, ugly and covered in dried boogers. Minus the boogers part. Maybe.
Old couch = leather, ugly and covered in dried boogers. Minus the boogers part. Maybe.

I hated our previous couch. I spent entire days laying on that couch, with chills and then sweating as my fever broke. I spent nights sleeping on the couch so I wouldn’t wake Brian with my every-five-minute bathroom trips. I never got off the couch except to use the bathroom, and eventually I associated the couch — “The Crohn’s Couch” — with being sick. I couldn’t wait to get rid of it.

In this photo, Brian is a little mad because we had dragged out couch out of the apartment, but then the doorman told us it was too early to leave it out on the street. So we had to bring it back in. Also something about me "not helping." I thought documenting the couch removal process was more helpful than helping lift, though. PIVOT!!!
In this photo, Brian is a little mad because we had dragged our couch out of the apartment, but then the doorman told us it was too early to leave it out on the street. So we had to bring it back in. Also something about me “not helping.” I thought documenting the couch removal process was more helpful than helping lift, though. PIVOT!!!
Today's WOD: Push couch up hill. AMRAP. Kipping squat cleans and jerks. Crossfit speak is FASCINATING. Just kidding. It's not. But yeah, I pushed this couch. Where was Brian, you ask? Taking photos. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP, BIG BRI.
Today’s WOD: Push couch up hill. AMRAP. Kipping squat cleans and jerks. Crossfit speak is FASCINATING. Just kidding. It’s not. But yeah, I pushed this couch. Where was Brian, you ask? Taking photos. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP, BIG BRI.

We also bought a new friend for our apartment. I love him and he brings joy to my life every day.

I shall call him Selena Gomez.
I shall call him Selena Gomez.

After we got our new couch (yay!!!), we decided to go out to dinner — another thing I refused to do for a long time because I couldn’t leave the apartment. As we crossed the street to get to the restaurant, we held hands and we were laughing and I just remember thinking, “This is what my life used to be like.” It was like this miraculous glimpse — a wake-up call — and a reminder of what things could get back to when…if…my disease ever goes into remission.

And now we have a new couch, and it doesn’t remind me of Crohn’s or fevers or misery. I want to sit on it forever.

The corner seat is the best seat. I call lifetime dibs on it.
The corner seat is the best seat. I call lifetime dibs on it.

There have been other glimpses of a return to what I think “normalcy” is like…

Look at me, out and about and unshowered! That's Kristan on my right. We'll talk more about her in a little bit.
Look at me, out and about and unshowered! That’s Kristan on my right. We’ll talk more about her in a little bit.

I’ve gone to work events. Summer is a busy time for dancers, and while I’m still technically on medical leave, I have forced myself into a fancy dress a few times to go support my favorite dancers.

I'd buy a fancy bag to go with my fancy dress, but I have run out of money. Soooo...Mom? Dad? Brian? Is there a Financial Aid department at Bloomingdale's that can help me out?
I’d buy a fancy bag to go with my fancy dress, but I have run out of money. Soooo…Mom? Dad? Brian? Is there a Financial Aid department at Bloomingdale’s that can help me out?

I’ve done the dishes, swept the floors and done some serious dusting. I hated that when I was at my sickness peak, I was home all day but the apartment was a devastating mess. Brian and I even did something I swore I would never do: We hired a cleaning service. And the worst part was that when the cleaning people came, I would be sitting on the couch while they worked. I was too sick, too exhausted and too useless to be able to clean, and I hated that someone else had to do it for us. Now I’m back in control of the Lysol Wipes and it’s wonderfully empowering.

DON'T JUDGE ME, but this was what I discovered when we removed the old couch. There was enough food under there to feed two Tylers.
DON’T JUDGE ME, but this was what I discovered when we removed the old couch. There was enough food under there to feed two Tylers.

I’ve gone for walks and made pit stops to ride rides. Yeah, that happened.

Kristan takes the train into the city so she can take walks with me. That's a great friend. The other day, we stumbled upon a little amusement park situation in Central Park. We ventured in, paid up and hopped on. Since the rides are made for children, they were slightly uncomfortable and made me dizzy and a little sick. It's OK though, because I kept the Crohn's in!
Kristan takes the train into the city so she can take walks with me. That’s a great friend. The other day, we stumbled upon a little amusement park situation in Central Park. We ventured in, paid up and hopped on. Since the rides are made for children, they were slightly uncomfortable and made me dizzy and a little sick. It’s OK though, because I kept the Crohn’s in!
This is Kristan and me on The Kite Rider. I found this ride to be quite boring. Kristan got to sit in the front of the kite because she embodies the take-charge attitude one needs to drive the kite. I sat in the back because I'm lazy and was looking to avoid responsibility.
This is Kristan and me on The Kite Rider. I found this ride to be quite boring. Kristan got to sit in the front of the kite because she embodies the take-charge attitude one needs to drive the kite. I sat in the back because I’m lazy and was looking to avoid responsibility.

I’ve gotten back on my bike!!! Cycling is so much gentler on my stomach than running. I’ve taken the Lexa out a few times in the past two weeks and I’ve remembered how much I love clipping in and pedaling my way around Central Park. I even tried to get Brian to sign up for another century ride with me, but it’s a month away and he suggested that’s “not a good idea.” At least it shows my return to optimism and positivity? Or sheer delusion…

Sweaty Selfie! I realize my statute of limitations is just about up on these. I promise to stop soon. I also sort of forget what statute of limitations actually means, but I feel like I used it correctly.
Sweaty Selfie! I realize my statute of limitations is just about up on these. I promise to stop soon. I also sort of forget what statute of limitations actually means, but I feel like I used it correctly.

The doctors love giving me drugs, and they think that each dose of whatever is going to aid me on the road to recovery. But I think they’re wrong. I think the real medicine I’ve needed is a little bit of laughter, a hefty dose of fresh air and a perfect escape from New York City.

Last Thursday night, I ventured out of the apartment to watch my friends compete in their Dizzy Bat competition in Central Park.

Crazy kids.
Crazy kids.

I loved being out, I loved seeing people I haven’t seen in so long and, best of all, I loved laughing harder than I can remember laughing all year. It just felt so good.

Glamour shot! Just me and my thighs. Photo credit to the sneaky little Erica Sara.
Glamour shot! Just me and my thighs. Photo credit to the sneaky little Erica Sara.

As they wrapped up their dizzy batting and headed to the bar, I decided to walk around the park.

I happened to be wearing new running shoes I ordered months ago and hadn’t taken out of the box. They paired well with the giant goofy grin I was wearing.

Look at these beauties!
Look at these beauties!

When I found myself at Engineers’ Gate facing south, I decided to turn my walk into a run.

I ran to Cleopatra’s Needle, and then down Cat Hill. I turned right onto the 72nd Street Transverse and saw my long-lost friend Lindsay. I kept running, goofy grin firmly in place. I ran a full lower loop of the park, and when I faced Cat Hill again — this time from the bottom of the hill — I kept running.

Meooooow!
Meooooow! Fun fact: All the runners I know call this hill Cat Hill. But cyclists apparently refer to it as “Cat’s Paw.” Isn’t that interesting? I KNOW, IT REALLY IS!

Soon I was back at Engineers’ Gate.

I had run a full lower loop of the park and back without stopping.

I visited Bernie’s Bench to tell him all about my run, and then I ran home.

I ran 4.42 miles.

I used zero bathrooms along the way.

Last one. I swear. For now. I HAVE CROHN'S, LET ME DO WHAT I WANT.
Last one. I swear. For now. I HAVE CROHN’S, LET ME DO WHAT I WANT.

On Friday, I hopped on board the Seastreak ferry bound for New Jersey.

Enya.
Enya.

I spent the weekend in a state of ultimate relaxation at my friends Kristan and Will’s beach house. We beached, we pooled, we (I) napped furiously and we went to a concert on the beach.

Oh Jersey. You're crazy.
Oh Jersey. You’re crazy.

Best of all?

We ran.

On Saturday morning, Kristan took me to a trail that has a name that I can’t remember.

Kristan is a 2:53 debut marathoner. We did not run together.

I ran mostly alone, with the company of my buddy Steve for the last mile or so.

I had to make two bathroom stops, which I wasn’t thrilled about. It was a hot morning and I felt dehydrated.

But that goofy grin was back and I couldn’t seem to wipe it away.

It was there during my first mile.

And it was there when I finished my sixth mile.

A few weeks ago, I ran for the first time since getting sick. I ran 1.57 miles around the Reservoir, and my average pace was somewhere around an 11:45-minute-mile.

That lady is wearing a jacket. When the heck did I take this photo??
That lady is wearing a jacket. When the heck did I take this photo??

One week later, I tried to run around the Reservoir again and failed miserably.

One day later, I tried again and failed. Again.

I think the Reservoir is the #1 reason I can't bring myself to leave NYC.
I think the Reservoir is the #1 reason I can’t bring myself to leave NYC.

I was heartbroken, frustrated and convinced I would never be strong enough to run like I used to.

Last week, I decided I definitely would not be running the Wineglass Marathon in October. I’m absolutely fine with that decision. After all, I’m still registered for another kind of big race in November.

Just 26.2 miles from Central Park...
Just 26.2 miles from Central Park…

Then, on Saturday, July 20, I ran six miles.

I ran six perfect miles with good friends waiting for me in the parking lot when I was done.

I proceeded to spend the entire day bragging about my 9-minute-miles. Kristan was impressed I bet.
I proceeded to spend the entire day bragging about my 9-minute-miles. Kristan was impressed I bet.

I ran six miles in just under 54 minutes.*

Don’t call it a comeback. Not yet.

I'll use you someday soon...
I’ll use you someday soon…

Just call it a glimpse of something really, really good.

*No, I’m not running with a watch. No, I’m not running for time. No, I don’t actually care about my paces. I had the MapMyRun app running on my phone to keep track of my distance, but didn’t check the time or pace until I was done. I don’t have a training plan or a goal or anything in mind other than “run when you can and enjoy it.” Relax. I’ll do the same. Go team!

Ali

Ali

54 Responses

  1. These are some HAPPY HAPPY glimpses my friend!! And I do believe I have that very couch in our newly donned ‘man room’ (my old couch) – super comfy 😉

  2. I love that couch and this post and your Friends reference. (That is one of my all-time favorite Ross moments; it may only be trumped by his leather pants…) Sounds like things are looking up! You’re such an inspiration 🙂

  3. Glad that something is finally working to help you feel marginally better physically – which then allows the working out to help with the mental part. 🙂

    Obviously there’s still a lot in front of you – but hopefully the majority of sick days on the couch are now BEHIND you, and you can ring this couch in with popcorn & movies with Selena, FaceTime with your fave kiddo (who somehow managed not to make it into this post ?!?!), and ZERO night sweats. Here’s to hoping!

  4. I know you aren’t back to where you want to be, health wise, but I’m SO happy to hear you’re at least enjoying things a little more than you have been. I’ll keep crossing my fingers and toes that it only goes up from here!

  5. Rock that goofy grin! You’ve more then earned it!!! When I’m having a bad/sweaty/hot/humid run, I think of you and I’m just happy to be out running!!! Thank you for giving me some perspective. I have NO DOUBT you will be up and running regularly in no time!!!

  6. You don’t know me… but I’m so happy to read that. 🙂

    It’s funny how reading about a complete stranger on the internet can make you care that much.

  7. As soon as I saw the couch I thought, ‘she better say PIVOT!! somewhere in this post’ haha. That episode was on the other day and I made John watch it not sure he appreciated it as much as we do.

    So glad you are feeling even a little bit better and getting even just a little bit of normalcy! I think about you every day hoping you are feeling better! (I even had a dream about you last night haha, and no, you weren’t sick in my dream, we were chilling in NH, that’s all I remember). Phone date soon please. Miss you tons! Keep on gettibg better!

  8. Ali,
    I am near tears reading this. Nothing but positive thoughts that you will continue to heal! Thank you for sharing. I know you have to be helping others that are down, regardless of the reasons.

  9. wheee!!!!!!!! happy for ya! (well, not the vein scar tissue, but the running, couch, giraffe situation). Also, thank you for the “PIVOT” friends reference.

  10. I’m glad that you are finding some relief and are able to laugh again!! I look forward to reading your blog posts, so hopefully you will be able to write more happy posts 🙂 There is a half marathon in Vegas on November 17th for CCFA…maybe if you’re up for it???

  11. NOW COME TO VERMONT!!

    Sorry, I’m just all-caps level of excited about the fact that you’re slowly starting to feel better. I just need you to come up here and visit…otherwise I’m showing up at your apartment, claiming the corner seat of your new fabulous couch and refusing to leave until you agree to come north with me.

  12. I just have to say your positivity through this all shines through and is amazing. Reading what you are battling through makes me feel like a brat complaining about having an off week of running last week. Hoping this is a road to feeling better and better!

  13. 1. I have always wanted an “L” couch and I am SUPREMELY jealous.
    2. Run if you want to. I don’t know why you even had to star that last part. People be crazy. RUN BECAUSE YOU LOVE IT AND FINALLY CAN!
    3. This blog post made me really happy.
    4. I don’t know why I commented in list form, but I know you like lists so…you’re welcome?
    5. I hope you keep feeling better! The end.

    1. I LOVE LISTS. Thank you for understanding my likes and dislikes and acting accordingly.

      I added the last part because when I mentioned my time/pace/distance ever-so-casually in a previous post, a few people said I shouldn’t be caring about my pace since I’m just coming back from being out for so long and blah blah all the blahs. So you know, just throwing the disclaimer up there like a slap in the face. Or something.

  14. We’ve never met in real life, but I woke up thinking about you today – not in that creeperish way, but because sometimes we just want to know that the pain others are in is subsiding. I am SO WOO-to-the-HOOOO happy for you! Smiling is great great stuff. Sorry you won’t be here for the Wineglass, but I’m still prepping and will be thinking of you. In the meantime, smile on!!!

  15. your last glimpses….the 6 miles and the VZ bridge…..I’m all fuhklempt….the same type of fuhklempt I felt yesterday morning as a 13 year old girl sang the national anthem at the kickoff of the Queens 10K. I am rootin’ for you and know that while Crohns may have won some of the battles you are FOR SURE going to win the war. I live in S.I. and that bridge is my weekend connection to my running group who I usually run with in either prospect or central park. The running friends that keep me together when I feel sad or overwhelmed. Oh and i’m also planning on participating in that big november event that starts at that bridge 😉 You heart sweat and I heart the VZ. And I heart that you are having glimpses. Now i’m going to grab a tissue and get back to my monday madness at the office. I think we should translate “may you have more glimpses to come” in Latin. Just so it will sound cool like Carpe Diem. =)

  16. I have been following your blog for a while, because I love your attitude and you make me laugh. This post made me smile because it’s amazing what good times with friends and conquering personal goals can do for one’s mood. It’s the little things that count (:

  17. So excited for you! And so excited you’re getting to enjoy the bright green Adrenalines! They’re my favorite. If anyone from Brooks is reading, never ever ever get rid of that color!

  18. I feel like a goddamn celebrity in this blog post! I’m so happy I could be there to facilitate some happy moments and see you feel healthy again. I really am seriously proud of your run, or else I wouldn’t have let you talk about it between beach naps. Hopefully many more great feeling days (with cupcakes) are ahead!

  19. So happy you are feeling better and I love your couch! We have a similar one and love it. One piece of advice, establish with Brian from day one that the corner seat is yours for all movies and TV marathons. We refer to the corner as “the sink hole” because you can comfortably sit there for hours.

  20. Yay, Ali! I think having a good couch can really change your life. And I can say this as an expert, as I spend many hours on my couch, snuggling with the cat and generally being a hermit. Also: PIVOT!

  21. Creepy Derek Jeter mask = cure for Crohn’s. I expect the Noble Prize for Science any day now… Glad things are looking up for you!

  22. This was a great post to start my Monday off with. So glad to hear the positives are starting to outweigh the negatives (at least in your writing – hopefully reflective of what’s to come sooner rather than later!).

  23. Really happy you’ve been able to run a little and are having a few glimpses at normal days. I hope you keep getting better!

  24. If it makes you feel any better, your Crohn’sy running pace is faster than my turtle runs. Congrats on the new couch and getting some much-needed run time in!

  25. This post made me so happy! Your beach weekend sounds like my idea of heaven. Really glad to hear you had so many great moments with friends and loved ones in the past several days 🙂

  26. The couch is super cute and looks very comfy – corner spot IS the best spot! I love reading happy(ier) updates from you – fingers still crossed you get more relief from your nasty disease! Congrats on your runs too…as in running not, oh you get what I meant! =)

  27. That’s wonderful! I am so happy for you. I love the PIVOT reference too. I think I’ve watched every episode of Friends at least 50 times. (Hmmm, my life may be a little sad.)

  28. Glad to hear you are running!
    Can you get a medi-port put in to get your infusions? I have terrible veins and have been having chemo since January and the port is a life saver.

  29. Ali I am so happy to read this post. You are way to wonderful and so full of joy to keep putting up with chrones crap. I know it’s been hard, and honestly I can only sympathize because I have never had to walk in your shoes before. I am glad you are on the road to recovery and getting to live again. So happy for you!

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about ali

I’m the creator of the Ali on the Run blog and the host of the Ali on the Run Show podcast. I’m also a freelance writer and editor, a race announcer, a runner and marathoner, a mom, and a huge fan of Peanut M&Ms, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (way better than the first one!), and reliving my glory days as a competition dancer in the early 2000s. I’m really happy you’re here.
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