I am not a runner, but I love to walk and participate in an active lifestyle. Up until I moved to Florida I kept busy hiking, camping, kayaking, biking and just plain getting around the city and climbing the stairs to my fourth-floor walkup (I didn't have a driver's license until after I moved south!). Unfortunately, not long after moving to Florida I began to experience serious issues with my immune system. My activity levels dropped off, and the pounds piled on while I struggled with diagnosis and treatment. Things improved briefly, and I became involved in 5ks (mostly walking) through Kitzzy and even got my husband involved. It was an exciting accomplishment, but unfortunately additional complications arose when I developed Rheumatoid Arthritis, which has severely limited my ability to participate in most exercises or strenuous activities.Now I am slowly improving, have excellent doctors, and have just completed four months of physical therapy which has paved the way for me to become active again. We recently bought (and assembled ourselves!) an elliptical machine and I am slowly building up my stamina again. I look forward to walking in this 5k and training with my friends and co-workers. I am learning to manage my health and exercise better despite my immune and chronic pain conditions, and I'm determined to not let it stop me from doing the things I enjoy.
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