The story of Diane Van Deren, who experienced a decade-long struggle with epileptic seizures and came back to find new purpose in running, ultimately becoming one of the world's best ultra distance runners.
I never comment but this hit so close to home. In 2000, when I was 50, I had an infection on the left side of my brain which resulted in a seizure. Spent a few days in ICU. Unfortunately, there was no official diagnosis or followup. 10 years later I realized something was not right. Apparently I had been having petit mal events. Also, I had no memory from those ten years. Got to a neurologist--got the right meds--life back to "normal". Depression about the lost decade, I needed something. Started running when I was 62. Could not have chosen better. In two years lost 45 pounds, went from a struggle to do one mile and then ran 6 half marathons. Just as important I dealt with my mental state successfully. Now 70, play tennis regularly and training for 5 k's after vaccine. Nothing compared to the story of Diane but running can be lifechanging.
.and I think I have problems! Coincidentally, my Dad also developed adult onset of epilepsy. I'm praying it is not hereditary. So far so good..I always maintain that running is therapy, the opportunity to get out and air out my head is something I crave. Now to stay injury free!!🙏👍🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Thanks for sharing- this hit home in several ways - my husband suffered a major head injury in 1991- we are still figuring it out. Five years ago, my son had a brain abscess and still wrestles with seizures and drugs he'd rather not take. I'm going to share this story with both of them. :)
Dang!!! I am amazed at what she has overcome & what she does! (Ultras sound SO hard!) Thanks for this Terrell! Hope you guys are well! Our school district here in Las Vegas is having everyone go back to school (staggering a week or so at a time) starting in March! I’m so happy & relieved!
What amazing story I can't believe she can do all this especially the long runs you go girl in your like my ham 61 now and I have problems in my life but nothing compared to your am so proud of you
I never comment but this hit so close to home. In 2000, when I was 50, I had an infection on the left side of my brain which resulted in a seizure. Spent a few days in ICU. Unfortunately, there was no official diagnosis or followup. 10 years later I realized something was not right. Apparently I had been having petit mal events. Also, I had no memory from those ten years. Got to a neurologist--got the right meds--life back to "normal". Depression about the lost decade, I needed something. Started running when I was 62. Could not have chosen better. In two years lost 45 pounds, went from a struggle to do one mile and then ran 6 half marathons. Just as important I dealt with my mental state successfully. Now 70, play tennis regularly and training for 5 k's after vaccine. Nothing compared to the story of Diane but running can be lifechanging.
Wow
.and I think I have problems! Coincidentally, my Dad also developed adult onset of epilepsy. I'm praying it is not hereditary. So far so good..I always maintain that running is therapy, the opportunity to get out and air out my head is something I crave. Now to stay injury free!!🙏👍🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Thanks for sharing- this hit home in several ways - my husband suffered a major head injury in 1991- we are still figuring it out. Five years ago, my son had a brain abscess and still wrestles with seizures and drugs he'd rather not take. I'm going to share this story with both of them. :)
Dang!!! I am amazed at what she has overcome & what she does! (Ultras sound SO hard!) Thanks for this Terrell! Hope you guys are well! Our school district here in Las Vegas is having everyone go back to school (staggering a week or so at a time) starting in March! I’m so happy & relieved!
What amazing story I can't believe she can do all this especially the long runs you go girl in your like my ham 61 now and I have problems in my life but nothing compared to your am so proud of you
Incredible story!
Absolutely amazing and inspiring story, thank you for sharing Terrell.
Wow! Her story really puts things into perspective. My hat is off to her.
Amazing story!