Since my accident last November and then the TBI relapse and Chiari diagnosis in March this spring, my health has been my number one priority, as it always is.  But now, health doesn’t equal “staying fit” but rather rest, rest, and more rest.  The doctors have really put an emphasis on keeping my heart rate lower as I work my way back into running and stay alert for any signs or symptoms that come while I’m in the middle of activity.   It also takes about triple the time to recover physically, and nutritionally, I’ve had to switch some things around as I heal my brain and my gut with the addition of new medication.  It isn’t as simple as “go run, then refuel” anymore, sadly.  Ah, the days of when I thought training was so intense. – this is a whole new level of intense! 

While training looks VERY different, some things haven’t changed – like the way I use OS1st products.  With a full line of compression bracing and socks (for athletic performance and general wearability), there’s not a day that goes by that I’m not in some form or fashion still wearing OS1st. 

I’ve been spending way less time on my phone and screen, and more time with my nose in a book.  Often, it’s a nerdy science book about brains or the nervous system.

I’ve also discovered that I have a better chance of surviving movement on the trails than on the roads.  I can keep my gaze downward and not have spatial distractions.  When I’m on the open roads, cars zooming by really causes my periphery to FREAK OUT and my brain goes in flight or fight mode, and I basically end up with some form of migraine after the fact.  Those runs are dumb.  So, I’m just better off on the trail stick to the trail I know better. 

OS1st Crew socks are my favorite on the trails (and the splatter of mud makes me feel extra special), but some days, compression is just necessary.