You know that feeling? Your skins are on, earphones in, Garmin is set. You are off. Total peace, freedom and raw hard work. It is unlike anything else. I’m so grateful I have been able to experience it.

Living with an ‘invisible’ and rare disease like Ehlers danlos syndrome is not only painful, but frustrating and lonely. It’s hard to to trust your body and feel comfortable pushing it’s limits.   When I had two beautiful sons who also inherited Ehlers danlos syndrome it became evident I would have to change things.  My goal became to set a positive example and show them although our limitations, we also had endless possibilities.

EDS manifests itself mainly with soft fragile skin, hypermobile joints and ultimately fragile connective tissues throughout the body. Because of this I was pretty reserved in participating in sports as a child and young adult and watched from the sidelines.

I had become so fed up with feeling so helpless when my boys were in hospital that upon hearing of the RCH Run for the kids it became apparent I needed to be involved.

Race day arrived finally, training was complete and boy was that finish line sweet. Not only was I hooked on the charity aspect and positivity of Run for the kids, I had experienced the exclusive thrilling runners high. I describe it like the stress of years of hospital visits being lifted from my shoulders.

You know that old saying, Running is my therapy? , Hell yes. 3 half marathons later and i would say therapy is going well!

Recently I became aware of Body Positive Athlete Leah Gilbert. One of her philosophies states powerfully that all people should have the right and power to embrace athleticism no matter what size or disability. I’ve become passionate about educating and supporting others on valuing their own amazing self worth and endless athletic possibilities.

Self worth and acceptance is hard. It’s raw and in your face, but so liberating and powerful when you make yourself the promise to give it a go.

Try something you’ve always dreamt of, wished for or doubted you could do. I guarantee with the support & power of RMA you can do it. I dare you.

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Proud BPA & RMA’r
Carin McCoy