As the final hours roll in of 2013, i have been reflecting on the last 12 months. This time last year i sat down and wrote out my goals, all of them - family, health/fitness and business goals, and hand on heart i am delighted as this past 12 months has seen me hit the majority of them which is a great return for my efforts in 2013.
I have been doing my blog now for over two years and in it I try and raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and also try and help people believe that little bit more, that with a plan, effort and the right attitude, absolutely anything is possible. I can tell you that in the past 12 months i have had over 7000 people read my blogs and i would like to thank all those who find them interesting and have sent me nice emails and words of encouragement in this timeframe - it really helps my mindset and desire to continue to challenge my MS situation and also drive forward with tenacity in terms of my business, health and fitness goals.
The birth of my son Conor Junior, was clearly the highlight of the last 12 months and its predominantly for family reasons that I will continue to work hard to make sure I am as healthy as I can be so I can continue to play a key role at home.
Another huge achievement for me this year was learning to swim properly and doing my first triathlon. I always wanted to compete in Triathlons, but the swimming part has always been a huge problem for me ever since I was a young boy and watched my first Jaws film. It had a very disturbing effect on my relationship with open water. Thankfully I fought my fear with my fear and In June and August this year I completed the Derry and Belfast Triathlons respectively and the feeling was absolutely tremendous. I have to admit I now have the bug and I will be competing in several triathlons this coming year and cant wait for them to start.
Christmas is my favourite time of year for different reasons, one being its the only time in a busy year that I actually get a few days to myself without the emails coming in, phones ringing and meeting requests etc. When I have some downtime I try and get stuck into a few good books to keep the mind sharp. A month ago I was reading an article in the Sunday Independent whereby Padraig Harrington was recommending some books to read. One was the Talent Code by Daniel Coyle and the other a book called Bounce by Matthew Syed. Both books are incredible reads and as we head into 2014 where the perfect tonic for me in terms of planning for the year ahead. Tomorrow I will sit down and write out my goals all over again for 2014, and I have to tell you, I intend to raise the bar again.
For me I am now absolutely convinced that exercise has played a fundamental role in me continuing to beat Multiple Sclerosis on a daily basis. I have been very fortunate this year in that I have had the opportunity to speak at a number of MS events that has taken me across Europe. Through my blogs and overall MS awareness campaign, I have had the pleasure to meet and connect with fellow MS'ers from across the world. I have to tell you that it is incredible the amount of people who are using exercise as one of their main weapons to fight Multiple Sclerosis. Can I also tell you that these findings are not restricted to MS (as you know), most people who are embraced in exercise live happier healthier lives - that's a medically accepted fact and my wish for 2014, is that all of us do take the opportunity to do more exercise. I speak a lot to different groups now, MS groups, schools, business events and the one thing I say to everyone is to try and encourage people to get fitter. Exercise is FREE and is crucial if you want to keep your body strong enabling it to fight illness and disease.
Health permitting, I hope to run a few marathons and a number of triathlons this year, and in the Summer of 2014 I hope to complete my first half Ironman. For those of you whom aren't too sure what a half Ironman is its a 1.2mile swim, 56mile bike ride and 13.1mile half marathon. I am excited even typing about it, so bring on 2014, and like always I will keep you abreast of my progress.
In closing thanks again for all your kind words and support in 2013 and I really look forward to raising the bar in 2014.
Happy New Year all and remember #Attitude Is Everything
Monday 30 December 2013
Sunday 22 December 2013
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
In the early hours of Friday morning the 20th December 2013, 59 year old Irish University lecturer and right to die advocate Marie Flemming passed away at her home by the side of her loving family. Marie had been suffering from the final stages of Multiple Sclerosis. She is now finally at peace after suffering greatly at the hands of MS - a terrible neurological condition, that would appear to be increasing in regularity across the world, especially in Ireland.
Earlier this year, Marie and her partner Tom Curran took on the Irish justice system as she was in so much pain and distress, she wanted her partner to be in a position to assist her to pass gracefully, However the courts ruled against this, and Marie had to suffer intensely for the remainder of the year. For months there was lots of media attention, the papers were full of so called experts both for and against assisted suicide. The television ran debates on the issue and it seemed at times that everyone had an opinion on this case and the whole issue of assisted suicide. The facts of the matter today is that now it doesn't really matter in relation to Marie and her family. MS has won the day and tonight Marie is in a much better place - at peace. I just hope that now her children Corrinna and Simon, stepson David, her two brothers, her sister, grandchildren and her partner Tom, get the space they deserve to grieve and moreso rejoice at Maries Life.
I myself have been fighting Multiple Sclerosis for over 7 years now and I have to say that I was watching Marie' case with real interest wondering what I would do if my own condition developed to such a tragic state. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Marie and her family to go through the judicial system with the hope only to gain permission to die gracefully. What it does do for me now is put life into perspective and although my mind continues to challenge me with all sorts of connotations around a life fighting MS, I plan to try and enjoy my health and be more grateful for my life's experiences to date, and get excited about the goals and challenges ahead.
Last month I was keynote speaker at an annual Multiple Sclerosis conference in Italy. I was the only MS patient who was invited to speak from Europe and my audience was over 500 neurologists, medics and researchers. The one common denominator in the room was that we all wanted a CURE for MS and the sooner the better. The experience was incredible and I can tell you that some very well respected neuros told me they expect to have a CURE for MS in the next 10/15 years. This is incredible and having spent some time with these guys I have no reason to doubt them.
Tonight I have just finished a book written by one of Ireland 's most inspirational sports men Mr Jim Stynes. The book is written in real time as Jim was fighting a very rapid form of Cancer. The book moved me and also helped me in terms of my mind-set and absolute drive to keep moving forward. He touched on something that I regularly speak about when I am talking to people about life and facing challenges - HOPE. He says ;
"The element of hope has to be the starting point of your journey. There is life after diagnosis, and it is crucial you live it with hope. It will improve your experience of life fighting the illness. You are more likely to find happiness and less likely to feel anxious. It will improve your chances of recovery". He then went on to quote the great Irish poet Seamus Heaney;
"Even if the hopes you started out with are dashed, hope has to be maintained".
As we approach Christmas, I am all too aware of the challenges facing people today. I have spent the last few years speaking to hundreds of people about there financial issues, that often lead to other challenges.
So on reflection, and for me the message this Christmas has to be one of hope - no matter how desperate your own challenge appears to be, never lose hope.
Have a happy peaceful Christmas all and thanks to everyone who has supported me through 2013, in particular my family.
Cd
#Attitude Is Everything
Earlier this year, Marie and her partner Tom Curran took on the Irish justice system as she was in so much pain and distress, she wanted her partner to be in a position to assist her to pass gracefully, However the courts ruled against this, and Marie had to suffer intensely for the remainder of the year. For months there was lots of media attention, the papers were full of so called experts both for and against assisted suicide. The television ran debates on the issue and it seemed at times that everyone had an opinion on this case and the whole issue of assisted suicide. The facts of the matter today is that now it doesn't really matter in relation to Marie and her family. MS has won the day and tonight Marie is in a much better place - at peace. I just hope that now her children Corrinna and Simon, stepson David, her two brothers, her sister, grandchildren and her partner Tom, get the space they deserve to grieve and moreso rejoice at Maries Life.
I myself have been fighting Multiple Sclerosis for over 7 years now and I have to say that I was watching Marie' case with real interest wondering what I would do if my own condition developed to such a tragic state. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Marie and her family to go through the judicial system with the hope only to gain permission to die gracefully. What it does do for me now is put life into perspective and although my mind continues to challenge me with all sorts of connotations around a life fighting MS, I plan to try and enjoy my health and be more grateful for my life's experiences to date, and get excited about the goals and challenges ahead.
Last month I was keynote speaker at an annual Multiple Sclerosis conference in Italy. I was the only MS patient who was invited to speak from Europe and my audience was over 500 neurologists, medics and researchers. The one common denominator in the room was that we all wanted a CURE for MS and the sooner the better. The experience was incredible and I can tell you that some very well respected neuros told me they expect to have a CURE for MS in the next 10/15 years. This is incredible and having spent some time with these guys I have no reason to doubt them.
Tonight I have just finished a book written by one of Ireland 's most inspirational sports men Mr Jim Stynes. The book is written in real time as Jim was fighting a very rapid form of Cancer. The book moved me and also helped me in terms of my mind-set and absolute drive to keep moving forward. He touched on something that I regularly speak about when I am talking to people about life and facing challenges - HOPE. He says ;
"The element of hope has to be the starting point of your journey. There is life after diagnosis, and it is crucial you live it with hope. It will improve your experience of life fighting the illness. You are more likely to find happiness and less likely to feel anxious. It will improve your chances of recovery". He then went on to quote the great Irish poet Seamus Heaney;
"Even if the hopes you started out with are dashed, hope has to be maintained".
As we approach Christmas, I am all too aware of the challenges facing people today. I have spent the last few years speaking to hundreds of people about there financial issues, that often lead to other challenges.
So on reflection, and for me the message this Christmas has to be one of hope - no matter how desperate your own challenge appears to be, never lose hope.
Have a happy peaceful Christmas all and thanks to everyone who has supported me through 2013, in particular my family.
Cd
#Attitude Is Everything
Friday 13 December 2013
2013 - Fitter and Stronger... Next Chapter ?
In 2013 I celebrated my 7th year of MS diagnosis - well I didn't really celebrate it, but I have been reflecting a lot over the past 12 months of what has been going on with my own life. In 2003 I graduated at University of Ulster with a Real Estate degree and 10 years later, come this Tuesday I have been asked to be keynote speaker at the South West Graduation in Omagh - a great privilege for me. To say the last 10 years has been eventful is an understatement. In those 10 years, I have crammed in many things including moving house four times, built a new house, got married, adopted two dogs, had two children and also got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis - and that's just the half of it.
As I reflect two weeks from Christmas, I am very grateful for the past twelve months and for lots of reasons I am really looking forward to 2014. Thankfully my health is good I am beating the MS currently as I rigidly stick to my three point plan 1)Medication 2)Diet & Exercise and a very 3) Positive Approach to your circumstances - I put this plan in place in 2010 and thankfully I have got stronger and stronger as each year has passed.
2013 was particularly good from an exercise point of view as I completed Dublin marathon, two triathlons, and an adventure race of 67km and ran over 500 miles of training runs - a pretty good bench mark and achievement for me. The plan for 2014, is to up the ante on my fitness goals and over Christmas I will be finalising my program. I hope to compete in a number of Triathlons next year and also around the Summer compete in my first half Iron Man. I am excited at the thought of raising the bar and also in the past week I have been accepted to run in the Berlin and New York marathons in September and November 2014. So I will be busy alright and if I am lucky enough to stay healthy then I will be able to reach the dizzy heights I will be setting for myself which will be fantastic.
I have found since I started setting goals in the past three years, all aspects of my life continue to improve. Everyone needs a plan so I would certainly encourage everyone to consider this and put their own plan into play. In January I will be launching my new website, which is looking great currently, and I will continue to blog throughout the year to keep you updated on my challenges, health and anything else that I am up to. I can also share with you that I have been asked to write another book in 2014, which I will be starting in the Spring - so all things being equal, 2014 should be a great year.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything
As I reflect two weeks from Christmas, I am very grateful for the past twelve months and for lots of reasons I am really looking forward to 2014. Thankfully my health is good I am beating the MS currently as I rigidly stick to my three point plan 1)Medication 2)Diet & Exercise and a very 3) Positive Approach to your circumstances - I put this plan in place in 2010 and thankfully I have got stronger and stronger as each year has passed.
2013 was particularly good from an exercise point of view as I completed Dublin marathon, two triathlons, and an adventure race of 67km and ran over 500 miles of training runs - a pretty good bench mark and achievement for me. The plan for 2014, is to up the ante on my fitness goals and over Christmas I will be finalising my program. I hope to compete in a number of Triathlons next year and also around the Summer compete in my first half Iron Man. I am excited at the thought of raising the bar and also in the past week I have been accepted to run in the Berlin and New York marathons in September and November 2014. So I will be busy alright and if I am lucky enough to stay healthy then I will be able to reach the dizzy heights I will be setting for myself which will be fantastic.
I have found since I started setting goals in the past three years, all aspects of my life continue to improve. Everyone needs a plan so I would certainly encourage everyone to consider this and put their own plan into play. In January I will be launching my new website, which is looking great currently, and I will continue to blog throughout the year to keep you updated on my challenges, health and anything else that I am up to. I can also share with you that I have been asked to write another book in 2014, which I will be starting in the Spring - so all things being equal, 2014 should be a great year.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything
Saturday 30 November 2013
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR MS COMMUNITY
On Thursday morning I flew out from Dublin to Milan and travelled by taxi to the beautiful little town of Bevano, magnificently set between the lakes and the snow filled mountains in the North West of Italy. I was invited to speak at the annual Charcot Conference on Multiple Sclerosis. That in itself was a great honour for me, but more interestingly out of over 30 speakers, I was the only MS patient who was in attendance as guest speaker.
On Thursday night I went out for pizza with a number of medics, researchers and neurologists and the conversation was fascinating. I watched intently as these super intelligent people discussed the latest in MS research, new drug trials and the disease in general. Their enthusiasm and intent was incredible and I got a real sense of calm and confidence as for the first time in my life, I appreciated how hard the medical world are working to improve the daily lives of people like myself.,
On Friday I was due to open the session at 12pm, followed by three of the top neurologists in Europe. I worked out it was a bit of a gamble putting me up but I was very confident I wouldn't let anyone down, and was looking forward to delivering my keynote. I shared my story with the room - over 350 medics, and then went on to raise some issues that the MS Community have and ask other questions that we really would like answers to. After the four of us had spoken we took our seats as a panel and the seminar was opened up to questions from the room. I seemed to be the one the crowd were interested in as I suppose I was the only patient, and I answered all the questions put to me.
I felt a real sense of responsibility for the first time in my life that I was in a very privileged position, able to ask questions of the medical profession and even better, in a position to take the answers back to the MS Community.
What I can say to everyone in the MS community post my trip is that for MS patients - the future would appear to be very bright. I am now extremely optimistic about the future and as one neurologist told me, he thinks they will have a cure for the disease within 10/15 years. I nearly fell of my chair when this chap shared his thoughts with me. There are also a range of new drugs coming out next year, and if they do what the neuros told me, then its fantastic news for MS'ers. I for one am looking forward to the introduction of laquinimod. It is the new tablet coming out hopefully next year that does everything Copaxone does, but is a lot better at fighting against longer term disability - incredible.
I learned also that it can cost over $350m to run a trial for a new drug with 1000 patients. The market for drugs in the world is in the region of $17BN per annum, so its a busy lucrative market and the pharma companies are putting their money where their mouths are, to try and beat this MS problem and improve the lives of us patients.
I appreciate that this news may not be comforting for some who are struggling with MS today. However my own initial thoughts when I got this information this week, was that at least if my children were unfortunate enough to contract MS, based on what is happening in the medicine world, it would appear that they will be in a completely different space regarding managing and beating the condition.... Incredible!!!
On Thursday night I went out for pizza with a number of medics, researchers and neurologists and the conversation was fascinating. I watched intently as these super intelligent people discussed the latest in MS research, new drug trials and the disease in general. Their enthusiasm and intent was incredible and I got a real sense of calm and confidence as for the first time in my life, I appreciated how hard the medical world are working to improve the daily lives of people like myself.,
On Friday I was due to open the session at 12pm, followed by three of the top neurologists in Europe. I worked out it was a bit of a gamble putting me up but I was very confident I wouldn't let anyone down, and was looking forward to delivering my keynote. I shared my story with the room - over 350 medics, and then went on to raise some issues that the MS Community have and ask other questions that we really would like answers to. After the four of us had spoken we took our seats as a panel and the seminar was opened up to questions from the room. I seemed to be the one the crowd were interested in as I suppose I was the only patient, and I answered all the questions put to me.
I felt a real sense of responsibility for the first time in my life that I was in a very privileged position, able to ask questions of the medical profession and even better, in a position to take the answers back to the MS Community.
What I can say to everyone in the MS community post my trip is that for MS patients - the future would appear to be very bright. I am now extremely optimistic about the future and as one neurologist told me, he thinks they will have a cure for the disease within 10/15 years. I nearly fell of my chair when this chap shared his thoughts with me. There are also a range of new drugs coming out next year, and if they do what the neuros told me, then its fantastic news for MS'ers. I for one am looking forward to the introduction of laquinimod. It is the new tablet coming out hopefully next year that does everything Copaxone does, but is a lot better at fighting against longer term disability - incredible.
I learned also that it can cost over $350m to run a trial for a new drug with 1000 patients. The market for drugs in the world is in the region of $17BN per annum, so its a busy lucrative market and the pharma companies are putting their money where their mouths are, to try and beat this MS problem and improve the lives of us patients.
I appreciate that this news may not be comforting for some who are struggling with MS today. However my own initial thoughts when I got this information this week, was that at least if my children were unfortunate enough to contract MS, based on what is happening in the medicine world, it would appear that they will be in a completely different space regarding managing and beating the condition.... Incredible!!!
Monday 28 October 2013
*** Thank you Dublin - Marathon no.3 ***
What a day today was. It started in the Fitzwilliam hotel at 7am for a nice breakfast in St Stephens Green. The hotel was buzzing with all the would be marathoners eating their porridge, toast, eggs and getting fuelled up for the challenge ahead. It was great to see a lot of children running around with smiles on their faces. I wasn't to know at that time but this set the template for the rest of the day.
At 8am my running buddy Gerard called for me and both of us headed over to the starting line for what was going to be my 3rd marathon in 3 years. As we mozied through the thousands of runners to take our position, I was feeling relatively calm, and looking forward to getting going. The starting gun sounded and off we went. Right from the start, the people from across the country and lots of Dubs in their thousands, lined the streets the whole of the 26.2 miles. For those of you who have ran a marathon before, the crowd is a very important element to keeping your spirits high and really driving you on when you are on the floor. Well fair play to them all, as they roared their hearts out and clapped us the whole route. The amount of children who watched on was incredible, many handing out sweets, drinks and oranges - remarkable effort.
The first 10 miles were good as we settled into 8.30 minute mile pace. G-Mo (as many know him) and I have been training together most of the year and it was superb to have him alongside me to keep me going. Every mile we ventured into the race we seemed to be passing more people like a hot knife through butter at one point ( sounds good) which was great for the mind set.
Mile 20 came and I started to get a little uncomfortable - in fact, I was busted and the wee green man on my shoulder was telling me to slow down, to stop and basically taking the piss out of me for even running at all. However the other boy on my other shoulder was telling me to drive on, put one foot in front of the other and to never give up. That's what I did. Mile 22 came and went and my legs were starting to ache, but we continued on with the run as we were very close to home.
Today I was hoping to achieve a new personal best as my last marathon in New York last year, was an unofficial 3.59minutes. At the rate we were moving we were on track to smash this, with only one problem, the pain was starting to intensify.... really intensify As I put the head down and banged the last of the six gels into me, I started to get a little dizzy, but there was absolutely no chance I was going to stop. However I was slowing a little and as we hit mile 24 we were now down to 9 minute miles and it was at that point I told G-Mo to go on and I would see him at the finish. Like the proper champ he is, he was having none of it, so I got my focus back, put one foot in front of the other, clenched my teeth and every other part of my body that was still alive and drove hard for home.
As we ran around the back of Trinity College the crowd were tremendous with their encouragement, lifted everyone of us and spiritually carried us all over the line, a few hundred metres up. It was over and at 3:53minutes, I had achieved a new personal best, which was a tremendous feeling for me.
Smiles everywhere, wrecked bodies everywhere, pain everywhere, but you know what - that's what life is about yeah. Challenging your mind set, challenging your bored chemistry, getting out of your comfort zone and raising the bar.
Well I did it and that is the last major challenge in the bag for 2013 - Its been a tough year in lots of ways but a great year in many more ways and physically, I am in the best shape of my life. MS has made me stronger and I am looking forward to working hard and building on the foundations I have set out for myself in 2014.
Finally I would like to thanks the organisers of the event today who had it down to a tee, and again the thousands of supporters who made today a very special day that 15000 of us runners will never forget.
Thank you very much!
Remember all - -- #Attitude Is Everything
At 8am my running buddy Gerard called for me and both of us headed over to the starting line for what was going to be my 3rd marathon in 3 years. As we mozied through the thousands of runners to take our position, I was feeling relatively calm, and looking forward to getting going. The starting gun sounded and off we went. Right from the start, the people from across the country and lots of Dubs in their thousands, lined the streets the whole of the 26.2 miles. For those of you who have ran a marathon before, the crowd is a very important element to keeping your spirits high and really driving you on when you are on the floor. Well fair play to them all, as they roared their hearts out and clapped us the whole route. The amount of children who watched on was incredible, many handing out sweets, drinks and oranges - remarkable effort.
The first 10 miles were good as we settled into 8.30 minute mile pace. G-Mo (as many know him) and I have been training together most of the year and it was superb to have him alongside me to keep me going. Every mile we ventured into the race we seemed to be passing more people like a hot knife through butter at one point ( sounds good) which was great for the mind set.
Mile 20 came and I started to get a little uncomfortable - in fact, I was busted and the wee green man on my shoulder was telling me to slow down, to stop and basically taking the piss out of me for even running at all. However the other boy on my other shoulder was telling me to drive on, put one foot in front of the other and to never give up. That's what I did. Mile 22 came and went and my legs were starting to ache, but we continued on with the run as we were very close to home.
Today I was hoping to achieve a new personal best as my last marathon in New York last year, was an unofficial 3.59minutes. At the rate we were moving we were on track to smash this, with only one problem, the pain was starting to intensify.... really intensify As I put the head down and banged the last of the six gels into me, I started to get a little dizzy, but there was absolutely no chance I was going to stop. However I was slowing a little and as we hit mile 24 we were now down to 9 minute miles and it was at that point I told G-Mo to go on and I would see him at the finish. Like the proper champ he is, he was having none of it, so I got my focus back, put one foot in front of the other, clenched my teeth and every other part of my body that was still alive and drove hard for home.
As we ran around the back of Trinity College the crowd were tremendous with their encouragement, lifted everyone of us and spiritually carried us all over the line, a few hundred metres up. It was over and at 3:53minutes, I had achieved a new personal best, which was a tremendous feeling for me.
Smiles everywhere, wrecked bodies everywhere, pain everywhere, but you know what - that's what life is about yeah. Challenging your mind set, challenging your bored chemistry, getting out of your comfort zone and raising the bar.
Well I did it and that is the last major challenge in the bag for 2013 - Its been a tough year in lots of ways but a great year in many more ways and physically, I am in the best shape of my life. MS has made me stronger and I am looking forward to working hard and building on the foundations I have set out for myself in 2014.
Finally I would like to thanks the organisers of the event today who had it down to a tee, and again the thousands of supporters who made today a very special day that 15000 of us runners will never forget.
Thank you very much!
Remember all - -- #Attitude Is Everything
Sunday 27 October 2013
Dublin Marathon 2013 - Here we go....
This time tomorrow I will be an hour into my 3rd marathon in 3 years, and I am really looking forward to it at this stage. Running a marathon is a terrific challenge to set yourself, and the benefits you get from committing to a challenge of this nature are huge from a health and welling perspective.
It requires huge discipline for starters, as if you do not put the work in you wont be able to complete the race. A bit like life ey, if you don't work hard then you will not get as good a return.
From a mental point of view, especially for all virgin marathoners, its a fantastic achievement and an exhilarating feeling to cross the finish line after your first 26.2 miles - a tremendous effort.
In 2011 I ran Belfast marathon and on crossing the finish line, it was one of the greatest feelings of my life. Everyone has their own reasons for doing challenges, and for me in 2011 it was to prove to myself that even with Multiple Sclerosis, I can still challenge my body and be competitive. Getting my medal gave me huge confidence in myself, which set the foundations at that time for me to embrace a new more positive approach to my condition and also my life in general.
This year I have completed a number of firsts, my first 67km adventure race in Donegal (brutal) my first triathlons (Derry & Belfast) and welcoming my first son into the world - by far the best of all. Tomorrow I will do another first which will be completing the Dublin marathon and its a terrific feeling the day before the race.
For anyone following my journey, exercise has been a huge weapon in my fight against MS and the more I drill into it and research it, I am passionate and profound in my thinking regarding the fact that we all need to embrace exercise and better still the odd challenge now and again. Its all about challenging yourself, getting out of your comfort zone, working hard to maintain your health, work hard to reach your goals - and embrace a real positive plan to health and fulfilment.
I am way short of achieving all of this, but day at a time, I will keep moving forward in a positive direction.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything
It requires huge discipline for starters, as if you do not put the work in you wont be able to complete the race. A bit like life ey, if you don't work hard then you will not get as good a return.
From a mental point of view, especially for all virgin marathoners, its a fantastic achievement and an exhilarating feeling to cross the finish line after your first 26.2 miles - a tremendous effort.
In 2011 I ran Belfast marathon and on crossing the finish line, it was one of the greatest feelings of my life. Everyone has their own reasons for doing challenges, and for me in 2011 it was to prove to myself that even with Multiple Sclerosis, I can still challenge my body and be competitive. Getting my medal gave me huge confidence in myself, which set the foundations at that time for me to embrace a new more positive approach to my condition and also my life in general.
This year I have completed a number of firsts, my first 67km adventure race in Donegal (brutal) my first triathlons (Derry & Belfast) and welcoming my first son into the world - by far the best of all. Tomorrow I will do another first which will be completing the Dublin marathon and its a terrific feeling the day before the race.
For anyone following my journey, exercise has been a huge weapon in my fight against MS and the more I drill into it and research it, I am passionate and profound in my thinking regarding the fact that we all need to embrace exercise and better still the odd challenge now and again. Its all about challenging yourself, getting out of your comfort zone, working hard to maintain your health, work hard to reach your goals - and embrace a real positive plan to health and fulfilment.
I am way short of achieving all of this, but day at a time, I will keep moving forward in a positive direction.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything
Saturday 5 October 2013
Marathon Update - Dublin 2013
Last Friday I went into hospital to get a sinus problem sorted out once and for all. It was an overnight stay as I was under general anaesthetic for the operation. One week on I am just glad its over, as it has been a difficult enough week, trying to build my strength up post the operation.
It wouldn't have been too bad if I had have taken a proper rest, but for anyone who runs their own business, that phrase "Time of work" doesn't really exist. On Wednesday I was at meetings all day in Dublin and on Wednesday afternoon I flew to Denmark for a huge Multiple Sclerosis conference that was talking place in Copenhagan. On Thursday I was moderating an event at the conference, where I was part of a panel including two leading world neurologists and another MS Champion patient in MS Jayne Arnold. It was a great experience for me and I was just hoping it would go well and that my nose wouldn't start bleeding mid event as that could have been pretty difficult.
Anyway I got through it in flying colours and flew back to Ireland late Thursday night. On Friday morning I has a pre arranged guest lecture at the University of Ulster to give to the final year real estate group, which again I got through fine and finished up in Hillsborough on Friday afternoon at my surgeons office to get my stitches out of my nose. After that it was onto Belfast and into the office where I met the team and we wrapped up the week by closing up at 5pm. I would say it has been one of my toughest weeks in a long while and my energy levels pretty low and MS symptoms on the increase, but I got through it so am delighted everything has worked out.
My challenge now is that I have been out of my running shoes for over a week and it will be another week before I can put them on again, and the idea is I get one more long run in (20 Miles) and then taper for the last two weeks as Dublin marathon is on the 28th October. Its not the ideal preparation at all, but at this stage its all I can do.
That's the plan anyway so next week I hope to get in the pool and swim every day then get a long run in at the weekend. Every thing is possible and as we are in the last quarter of 2013, I want to make sure I finish this year with a bang.
#Attitude Is Everything
It wouldn't have been too bad if I had have taken a proper rest, but for anyone who runs their own business, that phrase "Time of work" doesn't really exist. On Wednesday I was at meetings all day in Dublin and on Wednesday afternoon I flew to Denmark for a huge Multiple Sclerosis conference that was talking place in Copenhagan. On Thursday I was moderating an event at the conference, where I was part of a panel including two leading world neurologists and another MS Champion patient in MS Jayne Arnold. It was a great experience for me and I was just hoping it would go well and that my nose wouldn't start bleeding mid event as that could have been pretty difficult.
Anyway I got through it in flying colours and flew back to Ireland late Thursday night. On Friday morning I has a pre arranged guest lecture at the University of Ulster to give to the final year real estate group, which again I got through fine and finished up in Hillsborough on Friday afternoon at my surgeons office to get my stitches out of my nose. After that it was onto Belfast and into the office where I met the team and we wrapped up the week by closing up at 5pm. I would say it has been one of my toughest weeks in a long while and my energy levels pretty low and MS symptoms on the increase, but I got through it so am delighted everything has worked out.
My challenge now is that I have been out of my running shoes for over a week and it will be another week before I can put them on again, and the idea is I get one more long run in (20 Miles) and then taper for the last two weeks as Dublin marathon is on the 28th October. Its not the ideal preparation at all, but at this stage its all I can do.
That's the plan anyway so next week I hope to get in the pool and swim every day then get a long run in at the weekend. Every thing is possible and as we are in the last quarter of 2013, I want to make sure I finish this year with a bang.
#Attitude Is Everything
Tuesday 24 September 2013
Marathon Mindset
Everybody loves a challenge, and arguably for most people there is no greater physical challenge than a marathon. 26.2 miles of running which will likely take you between 3.5 and 4.5 hours - a very painful experience on the whole.
I have been very fortunate to have completed two marathons in the past couple of years, and in 4 weeks time I will have medal number three once I smash the Dublin marathon. I have to say that I would encourage anyone who is thinking of doing a marathon to grasp the challenge with both hands, as it is a terrific test of character above other things.
So what kind of mind-set do you need to get through a marathon in one piece. One could say the same mind-set and attitude you need to get through life. A marathon is one hell of a physical challenge, but also a very difficult mental challenge. For me anyway it is 70% mental and 30% physical. If you can run the marathon in your head and visualise you crossing the finishing line than you are 70% there. The other 30% is the hard work you need to do in the training, and this is also vitally important.
Life is no different - you are what you think you are, and my own view would be that the greatest danger to man is his thoughts. Let me repeat this - THE GREATEST DANGER TO MAN IS HIS THOUGHTS!!!
A few years ago I read a book by Dr Josef Murphy called the power of the subconscious mind. If you are interested in winning life's battles and gaining control of your thoughts - read this book - I bet you most want to do this but couldn't be bothered with the hassle of reading it - well that's up to yourself, but its an incredible read.
All of us are running the marathon of life every day. There has been no other time in history when the stress levels of daily existence has been so high with raising family's, putting bread on the table, existing, getting a job, staying healthy, caring for loved ones and the list goes on and on.
The one thing we all need to do a little better is look after our mental health and be careful with the thoughts we put into our brain and process. Negative thinking is poison and grows and pollutes all the good in our lives. I try to avoid it at all costs but like everyone else am only human and have to deal with it from time to time.
My exercise program manages this for me and my rock solid mindset is the fire extinguisher I use to deal with the clouds.
So if you want to develop a winning marathon mindset, one that will equip you to deal with the hurdles life throws at you, invest in yourself and educate yourself - it worked for me and I continue in this vain.
So yes I had a great run in the Dublin marathon, achieved a new personal best and the weather was even fantastic..... how about that and I haven't even ran the race yet :) - am I counting my chickens.... maybe somewhat but it doesn't bother me.
#Attitude Is Everything
I have been very fortunate to have completed two marathons in the past couple of years, and in 4 weeks time I will have medal number three once I smash the Dublin marathon. I have to say that I would encourage anyone who is thinking of doing a marathon to grasp the challenge with both hands, as it is a terrific test of character above other things.
So what kind of mind-set do you need to get through a marathon in one piece. One could say the same mind-set and attitude you need to get through life. A marathon is one hell of a physical challenge, but also a very difficult mental challenge. For me anyway it is 70% mental and 30% physical. If you can run the marathon in your head and visualise you crossing the finishing line than you are 70% there. The other 30% is the hard work you need to do in the training, and this is also vitally important.
Life is no different - you are what you think you are, and my own view would be that the greatest danger to man is his thoughts. Let me repeat this - THE GREATEST DANGER TO MAN IS HIS THOUGHTS!!!
A few years ago I read a book by Dr Josef Murphy called the power of the subconscious mind. If you are interested in winning life's battles and gaining control of your thoughts - read this book - I bet you most want to do this but couldn't be bothered with the hassle of reading it - well that's up to yourself, but its an incredible read.
All of us are running the marathon of life every day. There has been no other time in history when the stress levels of daily existence has been so high with raising family's, putting bread on the table, existing, getting a job, staying healthy, caring for loved ones and the list goes on and on.
The one thing we all need to do a little better is look after our mental health and be careful with the thoughts we put into our brain and process. Negative thinking is poison and grows and pollutes all the good in our lives. I try to avoid it at all costs but like everyone else am only human and have to deal with it from time to time.
My exercise program manages this for me and my rock solid mindset is the fire extinguisher I use to deal with the clouds.
So if you want to develop a winning marathon mindset, one that will equip you to deal with the hurdles life throws at you, invest in yourself and educate yourself - it worked for me and I continue in this vain.
So yes I had a great run in the Dublin marathon, achieved a new personal best and the weather was even fantastic..... how about that and I haven't even ran the race yet :) - am I counting my chickens.... maybe somewhat but it doesn't bother me.
#Attitude Is Everything
Wednesday 4 September 2013
OPERATION 26.2 BACK ON (FOR NOW)
On Monday night past I met my ENT consultant who confirmed that I do need an operation to sort out my sinus problem. He pencilled me in for the 27th September 2013 and told me that there is a 2 week recovery period assuming all goes according to plan. I have worked out that I should be back in my runners (fingers crossed) by Saturday 12th October a full two weeks before the Dublin marathon my penultimate event of 2013.
In the last 48 hours I have taken the decision to wire my brain in such a way that if I train hard up to the 27th of this month and get enough long runs in - take the 2 week rest post the operation and do maybe a weeks running after the recovery period - I will get my medal and get round Dublin in one piece. At this point I am not even contemplating that I wont make the start line, in the hope that my subconscious will kick in and the op will be straight forward and all will be well. So that's my plan - whether it works or not, I will know very soon that's for sure. I am not overly bothered about my time as being honest I just have not been able to get out running to do the proper training in the past 6 weeks, and having ran a couple of marathons, there is no substitute for pounding the roads - there are no short cuts with this type of challenge!!
Operation 26.2 is now back on and I am starting to get into the running again. If I get my medal here and run my last event in November which is the Mark Pollock "Run in the Dark" event, this year will have been a record breaker for me in terms of achieving my fitness and health goals and getting way out of my comfort zone. It bodes well for 2014 which I am already thinking about in terms of new goals and fitness challenges.
I am winning the MS war right now and I am hoping if I can nip this sinus problem in the bud that will help my all round health and well being moving forward.
So stay tuned and I will keep you posted on my progress.
#Attitude Is Everything
In the last 48 hours I have taken the decision to wire my brain in such a way that if I train hard up to the 27th of this month and get enough long runs in - take the 2 week rest post the operation and do maybe a weeks running after the recovery period - I will get my medal and get round Dublin in one piece. At this point I am not even contemplating that I wont make the start line, in the hope that my subconscious will kick in and the op will be straight forward and all will be well. So that's my plan - whether it works or not, I will know very soon that's for sure. I am not overly bothered about my time as being honest I just have not been able to get out running to do the proper training in the past 6 weeks, and having ran a couple of marathons, there is no substitute for pounding the roads - there are no short cuts with this type of challenge!!
Operation 26.2 is now back on and I am starting to get into the running again. If I get my medal here and run my last event in November which is the Mark Pollock "Run in the Dark" event, this year will have been a record breaker for me in terms of achieving my fitness and health goals and getting way out of my comfort zone. It bodes well for 2014 which I am already thinking about in terms of new goals and fitness challenges.
I am winning the MS war right now and I am hoping if I can nip this sinus problem in the bud that will help my all round health and well being moving forward.
So stay tuned and I will keep you posted on my progress.
#Attitude Is Everything
Sunday 25 August 2013
Minor Operation disrupting Marathon Plans
Last Sunday I felt pressure gathering on my forehead as I was in the middle of a 7 mile run. A few weeks ago I had the same feeling and was diagnosed with sinusitis - a virus around the sinuses, which if you get a bad dose is very painful. I took some meds at the time and thankfully it cleared up.
However out of the blue last week it returned and was causing me some concern. The following morning (Monday) the pain became unbearable and I immediately got an appointment with an ENT specialist in the Royal for that afternoon. He got me seen and told me the sinusitis had returned and prescribed a high dose of pain killers and antibiotics and said I was to come and see him Friday to get a scan to see how bad it was. On Friday past I got the scan and got the worse news, 75% of my sinuses where inflamed and I needed a procedural operation to fix it. I was just glad to get the problem diagnosed and ultimately if it needs operated on then I need to get it sorted. Come to think of it I have had a problem with my sinuses for years so clearly I need to take the action and get it cleared once and for all. I hope to get the Op in the next 2 weeks and then there is 2 week recovery time. On my calendar it will be start of October before I can get training again - leaving me c. 4 weeks to get ready for the Dublin marathon - is this realistic all things considered?
This year has been fantastic in terms of the events I have completed and the goals I have achieved. Toughest being the 67kilometre adventure race - GaelForce in Donegal. In terms of satisfaction this year it has to be completing the Triathlons in Derry and Belfast - both incredible experiences.
If I don't make Dublin it will be a disappointment for me as I wanted to end the year on a high. I will see what happens in the next week as I see a specialist who will confirm the next stages.
Stranger things have happened but at the minute I may have to give way to this years Dublin marathon reluctantly - but I still have a small glimmer of hope flickering that I will make the starting line - so lets see what happens........
Will keep you posted.
Attitude Is Everything !
However out of the blue last week it returned and was causing me some concern. The following morning (Monday) the pain became unbearable and I immediately got an appointment with an ENT specialist in the Royal for that afternoon. He got me seen and told me the sinusitis had returned and prescribed a high dose of pain killers and antibiotics and said I was to come and see him Friday to get a scan to see how bad it was. On Friday past I got the scan and got the worse news, 75% of my sinuses where inflamed and I needed a procedural operation to fix it. I was just glad to get the problem diagnosed and ultimately if it needs operated on then I need to get it sorted. Come to think of it I have had a problem with my sinuses for years so clearly I need to take the action and get it cleared once and for all. I hope to get the Op in the next 2 weeks and then there is 2 week recovery time. On my calendar it will be start of October before I can get training again - leaving me c. 4 weeks to get ready for the Dublin marathon - is this realistic all things considered?
This year has been fantastic in terms of the events I have completed and the goals I have achieved. Toughest being the 67kilometre adventure race - GaelForce in Donegal. In terms of satisfaction this year it has to be completing the Triathlons in Derry and Belfast - both incredible experiences.
If I don't make Dublin it will be a disappointment for me as I wanted to end the year on a high. I will see what happens in the next week as I see a specialist who will confirm the next stages.
Stranger things have happened but at the minute I may have to give way to this years Dublin marathon reluctantly - but I still have a small glimmer of hope flickering that I will make the starting line - so lets see what happens........
Will keep you posted.
Attitude Is Everything !
Tuesday 30 July 2013
Triathlon Number 2 - Sunday 4th August 2013 - #ClimbingHigher
This Sunday I will be swimming up Belfast Lough taking part in only my second ever triathlon. I have to tell you that although I am a little bit apprehensive about the swim, I am looking forward to the event.
There should be plenty of spectators and I believe hundreds of competitors, so bring it on. In the past 7 days I have had a very special gift arrive to our home. My first son Conor Patrick was born on Friday and hopefully come this Sunday both him, my daughter Lilyanna and wife Kate will be cheering their dad over the finish line, that's the plan anyway!!
2013 has been my best year yet and we are only half way through. I have so many things to do in the next 6 months and will hopefully be revealing them very soon.
I have to admit the 67km event in Donegal a few weeks ago has wiped me out as I still have a virus swimming around my bones, but I'm hoping come Sunday morning at Donegall Quay, the adrenalin kicks in and the Duncan Goodhue comes out in me in the swim, the Chris Froome in the cycle and the Mo Farah in the running - its best to aim for the top!.
So I will keep you posted on how I go and I just hope that my goals and progress is helping others believe that you to can take control of your body and mind and achieve your goals. The best place to start is to write them down. So far this year I have hit every target -I think I need to aim higher.
#AttitudeIsEverything
There should be plenty of spectators and I believe hundreds of competitors, so bring it on. In the past 7 days I have had a very special gift arrive to our home. My first son Conor Patrick was born on Friday and hopefully come this Sunday both him, my daughter Lilyanna and wife Kate will be cheering their dad over the finish line, that's the plan anyway!!
2013 has been my best year yet and we are only half way through. I have so many things to do in the next 6 months and will hopefully be revealing them very soon.
I have to admit the 67km event in Donegal a few weeks ago has wiped me out as I still have a virus swimming around my bones, but I'm hoping come Sunday morning at Donegall Quay, the adrenalin kicks in and the Duncan Goodhue comes out in me in the swim, the Chris Froome in the cycle and the Mo Farah in the running - its best to aim for the top!.
So I will keep you posted on how I go and I just hope that my goals and progress is helping others believe that you to can take control of your body and mind and achieve your goals. The best place to start is to write them down. So far this year I have hit every target -I think I need to aim higher.
#AttitudeIsEverything
Monday 15 July 2013
Climbing Higher *** July 2013
This past ten days have been rough for me - out of nowhere I have been thumped with a virus which I thought at one point I was never going to shake. It wasn't the flu but shook my body from head to toe and It felt at times I had drank 10 litres of red diesel. Not a nice feeling.
The doctor told me to rest and get plenty of fluids into me along with paracetamol and hopefully it would pass. Well I think I am out of the woods as today was the first day in nearly two weeks that I was able to go for a run and a cycle - way too long for me.
Whenever these things happen to me I become extra concerned as I feel it could be the onset of a relapse and that's the last thing I want to happen at this point. As I suffer form relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, that's generally what happens. Virus type symptoms sneak up on you and before you know it you are in the middle of an MS exacerbation which could put you back months. Thankfully it wasn't a relapse so lets move on!!
This year has been a fantastic year all round to date as I've hit every goal so far on the list I made in December 2012. On 4th August I will be competing in my second Triathlon in Belfast and I am really looking forward to the event. There will be a big crowd on the day and it will be extra special as I will be running through my adopted home City with friends, family and others cheering us all on.
I have to say the buzz of doing a Triathlon is fantastic as I completed Derry only a few weeks ago, I definitely have the appetite for the sport. It gives me extra pleasure as someone with MS according to the textbooks and medics isn't really supposed to be doing Triathlons, so I like proving people wrong and raising the bar generally giving others hope.
In the next two weeks I will be running, cycling and open water swimming as much as I can to ensure I am ready for 4th August.
I need to get my body and mind more so strong again so I can do this event and the added bonus would be to get a personal best which I am confident of doing.
Stayed tuned for more updates as I will keep you posted
#Attitude Is Everything
The doctor told me to rest and get plenty of fluids into me along with paracetamol and hopefully it would pass. Well I think I am out of the woods as today was the first day in nearly two weeks that I was able to go for a run and a cycle - way too long for me.
Whenever these things happen to me I become extra concerned as I feel it could be the onset of a relapse and that's the last thing I want to happen at this point. As I suffer form relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, that's generally what happens. Virus type symptoms sneak up on you and before you know it you are in the middle of an MS exacerbation which could put you back months. Thankfully it wasn't a relapse so lets move on!!
This year has been a fantastic year all round to date as I've hit every goal so far on the list I made in December 2012. On 4th August I will be competing in my second Triathlon in Belfast and I am really looking forward to the event. There will be a big crowd on the day and it will be extra special as I will be running through my adopted home City with friends, family and others cheering us all on.
I have to say the buzz of doing a Triathlon is fantastic as I completed Derry only a few weeks ago, I definitely have the appetite for the sport. It gives me extra pleasure as someone with MS according to the textbooks and medics isn't really supposed to be doing Triathlons, so I like proving people wrong and raising the bar generally giving others hope.
In the next two weeks I will be running, cycling and open water swimming as much as I can to ensure I am ready for 4th August.
I need to get my body and mind more so strong again so I can do this event and the added bonus would be to get a personal best which I am confident of doing.
Stayed tuned for more updates as I will keep you posted
#Attitude Is Everything
Sunday 30 June 2013
Endurance - The name of the game!!
If you are looking for an endurance test in the next 12 months to test yourself both physically and mentally, sign up for Gaelforce North next year. Yesterday afternoon after 6 hours and 15minutes
of running, cycling and kayaking, I crossed the finish line in BunBeag Donegal, one of Ireland's hidden treasures. I had just completed one of the best adventure races on the Island finishing some 148th out of over 400 competitors which I was delighted with.
The course comprised 25km of running, a 40km cycle and 2km kayak along some of the most scenic routes I've ever witnessed. As if the challenge itself wasn't big enough, one of the things outside everyone's control was the weather, and living up to the name of the event, it blew a gale all day and bucketed out of the heavens for most of it. This made the challenge a lot more difficult and when I crossed the line in Bunbeag I had exhumed almost every last drop of energy I had. It really is an awesome challenge physically and more so mentally. During the cycle I looked at the speedometer and noticed that it had taken me over 10minutes to cycle the last 3 miles uphill. Considering I run averaging 8minute a mile, you can visualise how difficult it was to actually keep the bike moving forward - absolutely brutal!!!
Anyway I did it and its another goal I have smashed this year in whats turning out to be a fantastic year for me health wise. In 8 weeks time I will be 7 years diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and its events like Gaelforce that keep me grateful of the fact that I am in good health and winning the war with the MS - long may it continue.
This week I will be in the gym mostly doing a recovery weeks swimming and weights program so the limbs can recover for my next challenge in only a few weeks time.
I have been training hard in 2013 and trying to lead a healthy lifestyle and I am now more convinced than ever that exercise is a huge part of the reason why I am beating MS and generally doing well. I notice more and more people are exercising which is great, but we need everyone to be doing it. Exercise is a great weapon to fight against physical disease but even a stronger weapon to deter and stop the onset of mental illness, which is hugely destructive.
I am very active on twitter and I get emails regularly whereby people are inspired to get up off the couch and get out there and do a little exercise just because they have maybe read a motivational tweet I've posted - how powerful and brilliant is that!!
So the moral of the story is get out there, get active, get out of your comfort zone, keep your body and mind active as the health benefits far outweighs the hassle - trust me on that.
Also If you want to really test yourself and get a goal in the diary for 2014, GaelForce North will not disappoint.
#Attitude Is Everything
of running, cycling and kayaking, I crossed the finish line in BunBeag Donegal, one of Ireland's hidden treasures. I had just completed one of the best adventure races on the Island finishing some 148th out of over 400 competitors which I was delighted with.
The course comprised 25km of running, a 40km cycle and 2km kayak along some of the most scenic routes I've ever witnessed. As if the challenge itself wasn't big enough, one of the things outside everyone's control was the weather, and living up to the name of the event, it blew a gale all day and bucketed out of the heavens for most of it. This made the challenge a lot more difficult and when I crossed the line in Bunbeag I had exhumed almost every last drop of energy I had. It really is an awesome challenge physically and more so mentally. During the cycle I looked at the speedometer and noticed that it had taken me over 10minutes to cycle the last 3 miles uphill. Considering I run averaging 8minute a mile, you can visualise how difficult it was to actually keep the bike moving forward - absolutely brutal!!!
Anyway I did it and its another goal I have smashed this year in whats turning out to be a fantastic year for me health wise. In 8 weeks time I will be 7 years diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and its events like Gaelforce that keep me grateful of the fact that I am in good health and winning the war with the MS - long may it continue.
This week I will be in the gym mostly doing a recovery weeks swimming and weights program so the limbs can recover for my next challenge in only a few weeks time.
I have been training hard in 2013 and trying to lead a healthy lifestyle and I am now more convinced than ever that exercise is a huge part of the reason why I am beating MS and generally doing well. I notice more and more people are exercising which is great, but we need everyone to be doing it. Exercise is a great weapon to fight against physical disease but even a stronger weapon to deter and stop the onset of mental illness, which is hugely destructive.
I am very active on twitter and I get emails regularly whereby people are inspired to get up off the couch and get out there and do a little exercise just because they have maybe read a motivational tweet I've posted - how powerful and brilliant is that!!
So the moral of the story is get out there, get active, get out of your comfort zone, keep your body and mind active as the health benefits far outweighs the hassle - trust me on that.
Also If you want to really test yourself and get a goal in the diary for 2014, GaelForce North will not disappoint.
#Attitude Is Everything
Saturday 22 June 2013
Climbing Higher - 2013 #SmashingGoals
When I sat down in December 2012 a few days after Christmas, I was writing down a list of things I wanted to do and achieve in 2013. You could call this my goals list. I have been doing this for the past few years and honestly its much more powerful when you do this exercise, as if it really is a true goal of yours then by writing it down, subconsciously you are at the beginning of achieving it.
As most of you who are following my journey know at this stage I am a huge advocate of exercise namely running in the past few years, and believe it has been a huge reason behind me winning my MS battle to date. On the list of goals pre Christmas I put down to compete in a triathlon this year, as I felt this would be a huge challenge, massive achievement and another milestone in my journey.
For those who are not sure a triathlon comprises three elements namely swimming, cycling and running. So in January I started to prepare and bought myself a racing bike and started training on it once a week building up to twice a week. The most challenging part of this event for me was always going to be the swim as although I could swim, 50/100 metres was plenty for me and I wasn't really a fan of deep water. So I started to get onto the pool and start my swimming training around February. The running element was always going to be my strongest part of the event so I have continued to run throughout this year and thankfully I am getting a little stronger in this area and have remained pretty much injury free to date.
Well this time tomorrow night I can re-visit my GOALS booklet and put a line through another goal, as if all goes according to plan I will have completed my first triathlon. Tomorrow morning at 9am I will enter the river Folye in Derry with 499 other triathletes to start the swim. I am really excited about this event as I have heard fantastic feedback from other triathletes in terms of the enjoyment you get out of competing in this type of event. Considering I only got my wetsuit 5 days ago and did my first open water swim 3 days ago, I could be slightly better prepared, however there is no turning back now.
I never ever thought someone with Multiple Sclerosis could compete in triathlons, run marathons, cycle for miles, challenge themselves, challenge others opinions on the condition - in fact do literally whatever you want to do. Well you can. If there is one person reading this who gets even a little bit of HOPE from it then - hey presto, my drive and focus has been all worth while.
When I am swimming up the Foyle river in the morning in what should take me 25 minutes to complete, I will spare a thought for anyone struggling with MS, and others who are struggling generally, being very thankful that I am strong enough and healthy enough to compete and complete my first triathlon.
Watch this space and remember #Attitude Is Everything
Cd
As most of you who are following my journey know at this stage I am a huge advocate of exercise namely running in the past few years, and believe it has been a huge reason behind me winning my MS battle to date. On the list of goals pre Christmas I put down to compete in a triathlon this year, as I felt this would be a huge challenge, massive achievement and another milestone in my journey.
For those who are not sure a triathlon comprises three elements namely swimming, cycling and running. So in January I started to prepare and bought myself a racing bike and started training on it once a week building up to twice a week. The most challenging part of this event for me was always going to be the swim as although I could swim, 50/100 metres was plenty for me and I wasn't really a fan of deep water. So I started to get onto the pool and start my swimming training around February. The running element was always going to be my strongest part of the event so I have continued to run throughout this year and thankfully I am getting a little stronger in this area and have remained pretty much injury free to date.
Well this time tomorrow night I can re-visit my GOALS booklet and put a line through another goal, as if all goes according to plan I will have completed my first triathlon. Tomorrow morning at 9am I will enter the river Folye in Derry with 499 other triathletes to start the swim. I am really excited about this event as I have heard fantastic feedback from other triathletes in terms of the enjoyment you get out of competing in this type of event. Considering I only got my wetsuit 5 days ago and did my first open water swim 3 days ago, I could be slightly better prepared, however there is no turning back now.
I never ever thought someone with Multiple Sclerosis could compete in triathlons, run marathons, cycle for miles, challenge themselves, challenge others opinions on the condition - in fact do literally whatever you want to do. Well you can. If there is one person reading this who gets even a little bit of HOPE from it then - hey presto, my drive and focus has been all worth while.
When I am swimming up the Foyle river in the morning in what should take me 25 minutes to complete, I will spare a thought for anyone struggling with MS, and others who are struggling generally, being very thankful that I am strong enough and healthy enough to compete and complete my first triathlon.
Watch this space and remember #Attitude Is Everything
Cd
Thursday 13 June 2013
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
Today I was speaking to a friend who told me her aunt was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago and she was shocked to here that I also had the condition. She was the third person this week to inform me that they knew someone quite well who suffers from MS. It is amazing me how common this MS thing is getting in Ireland and although I have no facts to back this up, it seems that more and more people are getting diagnosed Every year -frightening.
They say 12000 people have MS in Ireland, my own view is a more accurate figure could be double that number. I have no idea why this is and why the condition seems to becoming more widespread, however what I do know is we all should know a lot more about it, as if this was the case the stress of a diagnosis would undoubtedly lift.
Like every illness but especially MS there seems to be so few people who are doing well, even though there are plenty of ones leading a very normal active life. If you do have MS and are doing well and feeling strong, I would encourage you to share your story, as it will lift and empower others to try and fight back against their condition and take control. There is a real shortage of MS patients prepared to speak out and share their tips and advice of how they manage to beat it on a daily basis.
I decided to share my story 3 years ago for this very reason, and got so much from it decided to write my book and thankfully it has received a very positive response from those who have read it.
It's coming up to my 7th anniversary of Me being acquainted with MS and I think I am going to have a small party to celebrate that particular birthday. I have a lot to thank my MS dx for as one thing I do know is that it has made me STRONGER!
Thankfully my health is tip top at the minute, I'm running and training hard and the MS is in my pocket for the time being. Long may it continue.
Later this year I will be out and about sharing my story speaking at some events. Keep an eye on my site for updates www.conordevine.com
#Attitude Is Everything
#Cd
They say 12000 people have MS in Ireland, my own view is a more accurate figure could be double that number. I have no idea why this is and why the condition seems to becoming more widespread, however what I do know is we all should know a lot more about it, as if this was the case the stress of a diagnosis would undoubtedly lift.
Like every illness but especially MS there seems to be so few people who are doing well, even though there are plenty of ones leading a very normal active life. If you do have MS and are doing well and feeling strong, I would encourage you to share your story, as it will lift and empower others to try and fight back against their condition and take control. There is a real shortage of MS patients prepared to speak out and share their tips and advice of how they manage to beat it on a daily basis.
I decided to share my story 3 years ago for this very reason, and got so much from it decided to write my book and thankfully it has received a very positive response from those who have read it.
It's coming up to my 7th anniversary of Me being acquainted with MS and I think I am going to have a small party to celebrate that particular birthday. I have a lot to thank my MS dx for as one thing I do know is that it has made me STRONGER!
Thankfully my health is tip top at the minute, I'm running and training hard and the MS is in my pocket for the time being. Long may it continue.
Later this year I will be out and about sharing my story speaking at some events. Keep an eye on my site for updates www.conordevine.com
#Attitude Is Everything
#Cd
Friday 31 May 2013
First Adventure Race - 30 days to go !!!!
In just 30 days time I will be at the starting line for my first ever proper adventure race. I have to say that I am really looking forward to taking this challenge on and it certainly raises the bar that little bit higher as to date my most difficult physical challenges have been finishing 2 marathons in the past couple of years. Don't get me wrong, a marathon is a very difficult challenge, but something tells me that Gael Force North in Donegal on 29th June will supersede all my previous challenges.
The race itself is set in the most fantastic setting in rural Ireland. BunBeag nestled in the top left hand corner of the country in the beautiful county of Donegal is home to the event, which can be seen here www.gaelforceevents.com The challenge comprises a 40km cycle, a 25km run and a 2km kayak. I bought my first ever bike in January and to my surprise I have been enjoying getting out on it with all my gear on and its definitely not as sore on the body as running. I have been running now for nearly three years and although it never gets easier, I have come to enjoy it more as the health benefits of it are fantastic. I kayaked about 20 years ago and due to the fact its only 2km I am not too worried about that section of the course as my gym work and weights training should see me through this absolutely fine.
This August I will be 7 years into my Multiple Sclerosis journey - the time is moving fast alright but I can tell you had you have said to me on that beach in Mauritius when I was struck down by a mystery illness that I would be doing all this stuff 7 years later - well, I would have thought you were crazy!!! My MS journey is certainly inspiring me to keep fighting, keep doing what others say you cant, keep raising the bar and hopefully keep giving others some hope that you can actually fight back against the MS and lead a fantastic and challenging life. GaelForce North will be another fantastic day for me and I hope to complete the course in decent time and in one piece. If I do this I will be one happy man. Bring it on!!!
#AttitudeIsEverything
The race itself is set in the most fantastic setting in rural Ireland. BunBeag nestled in the top left hand corner of the country in the beautiful county of Donegal is home to the event, which can be seen here www.gaelforceevents.com The challenge comprises a 40km cycle, a 25km run and a 2km kayak. I bought my first ever bike in January and to my surprise I have been enjoying getting out on it with all my gear on and its definitely not as sore on the body as running. I have been running now for nearly three years and although it never gets easier, I have come to enjoy it more as the health benefits of it are fantastic. I kayaked about 20 years ago and due to the fact its only 2km I am not too worried about that section of the course as my gym work and weights training should see me through this absolutely fine.
This August I will be 7 years into my Multiple Sclerosis journey - the time is moving fast alright but I can tell you had you have said to me on that beach in Mauritius when I was struck down by a mystery illness that I would be doing all this stuff 7 years later - well, I would have thought you were crazy!!! My MS journey is certainly inspiring me to keep fighting, keep doing what others say you cant, keep raising the bar and hopefully keep giving others some hope that you can actually fight back against the MS and lead a fantastic and challenging life. GaelForce North will be another fantastic day for me and I hope to complete the course in decent time and in one piece. If I do this I will be one happy man. Bring it on!!!
#AttitudeIsEverything
Saturday 4 May 2013
Raising the Bar 2013 - MS Awareness Week
Today I cycled my longest distance ever, all of 35.5 miles. It was enjoyable for most of the way apart from the hills which are pretty tough going at times (gradient pending). Santa brought me a bike for Christmas this year as part of my goals for 2013 was to compete in a Triathlon. Over the past few months I have been trying to get out on it once a week and its definitely a very enjoyable experience and breaks up my training from the running and gym work.
The first third of 2013 is over already and we are into month five - where has the time went? I am doing my first event of 2013 in 2 weeks time, kicking things off with the half marathon in Newry. I am looking forward to it and hopefully I can get round injury free.
In 9 weeks time I take on one of my biggest physical challenges to date in the shape of GaelForce North in Donegal. This is a 67km adventure race comprising 40km cycle, 25km run and 2km kayak. Over the past few weeks I have been increasing my training program to be ready, so I am really looking forward to the challenge which is going to be tough!
Just before GaelForce I am squeezing in another half marathon, this time in Larne, which is a reschedule due to the bad weather in February. I have ran Larne a couple of times now and its definitely one of the more challenging half marathons in the country, so I will need my A game to get round.
So I have plenty on in the next number of weeks and to cap things all off, in 4th August 2013 I will be competing in my first Triathlon. This is going to be a hugely exciting experience for me and is taking place in Belfast. I will be competing in the Sprint race which is a 750metre swim, 19.5km bike and a 5 km run. I am not looking forward to the swim as I am a weak enough swimmer and haven't swam more than 650metres in a swimming pool to date. I would need to up my game here as the swim is in the river Lagan and for me its a pretty daunting experience. One of my biggest fears is swimming into a old washing machine or some other unknown object living in that part of the river:)
The other thing that you probably know at this stage is that I have a neurological condition called Multiple Sclerosis. Yeah that's right MS !!!
"The greatest thing in life is doing the things that people say you cannot do"
I sort of live my life around this motto, and I think if most people did, they would live a much more enjoyable life. You see people with MS are not supposed to be running marathons, half marathons or doing Triathlons - because your just not right??? ................ whatever - I was very bad with MS for 3 years but over the last 4 years I have been working like a tiger to beat this bloody thing and make sure my body is getting stronger every single day. That's what I do and if it means getting up at 5.30am every morning to go out and train to keep my body strong and fit then that's what I will do.
World MS Day is coming up next Saturday 11th May, and I have been asked to be keynote speaker for MS Ireland in Dublin and its going to be a huge honour for me to speak and share my journey with fellow MS Champions. I am really looking forward to the day and my message will be one of hope and empowerment which I hope goes down well with the group.
Life is great at the minute and come the end of the Summer of 2013 I will have well and truly raised the bar in terms of what I achieve and I hope that even one other person takes a little bit of hope from my journey and believe that they too can start the fight back against the MS and take back their life.
#Attitude Is Everything
The first third of 2013 is over already and we are into month five - where has the time went? I am doing my first event of 2013 in 2 weeks time, kicking things off with the half marathon in Newry. I am looking forward to it and hopefully I can get round injury free.
In 9 weeks time I take on one of my biggest physical challenges to date in the shape of GaelForce North in Donegal. This is a 67km adventure race comprising 40km cycle, 25km run and 2km kayak. Over the past few weeks I have been increasing my training program to be ready, so I am really looking forward to the challenge which is going to be tough!
Just before GaelForce I am squeezing in another half marathon, this time in Larne, which is a reschedule due to the bad weather in February. I have ran Larne a couple of times now and its definitely one of the more challenging half marathons in the country, so I will need my A game to get round.
So I have plenty on in the next number of weeks and to cap things all off, in 4th August 2013 I will be competing in my first Triathlon. This is going to be a hugely exciting experience for me and is taking place in Belfast. I will be competing in the Sprint race which is a 750metre swim, 19.5km bike and a 5 km run. I am not looking forward to the swim as I am a weak enough swimmer and haven't swam more than 650metres in a swimming pool to date. I would need to up my game here as the swim is in the river Lagan and for me its a pretty daunting experience. One of my biggest fears is swimming into a old washing machine or some other unknown object living in that part of the river:)
The other thing that you probably know at this stage is that I have a neurological condition called Multiple Sclerosis. Yeah that's right MS !!!
"The greatest thing in life is doing the things that people say you cannot do"
I sort of live my life around this motto, and I think if most people did, they would live a much more enjoyable life. You see people with MS are not supposed to be running marathons, half marathons or doing Triathlons - because your just not right??? ................ whatever - I was very bad with MS for 3 years but over the last 4 years I have been working like a tiger to beat this bloody thing and make sure my body is getting stronger every single day. That's what I do and if it means getting up at 5.30am every morning to go out and train to keep my body strong and fit then that's what I will do.
World MS Day is coming up next Saturday 11th May, and I have been asked to be keynote speaker for MS Ireland in Dublin and its going to be a huge honour for me to speak and share my journey with fellow MS Champions. I am really looking forward to the day and my message will be one of hope and empowerment which I hope goes down well with the group.
Life is great at the minute and come the end of the Summer of 2013 I will have well and truly raised the bar in terms of what I achieve and I hope that even one other person takes a little bit of hope from my journey and believe that they too can start the fight back against the MS and take back their life.
#Attitude Is Everything
Saturday 27 April 2013
Good luck Ireland - look after yourself....
My seat belt is fastened and little Molly is sitting in between me and Deirdre all excited as its her first time on a plane. In 36 hours we will be in Sydney Australia, which will be our new home for the next few years, maybe for the rest of our lives. As I look out the window going up through the clouds I look down on the green fields outside Dublin and feel a tear starting to congregate in my left eye. How did it get to this? why could it not have worked out differently?.... ah well what the hell, we are on the plane now so there's no going back.
In 2003 I set up my own small building company and in the first few years we were going great guns. Ireland was buzzing and most people where doing home improvements or extensions and there wasn't enough hours in the day to get through the work. By 2005 I had 12 really good men working for me and there was no problem picking up jobs. In fact I turned down more than I accepted as I just didn't have the men to do the work. Not a bad complaint all the same.
At that time I was living in a nice bungalow, but I spoke to my bank manager and he told me he could organise a €500,000 mortgage so we decided to build ourselves our dream home and in 2007 we moved in - life was good and Deirdre and myself were living a comfortable life and money was always available. In 2007 my bank manager told me he could organise more funding for me if I wanted to buy some land. A cracking site went on the market just outside Dublin and in the middle of 2007, I was top bid and bought the land for €3,000,000. It was a lot of money and I was a little apprehensive about borrowing it but my architect and estate agent advised we could get 50 houses on the land and in 12 months we could sell it with full planning permission for €4,500,000 - not a bad turn for 12 months work. My bank manager loved the deal and told me to go for it- so I did.
Then in 2008 I remember the collapse of Lehman's bank and nearly immediately there was a global financial crisis which seemed to affect everyone across the world. Well certainly in Ireland the banks stopped lending altogether and there was a noticeable swing in the work situation and by 2009, the construction industry in the country came to a stop. One of the most difficult parts of this downturn meant I had to lay 11 out of the 12 men off who had been very loyal to me over the years, but I just didn't have the money or work to pay them and keep them on board.
Overall I worked out between one thing and another I had €5,000,000 of debt and was earning approx. €50,000 per annum from picking up the odd job here and there. Life went from being very comfortable and busy in 2006/2007 to being an absolute struggle in 2009/10,11 and 2012.
I started speaking to my bank in 2010 telling them that work was thin on the ground and that I was struggling to keep the repayments. They just kept telling me that I had to pay and that they could not write any debt down or accommodate me in any way. The assets I had were valued at €850,000 so that left a shortfall of €4,150,000 - how was I ever going to pay that back - I simply wasn't.
For the last two years I have be scraping around for work trying my very best to keep up the mortgage payments on my house - but unfortunately since September 2012 I haven't been able to even service the mortgage never mind the other debt. I didn't know what to do or who to turn to. So I did nothing for two years and probably if anything I drank way to often just to soften the pain of the financial position we were finding ourselves in. I sort of kept Deirdre in the loop, but thought it best not to tell her everything. I was just hoping I would get one or two decent jobs and everything would be back on track. It never happened!!
In January we went into the bank and asked them to sell the assets and re base the mortgage to a level we could afford to pay. Our new dream home was worth €375,000 now and we told them we could afford to service that if they were open to a deal. They point blankly told us they didn't do debt forgiveness and that if we couldn't keep up the mortgage payments then we would have to sell the house. We just kept hitting a brick wall after brick wall. It seems the banks are not interested In working with me and Deirdre at all, and I eventually got completely and utterly emotionally drained..
We started talking about going to Australia at Christmas 2012 as there seems to be plenty of work and it is supposed to be a great place to bring up children. There are a stack of men over there from my home town and I reckon we will settle in very well. There is also a good gaelic team called Penrith Gaels so at least I could keep my football up.
So we decided to emigrate out of Ireland. It has nothing to offer me or my young family. The banks wouldn't entertain any suggestion I had or compromise in any way, and it just seems that they wont be happy until everyone Is on the street. Its pretty unfair especially due to the fact the banks are all bust themselves and needed a bail out. Who bailed me out? yeah that's right nobody. Yes I am bitter, and I shouldn't have to leave this country I love, over the hell of debt. I never wanted to buy that bloody land in Dublin but sure the banker couldn't get the money out the door to me quick enough at the time and the architect and estate agent told me it was a dead cert. Ah well no point crying over spilled milk as I am a big boy and made up my own mind.
Anyway I really fear for the country moving forward. There has to be over 100 young people have left our town in the last two years, to get out of Ireland in search of opportunities. The country in insolvent and the banks are just not playing ball with the borrowers. Its so unfair but I suppose whats a small builder like me going to do about it.
Maybe I will come back one day, and if that does happen hopefully the country is in better hands than it is today. The heart has been ripped out if the towns and villages and debt has destroyed manys a home.
Ah well - I wonder what the film is on this flight and I hope the foods good. Little Molly is watching the Ipad and seems in good form. Deirdre also seems content so I suppose that's all that really matters.
As we disappear into the clouds, I say to myself - Good Luck Ireland, Look after yourself.
***This short story is fiction however it is based on a number of people I have come across who have become swamped with debt and feel they have no choice but to leave the country in search of opportunity and a better life.
In 2003 I set up my own small building company and in the first few years we were going great guns. Ireland was buzzing and most people where doing home improvements or extensions and there wasn't enough hours in the day to get through the work. By 2005 I had 12 really good men working for me and there was no problem picking up jobs. In fact I turned down more than I accepted as I just didn't have the men to do the work. Not a bad complaint all the same.
At that time I was living in a nice bungalow, but I spoke to my bank manager and he told me he could organise a €500,000 mortgage so we decided to build ourselves our dream home and in 2007 we moved in - life was good and Deirdre and myself were living a comfortable life and money was always available. In 2007 my bank manager told me he could organise more funding for me if I wanted to buy some land. A cracking site went on the market just outside Dublin and in the middle of 2007, I was top bid and bought the land for €3,000,000. It was a lot of money and I was a little apprehensive about borrowing it but my architect and estate agent advised we could get 50 houses on the land and in 12 months we could sell it with full planning permission for €4,500,000 - not a bad turn for 12 months work. My bank manager loved the deal and told me to go for it- so I did.
Then in 2008 I remember the collapse of Lehman's bank and nearly immediately there was a global financial crisis which seemed to affect everyone across the world. Well certainly in Ireland the banks stopped lending altogether and there was a noticeable swing in the work situation and by 2009, the construction industry in the country came to a stop. One of the most difficult parts of this downturn meant I had to lay 11 out of the 12 men off who had been very loyal to me over the years, but I just didn't have the money or work to pay them and keep them on board.
Overall I worked out between one thing and another I had €5,000,000 of debt and was earning approx. €50,000 per annum from picking up the odd job here and there. Life went from being very comfortable and busy in 2006/2007 to being an absolute struggle in 2009/10,11 and 2012.
I started speaking to my bank in 2010 telling them that work was thin on the ground and that I was struggling to keep the repayments. They just kept telling me that I had to pay and that they could not write any debt down or accommodate me in any way. The assets I had were valued at €850,000 so that left a shortfall of €4,150,000 - how was I ever going to pay that back - I simply wasn't.
For the last two years I have be scraping around for work trying my very best to keep up the mortgage payments on my house - but unfortunately since September 2012 I haven't been able to even service the mortgage never mind the other debt. I didn't know what to do or who to turn to. So I did nothing for two years and probably if anything I drank way to often just to soften the pain of the financial position we were finding ourselves in. I sort of kept Deirdre in the loop, but thought it best not to tell her everything. I was just hoping I would get one or two decent jobs and everything would be back on track. It never happened!!
In January we went into the bank and asked them to sell the assets and re base the mortgage to a level we could afford to pay. Our new dream home was worth €375,000 now and we told them we could afford to service that if they were open to a deal. They point blankly told us they didn't do debt forgiveness and that if we couldn't keep up the mortgage payments then we would have to sell the house. We just kept hitting a brick wall after brick wall. It seems the banks are not interested In working with me and Deirdre at all, and I eventually got completely and utterly emotionally drained..
We started talking about going to Australia at Christmas 2012 as there seems to be plenty of work and it is supposed to be a great place to bring up children. There are a stack of men over there from my home town and I reckon we will settle in very well. There is also a good gaelic team called Penrith Gaels so at least I could keep my football up.
So we decided to emigrate out of Ireland. It has nothing to offer me or my young family. The banks wouldn't entertain any suggestion I had or compromise in any way, and it just seems that they wont be happy until everyone Is on the street. Its pretty unfair especially due to the fact the banks are all bust themselves and needed a bail out. Who bailed me out? yeah that's right nobody. Yes I am bitter, and I shouldn't have to leave this country I love, over the hell of debt. I never wanted to buy that bloody land in Dublin but sure the banker couldn't get the money out the door to me quick enough at the time and the architect and estate agent told me it was a dead cert. Ah well no point crying over spilled milk as I am a big boy and made up my own mind.
Anyway I really fear for the country moving forward. There has to be over 100 young people have left our town in the last two years, to get out of Ireland in search of opportunities. The country in insolvent and the banks are just not playing ball with the borrowers. Its so unfair but I suppose whats a small builder like me going to do about it.
Maybe I will come back one day, and if that does happen hopefully the country is in better hands than it is today. The heart has been ripped out if the towns and villages and debt has destroyed manys a home.
Ah well - I wonder what the film is on this flight and I hope the foods good. Little Molly is watching the Ipad and seems in good form. Deirdre also seems content so I suppose that's all that really matters.
As we disappear into the clouds, I say to myself - Good Luck Ireland, Look after yourself.
***This short story is fiction however it is based on a number of people I have come across who have become swamped with debt and feel they have no choice but to leave the country in search of opportunity and a better life.
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Exercise - New Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis...... and all round health!
I posted this blog a couple of months ago and literally hundreds of you have viewed it, so clearly the headline got your attention. Over the last few months I have met more and more people who seem to be using exercise as a way to manage and beat MS on a daily basis. I myself suffered quite badly with MS between 2006 and 2009, however over the last four years I have implemented a 3 point plan and my overall health has been completely transformed.
My plan was really 3 things namely 1) Medication 2) diet & exercise and 3) positive approach to my circumstances. It is very difficult to quantify how good one is over the other however I am getting more and more feedback from people suffering from MS who seem to have started an exercise program and have seen their MS symptoms decline. I think this is fascinating.
My friend Bill Sink reckons his symptoms settle when he is running. My other buddy Gene Caffrey states the same and I myself find when I am training, my symptoms seem to disappear. Why is this I ask?
Well I don't know the answer but I am very interested in researching this more to see how many others out there are finding the same result. MS can be a very nasty condition and with 2.5m people suffering worldwide and loads more awaiting diagnosis, we need to get to the route of the problem.
I am going to continue with my intense exercise program, as I believe the fitter I am, the stronger my immune system will be, the better quality of life I will have.
However more and more as time goes by, many medical professionals are convinced that exercise is the answer to all round health and well being. I am 36 on my next birthday and I have noticed in the past few years the numbers of people running, walking, cycling have increased massively and generally there does seem to be a change of mindset out there regarding people wanting to look after themselves a little better.
It takes a lot of will, determination and grit to get yourself up off the couch and get out there to exercise, but I guarantee you that the health and well being benefits by far outweigh the inconvenience and hassle.
So if you are a regular trainer, keep it going and even up the ante. If you are thinking about starting, then do it today and go walk the dog for 15 minutes - not a bad way to get going.
Also If you are finding that exercise is helping you beat and manage your Multiple Sclerosis, please let me know.
#Attitudeiseverything :))
My new book Attitude is Everything - My MS Story, is available off my website : www.conordevine.com
My plan was really 3 things namely 1) Medication 2) diet & exercise and 3) positive approach to my circumstances. It is very difficult to quantify how good one is over the other however I am getting more and more feedback from people suffering from MS who seem to have started an exercise program and have seen their MS symptoms decline. I think this is fascinating.
My friend Bill Sink reckons his symptoms settle when he is running. My other buddy Gene Caffrey states the same and I myself find when I am training, my symptoms seem to disappear. Why is this I ask?
Well I don't know the answer but I am very interested in researching this more to see how many others out there are finding the same result. MS can be a very nasty condition and with 2.5m people suffering worldwide and loads more awaiting diagnosis, we need to get to the route of the problem.
I am going to continue with my intense exercise program, as I believe the fitter I am, the stronger my immune system will be, the better quality of life I will have.
However more and more as time goes by, many medical professionals are convinced that exercise is the answer to all round health and well being. I am 36 on my next birthday and I have noticed in the past few years the numbers of people running, walking, cycling have increased massively and generally there does seem to be a change of mindset out there regarding people wanting to look after themselves a little better.
It takes a lot of will, determination and grit to get yourself up off the couch and get out there to exercise, but I guarantee you that the health and well being benefits by far outweigh the inconvenience and hassle.
So if you are a regular trainer, keep it going and even up the ante. If you are thinking about starting, then do it today and go walk the dog for 15 minutes - not a bad way to get going.
Also If you are finding that exercise is helping you beat and manage your Multiple Sclerosis, please let me know.
#Attitudeiseverything :))
My new book Attitude is Everything - My MS Story, is available off my website : www.conordevine.com
Saturday 6 April 2013
Cannibas - Is this the answer for MS Sufferers
I recently just got back from a trip to Germany where I was speaking at a pharmaceutical company's European conference. It was a great experience and I got the opportunity to discuss with some of the bosses of the company, new drugs they are working on and also discuss the on-going research into understanding and ultimately beating this Multiple Sclerosis condition. Its heart warming to know that each and every day some of the cleverest people on the planet are trying to get to the bottom of the condition and produce drugs that will make the lives of those suffering from MS that little bit easier.
Last week I was on a local radio station in Dublin and I was asked about my views on Cannibas as a drug which may help MS Sufferers. One thing about me is I am possibly not politically correct and I don't really mind what people think of my views as I have confidence in myself and ability to discuss touchy subjects and stand over my opinions.
GW Pharmaceuticals a UK pharmaceutical Company has developed a cannabis-based medicinal extract product, to be marketed under the brand name Sativex. This will be available to MS Sufferers apparently as early as next year. My own personal view is that if this new drug can help people then what is all the fuss about.
I am sick of listening to politicians and others who talk about issues like this, mostly with their own agenda to the fore of their decision making process. MS is a terrible disease and really only those who suffer from it truly understand what its like to walk around with it (if your lucky enough to be able to walk) every day. There are over 53 different symptoms of MS and 4 different types and generally the thing is of a progressive nature. Its not a nice condition to have and pain is one of the problems that people suffer from.
One of my inspirations Mr Montel Williams has been saying for years to legalise Cannibas as it helps him and others who suffer form the condition and it eases the pain. In certain parts of the world this is the case. Now I wont discuss on this blog my views on making the drug legal, however what I will say is that if Sativex does what it says on the tin then fantastic, lets get on with it and bring it to market.
I hope that one day in my lifetime there will be a cure for MS, I believe that they will certainly get to the bottom of it in the next 10 years - a cure - well that's a different story. However the world moves on and the research will go on so lets hope the amazingly talented scientists remain inspired and determined to continue their great work in trying to make all our lives that little bit more manageable and increase our quality of life.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything
Last week I was on a local radio station in Dublin and I was asked about my views on Cannibas as a drug which may help MS Sufferers. One thing about me is I am possibly not politically correct and I don't really mind what people think of my views as I have confidence in myself and ability to discuss touchy subjects and stand over my opinions.
GW Pharmaceuticals a UK pharmaceutical Company has developed a cannabis-based medicinal extract product, to be marketed under the brand name Sativex. This will be available to MS Sufferers apparently as early as next year. My own personal view is that if this new drug can help people then what is all the fuss about.
I am sick of listening to politicians and others who talk about issues like this, mostly with their own agenda to the fore of their decision making process. MS is a terrible disease and really only those who suffer from it truly understand what its like to walk around with it (if your lucky enough to be able to walk) every day. There are over 53 different symptoms of MS and 4 different types and generally the thing is of a progressive nature. Its not a nice condition to have and pain is one of the problems that people suffer from.
One of my inspirations Mr Montel Williams has been saying for years to legalise Cannibas as it helps him and others who suffer form the condition and it eases the pain. In certain parts of the world this is the case. Now I wont discuss on this blog my views on making the drug legal, however what I will say is that if Sativex does what it says on the tin then fantastic, lets get on with it and bring it to market.
I hope that one day in my lifetime there will be a cure for MS, I believe that they will certainly get to the bottom of it in the next 10 years - a cure - well that's a different story. However the world moves on and the research will go on so lets hope the amazingly talented scientists remain inspired and determined to continue their great work in trying to make all our lives that little bit more manageable and increase our quality of life.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything
Thursday 4 April 2013
Berlin Trip - MS Awareness
A few weeks ago I was invited to take part in a pharmaceutical conference which was being held in Berlin on Tuesday 3rd April 2013. The purpose of the visit was to share my story with over 300 of the company's employees. Basically the goal being to give the employees a better understanding of this very complex neurological condition called Multiple Sclerosis. All in there were 10 patients from across Europe and I was the Irish guy, who had been invited to take part.
I landed in Berlin airport and there was a guy there ready to take me to the hotel. I got a quick bite to eat and was then taken to a conference room facility where over the next 90 minutes I shared my MS journey with the company's representatives. At the end of the presentation we did a Q+A and I got through all the questions no problem at all. The attendees seemed very interested and asked some great questions. All in all it was a good experience and it was great to get the opportunity to speak in front of so many people.
The outcome from the event I think will be positive as I have no doubt the employees knew a lot more about MS after my talk and what its like to be a young man struck down in the prime of his life.
The other thing which struck me is yet again a common denominator with MS. There is so many people who know very little about the condition. Its amazing the lack of information there is about MS and the fascinating thing is that nearly every one I know or speak to, knows at least one person with MS - isn't that interesting, yet we all no very little about it. Why is this the case?
My goal over the next few years is to continue to raise awareness of the condition and the fact that you can be diagnosed with MS and still lead a great life. I will do this through my book, website and speaking to whoever wants to listen to me.
I flew home the next morning into Dublin and on reflection really enjoyed the trip and looking forward to the events that I am lined up to speak at later this year.
I am also very grateful as there are those who are struggling with the condition right now, so for as long as I am fit to do so, and people continue to be interested in what I have to say - I will continue with my goals.
For further information, please visit my website www.conordevine.com #AttitudeIsEverything
I landed in Berlin airport and there was a guy there ready to take me to the hotel. I got a quick bite to eat and was then taken to a conference room facility where over the next 90 minutes I shared my MS journey with the company's representatives. At the end of the presentation we did a Q+A and I got through all the questions no problem at all. The attendees seemed very interested and asked some great questions. All in all it was a good experience and it was great to get the opportunity to speak in front of so many people.
The outcome from the event I think will be positive as I have no doubt the employees knew a lot more about MS after my talk and what its like to be a young man struck down in the prime of his life.
The other thing which struck me is yet again a common denominator with MS. There is so many people who know very little about the condition. Its amazing the lack of information there is about MS and the fascinating thing is that nearly every one I know or speak to, knows at least one person with MS - isn't that interesting, yet we all no very little about it. Why is this the case?
My goal over the next few years is to continue to raise awareness of the condition and the fact that you can be diagnosed with MS and still lead a great life. I will do this through my book, website and speaking to whoever wants to listen to me.
I flew home the next morning into Dublin and on reflection really enjoyed the trip and looking forward to the events that I am lined up to speak at later this year.
I am also very grateful as there are those who are struggling with the condition right now, so for as long as I am fit to do so, and people continue to be interested in what I have to say - I will continue with my goals.
For further information, please visit my website www.conordevine.com #AttitudeIsEverything
Monday 1 April 2013
Perception - Its all that matters....
Have you ever stopped to think what this word perception really means and its relevance in the world today. Over the last few years throughout my business life and personal battle with MS, I have come to understand how big a role perception plays in every day life. You see if you think about it everything you do is perceived by someone - slightly confused - let me explain.
In the business world some people think you have to be completely ruthless to get to the top and that nice people don't win and nice people don't be successful. I have been very lucky to work with scores of business people over the years and yes some fall into this category for sure but there are others who don't and are an absolute pleasure to work with. Stereotyping entrepreneurs with this is a perception out there of some of the most successful business people in society -that's just the way it is.
OK lets look at another example this time, lets talk about Multiple Sclerosis. I know I am not supposed to be openly talking about this as the perception is its not something to be talking openly about. When we look at MS globally, the perception I have come across many times is that most think that at some point the person with the MS will be confined to a wheelchair. Even if you know next to nothing about the condition the perception out there is that somewhere along the line you will be in a chair for the rest of your life. The facts are this is incorrect and only a small percentage of people unfortunately suffer nerve damage in the area of the spinal chord which causes severe damage to the motor nerves preventing patients from walking - hence they need a chair to get around.
What I have found is that perception can be a very dangerous and ignorant thing and in my MS example, can cause a significant amount of stress and horror. In fact when I first got sick on my honeymoon in Mauritius in 2006 and MS was mentioned a possible cause, my immediate reaction was that there was no way I could cope with being in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. That was the perception I had in my brain of the condition. As a result of this the fear and worry I went through over the next 18 months was absolutely horrendous. My lack of understanding of the condition and lack of information readily available meant I just assumed the worst like a lot of people today.
So when I tell you my goal is to change the PERCEPTION of MS across the globe, what do I mean and how will I do it?
What do I mean?
I want more people to understand MS and to understand that even if you are diagnosed you can still lead a great life of fulfilment. I am 7 years diagnosed this summer and I am currently training for my first adventure race, a 67km cycle, run and kayak in Ireland. In November I will be running the New York Marathon, my third marathon in as many years. Surely not, how can someone with MS be able to do this??? Well its happening and If you visit this blog at the end of November you will see for yourself !
The great thing about all of this for me is that I now know that through my own own story and experiences, I have been able to, in some small way - change the perception of MS. I have only started with my crusade on this front but I am determined to continue in this vain.
How will I do it?
I recently released my new book Attitude Is Everything - My MS Story, where I share with the reader how I have managed to deal with the MS in the last few years and in fact push on and start to live again. Through my website www.conordevine.com I interact with other MS sufferers and share my story knowing that some get a little hope from my positive experience. Its a very gratifying feeling knowing that I am able to help fellow MS Champions even just a little in this way. Through my blogs I will also share the ups and downs of MS and try and inspire those to start and fight back. Its so important that everyone takes control and responsibility for their own health and well being. MS or no MS its important to try and lead a healthy active life - the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.
So Perception - remember everything you do will be judged my someone - Life is all about perception, so before you make your mind up on something the next time, my advice is to educate yourself with the facts and then you will be able to make a more balanced decision.
Happy Easter all... #AttitudeIsEverything
In the business world some people think you have to be completely ruthless to get to the top and that nice people don't win and nice people don't be successful. I have been very lucky to work with scores of business people over the years and yes some fall into this category for sure but there are others who don't and are an absolute pleasure to work with. Stereotyping entrepreneurs with this is a perception out there of some of the most successful business people in society -that's just the way it is.
OK lets look at another example this time, lets talk about Multiple Sclerosis. I know I am not supposed to be openly talking about this as the perception is its not something to be talking openly about. When we look at MS globally, the perception I have come across many times is that most think that at some point the person with the MS will be confined to a wheelchair. Even if you know next to nothing about the condition the perception out there is that somewhere along the line you will be in a chair for the rest of your life. The facts are this is incorrect and only a small percentage of people unfortunately suffer nerve damage in the area of the spinal chord which causes severe damage to the motor nerves preventing patients from walking - hence they need a chair to get around.
What I have found is that perception can be a very dangerous and ignorant thing and in my MS example, can cause a significant amount of stress and horror. In fact when I first got sick on my honeymoon in Mauritius in 2006 and MS was mentioned a possible cause, my immediate reaction was that there was no way I could cope with being in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. That was the perception I had in my brain of the condition. As a result of this the fear and worry I went through over the next 18 months was absolutely horrendous. My lack of understanding of the condition and lack of information readily available meant I just assumed the worst like a lot of people today.
So when I tell you my goal is to change the PERCEPTION of MS across the globe, what do I mean and how will I do it?
What do I mean?
I want more people to understand MS and to understand that even if you are diagnosed you can still lead a great life of fulfilment. I am 7 years diagnosed this summer and I am currently training for my first adventure race, a 67km cycle, run and kayak in Ireland. In November I will be running the New York Marathon, my third marathon in as many years. Surely not, how can someone with MS be able to do this??? Well its happening and If you visit this blog at the end of November you will see for yourself !
The great thing about all of this for me is that I now know that through my own own story and experiences, I have been able to, in some small way - change the perception of MS. I have only started with my crusade on this front but I am determined to continue in this vain.
How will I do it?
I recently released my new book Attitude Is Everything - My MS Story, where I share with the reader how I have managed to deal with the MS in the last few years and in fact push on and start to live again. Through my website www.conordevine.com I interact with other MS sufferers and share my story knowing that some get a little hope from my positive experience. Its a very gratifying feeling knowing that I am able to help fellow MS Champions even just a little in this way. Through my blogs I will also share the ups and downs of MS and try and inspire those to start and fight back. Its so important that everyone takes control and responsibility for their own health and well being. MS or no MS its important to try and lead a healthy active life - the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.
So Perception - remember everything you do will be judged my someone - Life is all about perception, so before you make your mind up on something the next time, my advice is to educate yourself with the facts and then you will be able to make a more balanced decision.
Happy Easter all... #AttitudeIsEverything
Thursday 21 March 2013
Ireland - The Lost Generation
So what really is happening in Ireland today? some might say pretty pessimistically "Not Much"
Well one thing that is for sure is that its getting a hell of a lot harder to pay the bills as inflation rises, unemployment increases and debt is spiralling out of control. Our airports are full of young talented people who are all waving one way tickets to far away fields, many never to return.
I last spent more than a week with my youngest brother almost 10 years ago. Barry is a good lad, ambitious type and has a good way with people. He went to Australia for a gap year in 2003 to gain a bit of experience and sample a different lifestyle. 10 years after he first stepped off the plane in Sydney, he is still there, and to be fair to him he has created a new life for himself, reinvented himself as a professional real estate agent and life is good, he tells me (way too often)
I tell you this because nearly every other household in Ireland has a Barry in it. The worrying thing from the country's point of view is that this trend is continuing at an alarming rate.
I have deep concerns about the country over the next few years as clearly too many households are suffocated with debt, and the worrying thing is there seems to be very little help out there or solutions to assist such families. Everyone accepts there is too much debt in Ireland, very little growth as austerity continues to bite and zero prospects to encourage people like Barry to come home and for others thinking off visiting the travel agents - to stay put.
So how can we fix this? - sure it is not easy and is a long term problem however our banks have a key role to play to kick start the economy and let people breath again. Banks must start to deal with those who have significant debt problems by agreeing to write down the debt to an affordable level, so the debtor can move on and start to contribute to the economy again.
As we all know Ireland is split in two - the North and the South and the legislation regarding insolvency is different. For a professional person like myself who has the benefit of running a business in this area of work in both jurisdictions an observation would be that the North of the island (only just ) under the UK legislation is dealing with the issue a little better than our Southern counterparts. The South is currently holding its breath for this miracle new insolvency legislation coming through later this year. I (and i am not alone) have grave concerns regarding this new bill and even the most optimistic of people would suggest it ,may not be the answer as the banks have a Veto on the debt.
Today in Southern Ireland the Insolvency Service issued guidelines on what a family should be spending their finances on month to month basis. With this we are now entering a very dangerous space and I would ask those in power to consider same. These guidelines have been poorly thought out and need a little more consideration and work.
We should all remember one thing when we are discussing these matters. The banking sector in Ireland was bailed out by the taxpayer, so in lay mans terms if this didn't happen the banks would be out of business - do you remember a bank called Anglo Irish bank, I sort of do but that was such a long time ago now !!!. Surely it would then be reasonable to assume and only be fair that banks step forward and try to work with people through their debt issues which includes debt write down so we can all move on. The reality is that most banks currently have a slow death policy in place in Ireland and to be frank this has to change.
An observation again would be that there are three sets of people in Ireland right now;
1) The very wealthy - this bunch is a small minority and their wealth will increase in years to come. Most of the country then falls into either of the next two categories either
2) those who are running out of money
3) those who have ran out of money. This category is growing daily.
The optimist in me wants to believe that common sense will prevail and the banks will get off their godly thrones and come down to earth and try and deal with the debt problems. Remember it was the institutions that lent the money in the first place with little to no diligence in many cases.
I would love to see the day Barry is back in Ireland with his family, and my children could play with their cousins who have Australian accents in a prosperous Ireland - is this a bridge too far? maybe not as I have a good imagination!!
Lets wait and see what happens......
Well one thing that is for sure is that its getting a hell of a lot harder to pay the bills as inflation rises, unemployment increases and debt is spiralling out of control. Our airports are full of young talented people who are all waving one way tickets to far away fields, many never to return.
I last spent more than a week with my youngest brother almost 10 years ago. Barry is a good lad, ambitious type and has a good way with people. He went to Australia for a gap year in 2003 to gain a bit of experience and sample a different lifestyle. 10 years after he first stepped off the plane in Sydney, he is still there, and to be fair to him he has created a new life for himself, reinvented himself as a professional real estate agent and life is good, he tells me (way too often)
I tell you this because nearly every other household in Ireland has a Barry in it. The worrying thing from the country's point of view is that this trend is continuing at an alarming rate.
I have deep concerns about the country over the next few years as clearly too many households are suffocated with debt, and the worrying thing is there seems to be very little help out there or solutions to assist such families. Everyone accepts there is too much debt in Ireland, very little growth as austerity continues to bite and zero prospects to encourage people like Barry to come home and for others thinking off visiting the travel agents - to stay put.
So how can we fix this? - sure it is not easy and is a long term problem however our banks have a key role to play to kick start the economy and let people breath again. Banks must start to deal with those who have significant debt problems by agreeing to write down the debt to an affordable level, so the debtor can move on and start to contribute to the economy again.
As we all know Ireland is split in two - the North and the South and the legislation regarding insolvency is different. For a professional person like myself who has the benefit of running a business in this area of work in both jurisdictions an observation would be that the North of the island (only just ) under the UK legislation is dealing with the issue a little better than our Southern counterparts. The South is currently holding its breath for this miracle new insolvency legislation coming through later this year. I (and i am not alone) have grave concerns regarding this new bill and even the most optimistic of people would suggest it ,may not be the answer as the banks have a Veto on the debt.
Today in Southern Ireland the Insolvency Service issued guidelines on what a family should be spending their finances on month to month basis. With this we are now entering a very dangerous space and I would ask those in power to consider same. These guidelines have been poorly thought out and need a little more consideration and work.
We should all remember one thing when we are discussing these matters. The banking sector in Ireland was bailed out by the taxpayer, so in lay mans terms if this didn't happen the banks would be out of business - do you remember a bank called Anglo Irish bank, I sort of do but that was such a long time ago now !!!. Surely it would then be reasonable to assume and only be fair that banks step forward and try to work with people through their debt issues which includes debt write down so we can all move on. The reality is that most banks currently have a slow death policy in place in Ireland and to be frank this has to change.
An observation again would be that there are three sets of people in Ireland right now;
1) The very wealthy - this bunch is a small minority and their wealth will increase in years to come. Most of the country then falls into either of the next two categories either
2) those who are running out of money
3) those who have ran out of money. This category is growing daily.
The optimist in me wants to believe that common sense will prevail and the banks will get off their godly thrones and come down to earth and try and deal with the debt problems. Remember it was the institutions that lent the money in the first place with little to no diligence in many cases.
I would love to see the day Barry is back in Ireland with his family, and my children could play with their cousins who have Australian accents in a prosperous Ireland - is this a bridge too far? maybe not as I have a good imagination!!
Lets wait and see what happens......
Wednesday 6 March 2013
MS AWARENESS MONTH - MARCH
I can hardly believe how quick the last number of years have passed by. I will be 7 years into my Multiple Sclerosis journey come August and to be honest it seems like yesterday. The time sure has flown by and I suppose as I reflect on things a lot has happened in this time frame.
The good news is I am doing very well right now and I hope the next 7 years are like the last 3. If they are I will have a great time.
This month is MS Awareness month and I will be doing all I can to raise awareness of the condition worldwide. At the minute I am receiving emails and letters every day from people all over the world asking me all sorts of questions regarding MS. I do get through them all and the one constant theme in all the correspondence is this thing called FEAR. It pains me the lack of understanding and awareness of MS in Ireland and around the world and this all adds to the fear of the condition. We all have to do as much as we can to help others understand the condition and its been great to see the advances in the medical side of things in the past few years. The ultimate goal is clearly to find a cure for this condition, and the sooner the better as it can be very very nasty!!!
The point is this - you can have MS and still have an incredible life - that is a fact. I say to people all the time especially the newly diagnosed, arm yourself with as much information as possible, so that you know all the possibilities with the condition. Once you have a full understanding of MS you can then work on putting a plan in place to fight it. Yes fight it!!!!! If you don't do this it is very likely it will overwhelm you and put you on the back foot. You need to work on your attitude, and once you get this right, absolutely anything is possible.
My book Attitude Is Everything - My MS Story was released 5 weeks ago and my publisher tells me it was one of the top selling motivational books in February. I am delighted to hear this but more importantly its even more gratifying when people read it and come back to me with some positive feedback. I wrote the book with the one mission to help at least one person who was struggling with MS or any other form of challenge. I now know that I have achieved my goal which feels great.
So as we go through this month - feel free to get in touch with me, email me or tweet me and lets share stories and thoughts on this complicated neurological condition called MS.....
#AttitudeIsEverything
conor@conordevine.com @conor_devine
The good news is I am doing very well right now and I hope the next 7 years are like the last 3. If they are I will have a great time.
This month is MS Awareness month and I will be doing all I can to raise awareness of the condition worldwide. At the minute I am receiving emails and letters every day from people all over the world asking me all sorts of questions regarding MS. I do get through them all and the one constant theme in all the correspondence is this thing called FEAR. It pains me the lack of understanding and awareness of MS in Ireland and around the world and this all adds to the fear of the condition. We all have to do as much as we can to help others understand the condition and its been great to see the advances in the medical side of things in the past few years. The ultimate goal is clearly to find a cure for this condition, and the sooner the better as it can be very very nasty!!!
The point is this - you can have MS and still have an incredible life - that is a fact. I say to people all the time especially the newly diagnosed, arm yourself with as much information as possible, so that you know all the possibilities with the condition. Once you have a full understanding of MS you can then work on putting a plan in place to fight it. Yes fight it!!!!! If you don't do this it is very likely it will overwhelm you and put you on the back foot. You need to work on your attitude, and once you get this right, absolutely anything is possible.
My book Attitude Is Everything - My MS Story was released 5 weeks ago and my publisher tells me it was one of the top selling motivational books in February. I am delighted to hear this but more importantly its even more gratifying when people read it and come back to me with some positive feedback. I wrote the book with the one mission to help at least one person who was struggling with MS or any other form of challenge. I now know that I have achieved my goal which feels great.
So as we go through this month - feel free to get in touch with me, email me or tweet me and lets share stories and thoughts on this complicated neurological condition called MS.....
#AttitudeIsEverything
conor@conordevine.com @conor_devine
Thursday 14 February 2013
Update on New Book
So I have eventuallly published my book, Attitude Is Everything - My MS Story. It was a serious challenge putting this together and i learnt alot about myself putting my experience of the past 6 years down on paper. It was also a fascinating experience going down the self publishing route as its not very straight forward to a virgin author like myself. However all the hours and late night calls to my publisher in the USA have paid off as the feedback i am getting from the manuscript is very positive indeed.
There are alot of people asking me where they can buy the book. The best place right now is from my website at www.conordevine.com OR you can also get it on Amazon, both the .com and the .co.uk.
In the next few days the book will also be available on Kindle version which again is very exciting for me. In Northern Ireland the book is available in Sheehys Book shop in Cookstown and in the next 6 weeks hopefully Waterstones and Easons will hopefully be stocking it. If you want to stock my book, please get in touch with me at conor@conordevine.com.
In the past few weeks I have received so many emails from people with MS or people who are living with and caring for someone with MS, just to say well done and the fact that my little story was giving them so much hope and enthusiasm. This is an incredible feeling and completely justifies me doing this book. I am really a private person deep down and its not easy opening up to the world and telling your personal business. Its also not easy on my nearest and dearest, but i know they understand and fully support me on this.
If you have read my book and enjoyed it, I would be very grateful if you wanted to leave a comment on Amazon.
This year i will be speaking at a number of events in N Ireland, South of Ireland,UK, Australia and also the USA. I will continue to push the boundaries, push my mind and push the stereotype of MS to I can push no more.
#AttitudeIsEverything
There are alot of people asking me where they can buy the book. The best place right now is from my website at www.conordevine.com OR you can also get it on Amazon, both the .com and the .co.uk.
In the next few days the book will also be available on Kindle version which again is very exciting for me. In Northern Ireland the book is available in Sheehys Book shop in Cookstown and in the next 6 weeks hopefully Waterstones and Easons will hopefully be stocking it. If you want to stock my book, please get in touch with me at conor@conordevine.com.
In the past few weeks I have received so many emails from people with MS or people who are living with and caring for someone with MS, just to say well done and the fact that my little story was giving them so much hope and enthusiasm. This is an incredible feeling and completely justifies me doing this book. I am really a private person deep down and its not easy opening up to the world and telling your personal business. Its also not easy on my nearest and dearest, but i know they understand and fully support me on this.
If you have read my book and enjoyed it, I would be very grateful if you wanted to leave a comment on Amazon.
This year i will be speaking at a number of events in N Ireland, South of Ireland,UK, Australia and also the USA. I will continue to push the boundaries, push my mind and push the stereotype of MS to I can push no more.
#AttitudeIsEverything
Sunday 3 February 2013
Gazza - Alcohol - Society
I turned on the computer this morning to check out some on line news publications and one of the first stories i seen was very disturbing indeed. It was a story about one of England's greatest players Mr Paul Gascoigne. Most people are aware at this stage that Gaza has been fighting alcoholism most of his adult life. We are all very aware of his challenges as his life from he was a young guy playing his football at Spurs has been played out in front of the worlds media.
This mornings article included a video of Gaza who was speaking at a dinner last Tuesday night, clearly in a very fragile state. He spoke or more like tried to speak for over 10 minutes and it was a very sad site indeed. He had clearly consumed alot of alcohol, his talking was blurred and he was physically shaking uncontrollably. It was an absolute disgrace that the organisers of the event allowed this to happen.
In any case, the bottom line is it reflected really what i feel the attitude society has taken to people who have a drink problem or those referred to as alcoholics. The facts are i don't think people really give much of a damn to be honest. Alcoholism is rife in society and it kills more people every year than many illnesses put together, yet there is still a school of thought out there that its maybe not even really an illness. I would ask those of this mindset to go visit some of the clinics dedicated to fighting the illness and educate yourselves better. Post this visit, I'm sure you will then accept the fact that it sure is one hell of an illness - one of the worst out there today.
Drink when in full flow is like a nuclear bomb, in that it destroys everything in its path - a devastating disease in every sense of the word.
In Paul Gascoignes case it was another very public reminder for me this morning how we have come to nearly accept it as if its just something that happens to somebody else, and theres nothing you can do about it.
Well there is lots you can do about it, and i have a number of friends who were close to death, decided they needed to take action, started to fight back and are now making a fantastic contribution to society - alcohol free.
I hope Gazza gets the support and strength from somewhere to start fighting back. My real worry though in his case is that he is runnig out of time. I hope I am wrong.
This mornings article included a video of Gaza who was speaking at a dinner last Tuesday night, clearly in a very fragile state. He spoke or more like tried to speak for over 10 minutes and it was a very sad site indeed. He had clearly consumed alot of alcohol, his talking was blurred and he was physically shaking uncontrollably. It was an absolute disgrace that the organisers of the event allowed this to happen.
In any case, the bottom line is it reflected really what i feel the attitude society has taken to people who have a drink problem or those referred to as alcoholics. The facts are i don't think people really give much of a damn to be honest. Alcoholism is rife in society and it kills more people every year than many illnesses put together, yet there is still a school of thought out there that its maybe not even really an illness. I would ask those of this mindset to go visit some of the clinics dedicated to fighting the illness and educate yourselves better. Post this visit, I'm sure you will then accept the fact that it sure is one hell of an illness - one of the worst out there today.
Drink when in full flow is like a nuclear bomb, in that it destroys everything in its path - a devastating disease in every sense of the word.
In Paul Gascoignes case it was another very public reminder for me this morning how we have come to nearly accept it as if its just something that happens to somebody else, and theres nothing you can do about it.
Well there is lots you can do about it, and i have a number of friends who were close to death, decided they needed to take action, started to fight back and are now making a fantastic contribution to society - alcohol free.
I hope Gazza gets the support and strength from somewhere to start fighting back. My real worry though in his case is that he is runnig out of time. I hope I am wrong.
Sunday 27 January 2013
The Late Late Show - MS Awareness
Its 9 days since i appeared on the LateLate show, Ireland's number one talk show and i have to say that i got an incredible reaction from the general public. For the benefit of the reader, i want to share with you my motivation for doing the show, writing my book and being very vocal about my MS journey. The reason is very simple;
When i first got my symptoms 6 years ago, i had no idea what was happening to me. For 12 months, i thought i was dying and was slipping into a dark hole. When i got diagnosed my world completely fell apart. There was very little information available on MS, the medical profession are quiet on it, and the only MS stories you tend to hear are really sad and negative accounts. It took me nearly 3 years to work out that despite an MS diagnosis, you can still go on to have an incredible life. I searched the net and there was no one in Ireland, the UK, or even Europe who was publicly out there and sharing a positive story. I then found one guy called "Montel Williams" in the USA and it was through his positive lifestyle that led me to others who were also doing well.
So in short, the reason why i am committed to raising the profile of MS and MS Awareness, is that i now know that if other MS patients see my story, it can inspire them and give them some hope that they too can go on and do very well. If you have no hope you have nothing.
Since the show, i have received over 500 emails from people across the country and further afield all saying that it was fantastic to see someone with MS on the Late Late Show, sharing a positive story. I received emails from MS sufferers, family members, husbands and wives all who got some strength from my story. I have to say that this feeling is very gratifying and is the reason why i will continue to shout high and low on behalf of MS'ers out there.
You can contact me through my website at info@conordevine.com
My book is now available from www.createspace.com/3919791
Keep well everyone
#AttutudeIsEverything
When i first got my symptoms 6 years ago, i had no idea what was happening to me. For 12 months, i thought i was dying and was slipping into a dark hole. When i got diagnosed my world completely fell apart. There was very little information available on MS, the medical profession are quiet on it, and the only MS stories you tend to hear are really sad and negative accounts. It took me nearly 3 years to work out that despite an MS diagnosis, you can still go on to have an incredible life. I searched the net and there was no one in Ireland, the UK, or even Europe who was publicly out there and sharing a positive story. I then found one guy called "Montel Williams" in the USA and it was through his positive lifestyle that led me to others who were also doing well.
So in short, the reason why i am committed to raising the profile of MS and MS Awareness, is that i now know that if other MS patients see my story, it can inspire them and give them some hope that they too can go on and do very well. If you have no hope you have nothing.
Since the show, i have received over 500 emails from people across the country and further afield all saying that it was fantastic to see someone with MS on the Late Late Show, sharing a positive story. I received emails from MS sufferers, family members, husbands and wives all who got some strength from my story. I have to say that this feeling is very gratifying and is the reason why i will continue to shout high and low on behalf of MS'ers out there.
You can contact me through my website at info@conordevine.com
My book is now available from www.createspace.com/3919791
Keep well everyone
#AttutudeIsEverything
Saturday 12 January 2013
Who Has The Right To Die? :: #MarieFleming Case
I wrote this piece today for the Irish Independent.
The International press gathered at Dublin High Courts on
Thursday of this week, to listen to Judge Nicholas Kearns give his verdict on
the Marie Fleming “Right to die case”.
Mrs Fleming, a 59 year old former university lecturer suffers from a
very severe form of Multiple Sclerosis that has left her in extremely poor
health and paralysed. She has brought her case before the courts
making an impassioned plea to establish the right of her partner of 18 years to
help her die, an act that could currently see him jailed.
Assisted suicide is permitted in four European countries
Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The debate has played out
through recent high-profile court cases in neighbouring Britain, where three
people all failed in bids to win legal assistance to die.
I think everyone would agree that this is a particularly devastating
case for Mrs Fleming, her partner and wider family connections and also I would
suggest the members of the court who ultimately have to tell this lady what is
lawful and acceptable in Irish society, knowing that her quality of life is so
bad she is advocating such an extreme measure.
There is no doubt this case has gripped the nation and as a
young person six years into a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, I am particularly
interested for a range of reasons. I have to say that in some small way I can
feel an element of Mrs Flemings pain. MS
can be a really nasty neurological condition and is very prevalent across Ireland. It is a progressive condition generally and
unfortunately Mrs Fleming is in the severely affected category.
Judge Nicholas Kearns said Mrs Fleming was the most
remarkable witness any member of the court had encountered and acknowledged
that her life has been "rendered miserable" after being "ravaged
by an insidious disease".
However, he said it would be impossible to tailor
legislation governing assisted suicide on an individual basis and doing so
would be harmful to the public interest in protecting the most vulnerable
members of society
In many ways there was no right or wrong outcome in a particularly
poignant and heart wrenching case of this nature. If the courts allowed Mrs Flemings partner to
assist her in dying, there may have been for one, public outcry and if they
turned down the application, Mrs Flemings daily suffering would have to
continue and she and her family would leave the courts, in pieces.
Personally I feel life is a gift and although I have no
understanding of how miserable and painful Mrs Flemings life had become, my own
view would be that the courts had no alternative but to turn down the
application. I do feel that although Mrs
Flemings case was so genuine and morally you could argue allowing her partner
to assist her with dying peacefully was the correct thing to do; you may have
hundreds of these types of cases in the years to come. The issue would be where would you draw the
line and if there was one case that slipped the net, what a great shame that would
be. So on those grounds I have to air on
the side of the courts.
When I was diagnosed with MS in 2007, my world fell
apart. I was a young man in the prime of
my life and those two words in a twenty minute appointment in a Belfast office
changed my life forever. For the next
three years I was in a dark place, slipping deeper and deeper into a depressive
state. The illness had robbed me of my
career, my family, my health and my dreams.
I had chronic negative thoughts as my symptoms got more difficult to
deal with. In a small way I can
understand how Marie is feeling as at times I couldn’t really face the world
and didn’t want to go on. I have to
share with you that this is a terrible nearly indescribable place to be and the
pain is almost suffocating and unbearable.
Thankfully in my case and after three very difficult years, in 2009 I
was able to find the spirit and the willpower to get a plan together and start
to fight back against the MS, attempt to get back my life and take control of
my mind again. Over the last three years
I have got stronger and fitter and I am very proud now to say I am beating MS
every day and for this I am truly grateful.
I know I have a battle on my hands but to be frank I hope that my
attitude will give me the artillery to fight whatever the MS decides to throw
at me.
However this case brought it home to me, how cruel not only
MS can be but how cruel life can be and also the justice system. Who gives anyone the right to decide on
whether someone should continue in so much pain? The answer for me is, we live
in a very challenging world and we do need a justice system that attempts to
bring some sort of decorum and lawfulness to the way we live our lives.
I just hope that Marie is not in too much pain and she gets
the strength and peace of mind to carry on with her life as best she can. My
heart goes out to her and her immediate family.
Sunday 6 January 2013
Book launch 2013 - Attitude Is Everything ~ My MS Story
Hi everyone and let's hope 2013 is a luckier, healthier and more prosperous year for all.
I wanted to keep you in the loop reference the launch of my book. The plan originally was to launch pre Christmas, however there were a few changes required so I decided to put on hold and launch in Mid January 2013.
So I am nearly there and at this stage I am looking forward to getting the book out there. It was a very enjoyable process writing about how I've come to have Multiple Sclerosis, and then working out how to beat the thing, but I am just hoping that someone gets some strength from reading my story and you enjoy it.
There is not a day goes by that you don't hear about someone else getting an illness or going through a hard time. The trick really is to get a hold of your mind, and then devise a plan to attack the problem.
Tonight at 9pm ill be doing my first book preview so feel free to email or tweet me any questions. I will keep you posted on date for launch.
Take care and remember #AttitudeisEverything
I wanted to keep you in the loop reference the launch of my book. The plan originally was to launch pre Christmas, however there were a few changes required so I decided to put on hold and launch in Mid January 2013.
So I am nearly there and at this stage I am looking forward to getting the book out there. It was a very enjoyable process writing about how I've come to have Multiple Sclerosis, and then working out how to beat the thing, but I am just hoping that someone gets some strength from reading my story and you enjoy it.
There is not a day goes by that you don't hear about someone else getting an illness or going through a hard time. The trick really is to get a hold of your mind, and then devise a plan to attack the problem.
Tonight at 9pm ill be doing my first book preview so feel free to email or tweet me any questions. I will keep you posted on date for launch.
Take care and remember #AttitudeisEverything
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