[MomWriterStudent]

I use an app called Map My Walk to track my walks around the neighborhood.

Today, I hit a big milestone: 1 mile. Well, actually 1.05 miles.

I have been slowly working up to this distance for months now, and I am very proud of my progress so far.

When I first started my post-concussion walks, I couldn't even do a .25 of a mile without getting dizzy and nauseous, plus experiencing tons of head pressure and intense headaches. I'd feel extremely fatigued when I finished, as if I had just run a marathon or something.

Walking also caused a major sensory overload for me - the cars, the people, the curves of the road, the noise - it was all too much for me. I have found that wearing sunglasses and walking during times when my neighbors are at work/school (so very little traffic or noise) helps a lot.

I pulled some of my stats off of Map My Walk today. A few months ago, I walked half a mile, and it took me almost 40 minutes. Today I walked 1 mile, and it only took me 20 minutes and 12 seconds.

Prior to the concussion, I walked at least 2 miles a day, and it was not uncommon for me to do 5-7 miles in one day if I had nothing else going on. Growing up, I ran cross country and track. Being athletic was a big part of my life.

I was terrified that I'd never have the ability to walk for more than 5 or 10 minutes again, so I am so thankful that things are getting easier on me physically. I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I hope to be able to do a 5K again one day, and I'm starting to believe that it might actually happen. Thanks for letting me share.