Meet MS Warrior Natasha Mayton
Written by Natasha Mayton
My MS journey began in March 2017 when I visited a fertility clinic to investigate if I had a preexisting condition that was preventing me from conceiving. They checked the obvious places (cervix, etc) and that was inconclusive. So then I underwent a MRI to determine if there was anything wrong with my pituitary gland and that is where the lesions were observed. At that point, the doctors did not know for sure if those lesions were related to MS, so then I was referred to a neurology clinic to get a spinal tap. The spinal tap results confirmed that I had MS. At this point, I did not have any symptoms.
The first indication that I was having any issues was around November 2017 when I ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon and it was somewhat of a mid-performance and this continued in January 2018 when I ran the Miami Half Marathon and I just assumed this was as my new normal. However, I set a personal record at the Little Rock Marathon in March 2018 and figured I was on my way back. That spring I had decent half marathons too. However, by the time I got to the Chicago Marathon in October 2018, that was a little more difficult and then the remaining half marathons I completed for the year (Route 66-Tulsa and St. Jude Memphis) weren’t was I expected. Although I began my first 3-year streak in December 2018. The following year in March 2019, my goal became to finish the Little Rock Marathon. That finish was better than my first 2 marathons in 2014 and 2015, but I was seeing a negative trend, so that was my last marathon.
However, on this rollercoaster of results, I had stellar performances and personal records for shorter distances for the rest of the year. Also, during this time period, I was being coached by a professional run coach who laid out goals that I was proud to consistently knock out. Then 2020 happened. My only pre-pandemic half marathon (Little Rock) was a struggle. But when the world shut down, I turned up. I completed Rock ‘n’ Roll virtual events weekly and really killed it and I also stopped consulting with my coach. Then I had the first big MS related challenge. As I entered the finish line chute of the Big River Crossing Half Marathon, my leg gave out and I collapsed. I was overwhelmed with embarrassment and sought guidance from a physical therapist who reminded me that I checked that I had MS on my intake form. She encouraged me to give myself grace and to seek guidance from a coach again.
At this point, it’s early 2021 and there aren’t a lot of live races, so I plug along with local races and things were going fine, not as fast as 2019, but ok. However, around September 2021, I hit a major speed bump. I started experiencing numbness in my feet and then pain that climbed up my legs. I sought out support from a different physical therapist and a neuropathy clinic and the pain just didn’t go away. A nurse at the neuropathy clinic suggested I follow the Wahls Protocol and it just wasn’t for me. Also during this time, I had sold my house, was looking for a new one, I had new job responsibilities, I was intent on finishing all 10 races in a local running series, and I had my coach that I wanted to please. Well, the pain was too much and I ended my run streak, but I did finish all 10 races. I dropped from the St. Jude Half to the 5K and stopped running for about 2 weeks. But then I restarted my streak and I’m on day 1,046 as I am writing [11/1/2024] this of running at least 1 mile a day.
During my darkest days, I started seeking out support all over the web. Initially I found Facebook pages for people in more advanced stages than what I was dealing with and that made me reflective that I’m not experiencing those symptoms, but also it made me sad to think that is what I have to look forward to. Additionally, I found a few medical related programs that encouraged either a great deal of expense for at home gadgets or traveling outside of the country for expensive treatments. But I emerged from those experiences with the best outcome. I found a local gym that uses the Neubie machine, which transmits electrical stimulation that uses direct current to treat neuromuscular dysfunction and reduce pain. I visited this gym more frequently in the beginning and now it’s down to a couple times a year. The gym owner pairs this treatment with kinesiology methods which have proven very effective to keep me running. Additionally, I do yoga 2-3 days a week to keep me flexible.
And the most important group that I found after my first major MS flare up was RAMMS. Cheryl is the most kind, patient, selfless person that I know. She devoted hours to me in the beginning of this phase of my journey and I enjoy seeing how much work she puts into the group overall by keeping everyone engaged. This year I was thrilled that I finally felt confident to begin traveling for races again and Hartford worked out perfect. The group was very welcoming when I met them at the brewery. The most special moment was getting to meet Cheryl. She was just as pleasant in person as she had been online. The next morning when we gathered to take our group photo was equally fun. My overall race experience was my new normal and I was so excited to see so many RAMMS team members on the course. I can’t wait for what the future brings to be able to attend other RAMMS meetups.
At this point, I’ve run 5 marathons, 72 half marathons, and dozens of races in every other shorter distance. I am registered for 3 more half marathons this year. I hope to finish the year with 30 states down and 20 more to go.
I’m incredibly grateful for my ability to run and chasing my 50-state goal is what is keeping me motivated.
