Susan Simmons

ecUltramarathon Swimmer Susan Simmons

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over twenty years ago, I have chosen a lifestyle that manages the disease through physical fitness and diet. My number one form of exercise is swimming and my diet is vegan. Both minimize the stress on my body, making it possible for me to live an active life.

Swimming in the open-water provides me with a special kind of freedom. Multiple-Sclerosis is a cruel disease. While one of the best ways for me to manage it is to exercise, exercise is also one of the things that can cause me to over-heat and potentially lead to damaging attacks. The open-water keeps me cool where I am free to exercise.

crossfitGetting to where I am today has presented many challenges. When I first decided to exercise I had a difficult time walking a block. My initial pool swims were limited to 10 to 20 lengths followed by a 3 hour nap. Over time I built up my stamina and was able to swim for longer and longer periods of time. What soon followed was the ability to participate in other forms of exercise including Outrigger Canoeing, Cycling, Weightlifting and Crossfit.

I wholeheartedly believe everyone is worth the effort it takes to be healthy, and for those of us with disease our first line of defense should be a healthy self.

outrigger
Please join me in celebrating all things healthy as I swim the Great Bear Sea.

A few of my past swims

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You can find out why I want to swim the Great Bear Sea here and you can learn more about me on my blog at msathlete.org.