Amanda Plomp is a runner with epilepsy based in Victoria in Canada. As we heard in the last episode, discovering running in her twenties helped Amanda to feel strong and connected to her body, a feeling she had missed since her seizures started when she was a teenager. Running helps with her epilepsy. And epilepsy helps with her running.
In my conversation with Amanda, I was able to delve into this a bit more. I asked for her tips for me, as a new runner with epilepsy, and asked her to talk me through the different types of running terrain she enjoys.
WE TALK ABOUT:
How different seizures affect her running
How running helps with epilepsy
Hiking and camping in Canada
Why Amanda chooses not to wear a medical alert bracelet
Which is better: backwoods running, beach running or trail running?
Running solo vs running races
The difference between ‘active’ and ‘athletic’
The dangers of running solo in bear country
Her advice for me running my first race with epilepsy
How important it is to tell adventure buddies about your epilepsy
Why we should teach raccoons seize first aid...
Please remember all stories presented here reflect the personal experiences of contributors . Neither myself or contributors can advise or take responsibility for individual decisions made with regards to adventure sports or medical conditions.
TERMINOLOGY:
Myoclonic seizures/jerks: partial seizures that cause isolated jerks or twitches, for example in the arms or legs
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy of Janz: epilepsy with various seizures, including myoclonic, diagnosed before adulthood (read more)
Tonic clonic: a seizure with loss of consciousness and convulsions
Packed trail: maintained dirt path or trail, usually marked
MORE ABOUT AMANDA:
https://tremorsofmyworld.blog/
JOIN ME IN AN ADVENTURE:
https://www.francescaturauskis.co.uk/30-at-30
MUSIC:
Where the Wild Things Grow by Kev Rowe | License: Creative Commons
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Seize Your Adventure is part of the Tremula Network - adventure and outdoor podcasts off the beaten track. To find out more, head to tremula.network
A Chat with Amanda Plomp: Running with Epilepsy, from Backwoods to Beaches and Beyond