REM Runner: September 2011

Friday, September 16, 2011

Marie Claire October 2011 Magazine Features REM Runner, Julie Flygare, in Narcolepsy Article

I am thrilled that this month's Marie Claire magazine (October 2011 with Reese Witherspoon on the cover) features a two-page health article about my journey with narcolepsy called, "Eyes Wide Shut."

MC's Senior Editor contacted me last summer about the possibility. We interviewed for 6 hours over three days. She asked lots of questions and listened patiently. She genuinely empathized. I told her a few things I hadn't told close friends and family yet - important parts of the story I wanted to share but hadn't found the courage.

Concluding our interviews, the Editor had over 40 pages of notes. I wasn't sure how she would synthesize all this into a magazine-length article. Luckily, writing a memoir, I get more space to delve into the topic!

Last night, I entered Walgreens at 9:50pm - ten minutes before closing. I walked to the magazine section and saw Reese Witherspoon smiling at me from the rack. I smiled back, but froze momentarily...

The excitement of seeing the magazine caused a slight muscle weakness of cataplexy. I wanted to reach for the magazine, but paused for a few seconds to let my wave of happiness and cataplexy pass.

When I felt more secure, I eagerly grabbed the magazine and flipped through - needing to see it with my own eyes to truly believe it!

The Features Editor, Sophie, did an amazing job capturing the story perfectly. I get teary-eyed reading the ending every time!

I was diagnosed with narcolepsy almost 4 years ago exactly, on Sept 18th, 2007. For the first two years, I kept my experience to myself.

Upon realizing that many primary care doctors are unaware of narcolepsy, I collaborated with Harvard Medical School researchers to create a 5 hour educational program about narcolepsy and the neurobiology of sleep, now taught to all Harvard Medical Students.

Once I began speaking up, I couldn't stop. In the past two years, I've written a memoir and worked towards raising awareness and funds for narcolepsy research with Wake Up Narcolepsy, Inc.

It's been a wild adventure - nothing I ever expected, but more meaningful than I ever imagined. Please contact me with any questions or comments.

Yours,
Julie (a.k.a. the REM Runner)

Check your local store for the magazine! The interview with Reese Witherspoon is fascinating, too. To read online: click here.

Fellow blogger's review: Manic Ramblings of Marcianna

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Summer of Love

Julie Flygare Photography

This summer, I spent about 88 hours doing yoga. 24 hours in downward dog. And 8 glorious hours in pigeon pose.

We fell in love by accident. As a life-long runner, yoga was never my thing. It wasn't even a "legitimate" workout.

Flirtations:
In late May, I heard about a "21 Day Yoga Challenge" - to take 21 yoga classes in 21 days at Tranquil Space. I kept flirting with the idea... I'm a sucker for challenges. My rational self screamed, "You'll hate it. Don't do it!" My competitive evil twin responded, "You'll hate it. Do it anyway!"

Since running the Boston Marathon, I've begun questioning my preconceived boundaries. I never thought I'd be able to run 26.2 miles, but I'd proved myself wrong. Now, I was curious - what other lies might I be telling myself?

So I signed up for the Challenge and on June 21st, I successfully completed it! This wasn't surprising - defeat was never an option.

It's what happened next that shocked me.

On June 22, I filled my schedule with other things. Yoga was out of sight, out of mind. Yet, while out with friends, an inescapable aching grew in me. I squirmed in my chair. I zoned out. Something wasn't right.

On June 23rd, I returned to my yoga mat. Closing my eyes before class - my spirit lifted. I was calm and energized. This was meant to be - I was in love.

Long-Term Commitment:
Now, yoga is the best part of my day and the worst part of my day. Slowly, my preconceived notions melted away. My muscles strengthened. My flexibility improved.

For a long time, I stayed away from the more challenging poses. "You have narcolepsy, Julie, don't overdue it," I told myself. Then, that melted away too. Well, not the narcolepsy, but the fear and trepidation.

In truth, yoga saved me from myself.

As a person with narcolepsy and cataplexy - it can be tempting to focus on the times when my mind and body fail me. In addition, this summer presented new challenges.

My literary agent began corresponding with publishers about my narcolepsy memoir. It's an exciting time, but also scary - as my dreams waver delicately in the balance of people I've never met.

Lessons Learned:
Yet, yoga's taught me that I can experience life through different channels - my head, my heart or my body. Like choosing between various cable news channels, you may hear very different versions of "reality" depending on who's telling the story.

When I listen to my head's channel - I'm prone to worrying about my future and second-guessing my past.

Yoga's guided me into my body. Sounds intuitive, but it's not. It's hard to muffle out the brain's chatter to listen to the body's subtle yet important side of the story.

Oddly enough, no matter how horrible my day and no matter if narcolepsy and cataplexy bring me down at other times - my body usually feels quite good while doing yoga - supportive and strong.

Proudly, I attended 72 yoga classes this summer - spending 88 hours pushing myself and celebrating my body's resilience. I also spent a lot of time running, as an afterthought to my daily yoga.

If I could have stretched and strengthened my way to a publishing deal this summer - I would have. I've envisioned reaching my goal and I sense that I'm gaining speed. Some things are out of my control, yet I assure you my spirit is fierce and my heart filled with joy, hope, and love.

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A special thanks to Kimberly and the wonderful yoga instructors at Tranquil Space Studios (in DC and Arlington) for making this journey possible. This is the best yoga studio I've ever been to and I highly recommend it.