Marathoner Finds ‘Magic Freedom’ from MS Through Running

Because of his disease, Platt’s training routine is quite complicated. “One of my symptoms is vertigo; if I turn my head too quickly, I get dizzy, so I don’t turn my head. I also have to focus when I run because my feet drag; it’s called ‘foot drop.’ For every step I take, I visualize the mark where my foot should hit. The concentration is intense” he explained. Platt runs at 5:30 am during the summer days, in order to take advantage of the crisp cool part of the day. He runs with specialized cooling sleeves and carries ice water with him in an attempt to keep his body temperature cool. “My 12 symptoms are ever-present. I had 29 doctor appointments last year, and that was a good year” he said.

Twice a week, Platt trains with Jeremy McCullough, a strength and conditioning coach at the Allegheny Health Network Sports Complex at Cool Springs. It was McCullough who accompanied him in the 2015 New York City Marathon, running backwards and filming Platt the entire way. “I picked the New York Marathon, because it’s the largest, and it gives me a chance to raise awareness. Through this whole process, the MS community has supported me. The lesson is bigger than MS, though. Everyone will face adversity in their lives. How we embrace that adversity creates an amazing journey” said Platt.