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Sam Ball

@samball05

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Went for 1, stayed for 2, home by 3 🤠 by @samball05

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21 days ago

Post-marathon thoughts:

This was more than just a marathon. This was a reminder of what I’ve been through the last two years, and what I’m capable of.

In May 2024, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Prior to the diagnosis, I went through months of trips to the hospital, doctor’s appointments, and tests without getting any answers.

When I finally got a diagnosis, it left me very scared and uncertain about what the future would look like. Many sleepless nights, days without being able to eat, and not knowing how I’d be able to live my life really got to me.

After learning more about the disease, I realized I could still live life fully — I just needed to start treating my body differently and prioritize my health.

Now that I’ve just turned 30, and look back on my 20’s, I did not prioritize my health at all. I would workout, play hockey, and go for the odd run, but I was just doing it so I could tell myself I did something healthy; meanwhile I would already be looking forward to the next party.

After being diagnosed, I had two options- either live life feeling sorry for myself, or make a change and see what I’m capable of while living with this disease.

Running became my saving grace. The mental clarity and peace it gives me is like nothing I have ever felt before. 11 months ago I could barely run 5km without stopping. After almost a year of consistency and determination, I completed a full marathon in a time I’m extremely proud of.

A marathon is no joke. It was gruelling. But no matter how hard the run got, I thought back to two years ago in that hospital bed, extremely sick, and uncertain about my future. Remembering how far I’ve come reminded me that even in the darkest times, there is always light to be found.

I have a long way to go, but I share my journey in hopes of inspiring others to realize what they’re capable of.

Keep Going. taken in Toronto, Ontario by @samball05

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5 months ago

Weekend for the books. Happy birthday brother @iamandrewblakey ❤️ taken in Lake of Bays by @samball05

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a year ago

Rest easy Max ❤️ by @samball05

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a year ago

Summer 🎣🐶 by @samball05

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2 years ago

On island time 🍂 taken in Manitoulin Island by @samball05

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3 years ago

✈️🤠 taken in Kelowna, British Columbia by @samball05

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3 years ago

Time flies. Happy first birthday Rocky 🎉 by @samball05

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3 years ago

Go Buds 💙 by @samball05

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3 years ago

🎣 by @samball05

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3 years ago

Merry Christmas from me and my dawg 🎅🏼🐶 by @samball05

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4 years ago

So proud of my mom and all of her hard work and dedication to CGMH for over 30 years! Now time to relax and enjoy retirement ❤️❤️ taken in Collingwood General and Marine Hospital by @samball05

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4 years ago