Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Tuluie.
Tania, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2018, a serene lake in Canada unexpectedly became the backdrop for a pivotal moment in my life. While water skiing, a wipeout submerged me, resulting in an unexpected health crisis days later. Initially unscathed, a high fever hit like a sudden storm, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia. However, it wasn’t until a CT scan that the true culprit emerged—a rare lung disease named Pulmonary Sequestration, traced back to a non-cancerous mass in my lower left lung lobe, the size of a mango, infected by bacteria-laden water. Diagnosis: The left lower lobe of my lung needed to be removed.
As someone who enjoyed training for and racing marathons, the revelation of a rare lung disease was pretty devastating, compounded by the reality that my running days were pretty much over.
Throughout this challenging journey, the steadfast support of my running friends and family formed the bedrock of my attitude. Their collective strength became mine, guiding me through the scariest moments. In the hospital, their visits transformed sterile walls into hubs of love and encouragement.
Facing surgery, my running friends rallied, dedicating miles to my recovery and transforming well-wishes into powerful encouragement. Post-surgery, they shifted from emotional support to becoming pillars of my physical rehabilitation. Collaborative training sessions emphasized the communal aspect of the sport, turning a solitary struggle into a collective achievement.
As doubts about returning to marathons arose, my running friends dispelled uncertainties. Their experiences and shared stories inspired me to push beyond perceived limits. Requalifying and ultimately racing the Boston Marathon again were not just personal victories but triumphs for the entire running community that supported me.
Crossing the finish line of the 2023 Berlin Marathon, achieving a new personal record, echoed with the cheers of my friends and family, transcending physical distance. Together, we proved that the power of community can turn adversity into an opportunity for shared growth and triumph.
My journey is not just a testament to ‘you got this’ but also to the incredible influence of the running family around me. Their support transformed challenges into stepping stones, setbacks into comebacks, and the finish line into a new beginning. In a world demanding endurance beyond the racecourse, their love and encouragement exemplify the true spirit of running—unity, resilience, and the boundless capacity to uplift each other on this extraordinary journey of life.
Links/media to a few published stories:
Boston Marathon Instagram – Qualified Spotlight
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUxS1sysl8l/
FOX 5 Video and Article
Scripps Article
https://www.scripps.org/news_items/7370-rare-lung-disorder-can-t-stop-this-marathon-runner
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was extremely motivated to return to running. I wasn’t certain I could race again, in particular qualify for the Boston Marathon again, but ultimately succeeded to do so. Some of the challenges included:
Rebuilding Endurance: Probably the hardest part. Marathon running demands a high level of cardiovascular fitness and endurance. After surgery, I had to learn to adapt my breathing pattern from new shallow breathing into deep belly breaths in order to expand and support the lobe that remained.
It took time for healing and to regain strength. Fear and anxiety, although present, didn’t impact my mindset to ‘give it my best shot’ to return to running 1 mile at a time. My pulmonary specialist team at Scripps was fully supportive of my return to running. I followed our gradual plan of adding miles.
All of the above could have never happened without the support of my family, my doctor, and my running community. My running friends are such an important part of my training. I have an incredible running coach who has been instrumental in creating a training plan that allows me to build fitness, stamina, speed, and endurance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a graphic designer. I own my company Graphicgirl LLC. Prior to starting my own company, I served as creative director at Message Advertising & Design working with clients including MTV Networks, Spike TV, Nickelodeon, DIRECTV Adsales, NFL Sunday Ticket, and ESPN, and was on the creative lead team that launched the EPIX Network.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
For a number of years, I have volunteered as a Race Guard here in San Diego. https://www.raceguards.org/ helping race participants finish their races. We wear first aid kits and portable AEDs to provide help when it is needed.
After my recovery, I volunteered at Scripps Hospital, Encinitas as a Sunshine Volunteer every week for a good part of 2022. I wanted to give back and inspire patients that struggle and carry fear about the unknown future.
Image Credits
Tania Tuluie
