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MS Endurance Warrior: From Diagnosis to Training for a 281.2-Mile Ultra Triathlon w/ Misty Johnson (EP #63)

  • May 25
  • 2 min read

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #63 with Misty Johnson.


Watch the full episode on Youtube:


Misty Johnson is an endurance athlete living with multiple sclerosis. After being diagnosed in 2016, she went from vision loss, fear, and uncertainty to completing eight Ironman races, including the World Championship. Now, she is training for the Endure Double Ultra Triathlon, a 281.2-mile race with a 36-hour cutoff.


In this episode, Misty shares the raw reality of her MS diagnosis, the early fear of losing her independence, and the moment everything changed. She opens up about being legally blind, learning to trust her body again, finding community through endurance sports, and using her story to show others what is still possible after diagnosis.


This conversation is about more than racing. It is about resilience, identity, support, and refusing to let a diagnosis define the rest of your life. Misty’s story is a powerful reminder that life does not end after diagnosis. Sometimes, it becomes the beginning of something even bigger.


Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer + Intro

[01:27] Meet Misty Johnson

[02:04] Small Town Roots and Military Life

[04:11] Early MS Symptoms

[07:29] Vision Loss and Health Scares

[12:21] First Year of Marriage and MS Diagnosis

[14:45] The MRI That Changed Everything

[18:04] Losing Independence

[20:50] From Diagnosis to Endurance Sports

[24:23] Finding Support and Community

[28:33] Discovering Triathlon

[31:44] First Race and Ironman Journey

[34:59] Eight Ironman Finishes

[35:19] Training for 281.2 Miles

[39:05] Racing Without a Guide

[42:01] Advice for Someone Newly Diagnosed

[43:35] Follow Misty’s Journey


Key Takeaways:

• “Your life doesn’t end after diagnosis, and it could actually get better.” ~ Misty Johnson

• “I was legally blind, diagnosed legally blind the same time that I was diagnosed with MS.” ~ Misty Johnson

• “I have MS and I’m legally blind and I’m here to talk to you about your internet.” ~ Misty Johnson

• “I just want people to see that your life doesn’t end after diagnosis and that it could actually get better.” ~ Misty Johnson

• “My next big goal is the Endure Double Ultra Triathlon. It’s 281.2 miles continuous.” ~ Misty Johnson

• It gets better, like it will get better and don’t afraid to just keep going. ~ Misty Johnson

• “You have taken a diagnosis and turned it into such an advocacy for everyone else out there.” ~ Evonne Varady


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