I dream of running again

By Andy Baker (@bertiesnewbrain)

On 12/2/22 I was running in the South Beach Park Run. I was running barefoot and at speed, and I was first across the line. I was having a great time, with friends and family.

A short time after I finished the race, I began to feel strange; it was my speech that was first to go, when I got up to go home and I collapsed, it was terrifying.

Luckily for me, there were a number of doctors competing that morning, they recognised a stroke and called the ambulance immediately.

At hospital I was diagnosed with a haemorrhagic stroke, I was shocked to the core, I was as healthy and fit as I had ever been.

The stroke left me paralysed on my right side and with aphasia. I thought that running in an ultra-marathon would be the most physically and mentally demanding thing that I could do - but it is nothing compared to the journey of recovery from a stroke.

I threw myself into rehab, as I would if I was conditioning myself for a big run. I have a great team of professionals helping me, and my family are my number one supporters.

I repeat exercises every day for endless hours, all with the goal of regaining movement on my right side and to run again. But I have quickly learned that without dealing with the emotional side of a stroke, and focusing on my mindset, none of my other goals may be reachable.

Not being able to move or communicate as I used to has knocked my confidence, but a positive mindset, patience, patience and more patience are key as I work to rebuild myself.