Strides at sunrise
I have always been fit, but that didn’t prevent me from having a stroke in 2020. I was in the car park at my gym when I started to feel strange. I thought it was a neck strain, until I dropped my mobile phone and couldn't pick it up.
I knew the signs of a stroke and realised quickly that I was having one. If I collapsed in the car park, no one was going to find me anytime soon. I had to get back to the gym, but I was already finding it difficult to walk.
Somehow, I managed and collapsed when I got there. An ambulance was called which took me to Gold Coast Hospital.
Since my stroke, I have recovered well physically, but mentally it is another story. The fear of having another stroke, and how that could impact my family is a real challenge.
That is why I am doing Stride4Stroke this November. I have my fitness back, but I want to look after my emotions too. I think participating in something with hundreds of other people who understand the challenges faced after stroke will be amazing.
I love my morning runs, so this November I will run for myself, my family and the nearly 450,000 other survivors of stroke in this country.
My top three tips for fitness:
- Enjoy what you do, find something you love.
- Take your time, don't rush your training. Be smart about what you do. Get advice from professionals.
- Remind yourself of why you need to exercise and your reasons for doing it. Improve your quality of life not only for you but your loved ones.
