He had learned this lesson the hard way from the result of a car accident that had injured his brain.
What I had not known before this happened to me, is that walking is hugely helpful to not only the body but to the brain itself. As several of my neighbors can attest to, my early steps around the neighborhood were not pretty. My husband had to hang on to me and coach each step as I tried to talk him out of the activity. Sometimes I had tears, but he made me continue. For the longest time, I could not figure out where my right foot was pointing, or why I had intermittent balance issues, and such strange symptoms I could have never dreamed of. Thought to be part of the ringing my ears that I had also acquired it was believed that my ears had some effect going on too. Once I got most of the kinks out, I could walk faster and further. I really don't know when I changed my mind and decided to try a walk/slow run. I don't remember that. A lot of that time is a blur. But, as I got stronger, I got braver and just wanted to try. I was home alone all day while Ben was at work. I couldn't read much and retain it. Blood behind my right eye made it so hard to focus. I had seen all the daytime TV I could tolerate. In fact Ben told me that running causes vasodilation, which lowers the blood pressure. Since my BP was supposed to be kept low, I concluded that as long as I did not overdo it or get symptoms, it must be a good thing. I didn't hurt at all for trying. Foolishly I did not ask for permission from my doctor. What if he said no? How did I really benefit sitting around, taking it easy if I did not enjoy it? Sitting around, taking it easy, actually can contribute to other non healthy, life threatening conditions. But really, once I started feeling enough better, I just had to try, but slowly.
One of my favorite walking partners.
I won't be running today in the 27 degrees, not because its too cold for me, but because I managed to fit in a slow run yesterday. I will rest today, as tomorrow is Friday, my husband is off work, and after we do some errands in the morning, we will meet Coach Tim at 4pm to see what we may need to work on or change in our training. I predict he will tell us we need to do more cycling, strength training as cross training can strengthen the muscles that support the joints and protect against injury.
In any event, unless something really bad happens, its my plan to keep on running, as that is the exercise that makes me feel alive. The Senior Games is the biggest competitive event anywhere for people 50 and over. It is the challenge that keeps me going. I know the likelihood of winning a medal or even placing in top 10 is slim. I have checked the times from the last games. I have perused the records. I only wish I had started earlier in life, but I am determined to do it now. It began as a joke, and now is a bucket list item for me and my husband. As the words of a song go...."that which doesn't kill me makes me feel alive......" Some people jump out of planes, I run.
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